What’s on in Taupō and Tū rangi
■ Dinner at the Lake, every Thursday 4.30-8.30pm until February 8, Northcroft Reserve
Street food trucks from across the region convene at Northcroft Reserve on Taupō‘s lakefront for an evening of drinks and dining. Everything from Argentinian barbecue to Māori kai to gelato is on offer, as well as live music and entertainment. No entry fee, bring your own rug or chairs and enjoy.
■ The GOAT Adventure Run, Saturday, January 20, Tongariro National Park
The Goat is an approximately 20km adventure run from Whakapapa to Tū roa Ski Fields on the Round the Mountain track, traversing the western slopes of Mount Ruapehu.
With 1000m of vertical ascent, runners pass by ancient lava flows and scoria fields, mountain beech forest, tussock grasslands, and alpine herb fields to cascading waterfalls, an alpine lake, boulder-strewn rivers, and amazing panoramic views. A rare opportunity to race through a Unesco Dual World Heritage Area. Entries are open until January 19 via thegoat.co. nz.
■ Taupō Holistic Wellbeing Expo, Saturday-Sunday January 20-21, Great Lake Centre
Healers, therapists, holistic teachers and artists will converge in Taupō to share their learnings with visitors and locals. There will be presentations, mini-workshops and demonstrations over the two days. $5 door entry fee.
■ Taupō Historic GP, Friday 19 to Sunday January 21, Taupō Motorsport Park
Round 2 of the Super Sprint Motorsport NZ Championship kicks off with the Taupō Historic GP this weekend. There’s plenty of action on offer, including the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, the open Holden All-Comers race, Formula 5000, Formula Open NZ, Formula Junior/F3/Historic Formula Ford and historic touring cars, saloons, sports and GTs. Tickets online via Ticketfairy or at the gate.
■ Acacia Bay family picnic, Sunday, January, 21, 3pm – 5pm, Besley Park
The Acacia Bay Residents’ Association presents their annual picnic promising fun for the whole family. Competitions, a water slide, Mr Whippy and a free sausage sizzle promise plenty of fun. All are welcome - bring your own rug and picnic.
■ Kids Greening Taupō library session, Friday, January 19, 10am and 11am, Tū rangi Library
As part of the Mahi Aroha summer programme, join Kids Greening Taupō at the Tūrangi Library for an exciting library session. Each session lasts one hour, with ages 0-5 at 10 am and ages 5+ at 11am. Learn about a variety of plants and animals found in New Zealand and why our country’s wildlife is so special. Find out what makes a species endangered and what humans can do to help.
Free and no booking required.
■ Trap building workshop, Sunday, January 21, 10.30am 12.30pm, Pukawa Reserve
Come along and learn how to build a rat trap tunnel. Tickets include materials and a rat trap, which you’ll learn how to build and set. Take the trap home, put it in the garden and do your part to help native birds thrive.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, bring sunscreen and a hat. Online bookings are required via tongariro.org.nz, tickets $26.