About Events
29 Jan 2010 - 01 Feb 2010
10am on the Whakamaru Domain, Mangakino. Kiwiburn is New Zealand's annual regional Burning Man event. This years art theme will be "ELEMENTALITY". It is a collective experience. Everybody contributes, everybody pays. As there are no paid performers at the event, there are no spectators and what is shared are the passions and dreams of those who gift them. You cannot "attend" Kiwiburn, but you can be a part of it.
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Vans Jedi Jam
30 Jan 2010 - 31 Jan 2010
Taupo Skateboard Park. See some of the Worlds top BMX free style riders in action here in Taupo, this is going to be one of the biggest events for BMX in New Zealand since X-Air. The pro dirt comp takes place on Saturday and the am & pro park comp on Sunday. For more information call 027 418 4633.
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Jazz by the Lake
30 Jan 2010
300 Lake Terrace Apartments. Australia's Premier Jazz Duo Wizard & Oz. Supported by Taupo's "Jazz Central" and Hamilton's "Nightshift". $78 per head including BBQ, drinks will be available to purchase. Tickets through Ticketek.
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Land Rover Tussock Traverse
30 Jan 2010
A unique 27km run or walk through the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. There aren't many events that traverse such a change in terrain - desert, scrubland, volcanic, tussock and bushline. By entering the event you can do your bit to help this World Heritage area, as all proceeds from the event go to the Tongariro Natural History Society, a non-profit organization for conservation projects in the park.
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Anniversary Gig
31 Jan 2010
Nothing blue about a long weekend! A free four hour Blue's gig featuring The Flaming Mudcats, She Jus' Greedy Blues and The Jukes. This is going to be a great evening of music. Concert kicks off at 6pm through to 10pm in the Riverside Park Unison Amphitheatre.
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NZ Offshore Power Boat Racing
31 Jan 2010
The NZ Offshore Championship currently consists of an eight race series held throughout the North Island from January until May. The venues offer exciting and challenging courses and have been known to draw crowds in excess of 10,000 people! The race itself it split into two fields, with those competing in the Superboat, Superboat Lite and Sports 100 classes competing for the 100 mile title while those in the Sports 60, Sports Classic and Formula Honda Classes competing in the 60 mile event.
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Stan Walker
05 Feb 2010
Australian Idol Winner, Stan Walker playing live in an all weather, family friendly concert in the Unison Amphitheatre. Gates open at 5pm and the performance starts at 6pm. Tickets $22.50 (+ booking fee) through Ticketek. "I want people to not just hear the songs I sing, but I want them to feel the heart behind it. It's so much more than a pretty lyric, and a pretty melody, I just want them to feel the soul behind my voice, and get a sense of who I am." - Stan Walker.
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Contact Tri Series
07 Feb 2010
Kinloch Esplanade. Featuring the Contact Trophy, the Contact 3:9:3 and the Contact Cup. There's something for everybody. Visit their website for more information.
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AIDA NZ National Freediving Champs
12 Feb 2010 - 14 Feb 2010
AC Baths and Lake Taupo. The facilities offered by Taupo make it a prime target for freedivers from all over the world. From the 12th to the 14th February, Taupo will be the location for an international Freediving challenge, attracting freedivers from as far away as Europe along with Kiwi World record holders and gold medallists from the 2009 season in an attempt to break World, National and Continental Records.
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MotoTT Motorcycle Track Day
13 Feb 2010
MotoTT holds regular Motorcycle track days at Taupo Motorsport Park. These track days are designed to be a fun, non competitive environment for you to improve your bike handling and riding skills. Go as fast or slow as you like with no cars (or police) to worry about. Riders are given sessions catering for experts through to trackday first timers and novice riders. Spaces are limited, pre-registration is required and early booking is recommended.
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'Walking Art' - Gino Demeer
13 Feb 2010 - 09 Mar 2010
The Taupo Museum presents 'Walking Art' an exhibition of images from the NZ Body Art Awards taken by photographer Gino Demeer. This exhibition will be held in conjunction with the displays, workshops and activities associated with the NZ Festival of Body Art. Taupo is visionary by staging this popular event. The general theme for 2010 is Maori Myths and Legends. The week of activities will culminate in the Grand Opening at the Taupo Unison Amphitheatre on Friday 19 February 2010 at 6pm.
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New Zealand National Gliding Championship
14 Feb 2010 - 25 Feb 2010
Centennial Park Airfield. 40 of New Zealand's best soaring race pilots and their high performance gliders will be launching for daily tasks that may take them from Taupo to the east coast or across to the volcanic mountains in the west. Racing against each other and gravity these pilots will use the prevailing weather conditions to complete the course. The daily launch in the early afternoon as up to 5 tow planes place aero-tow all competitors into the air in less than an hour is a spectacle in itself. Visitors are welcome and may be able to take a trial flight in the brand new ASK21 two seat trainer after the launch. Visit their website for more information.
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Busting Out
16 Feb 2010
7.30pm at the Great Lake Centre. Seen by over 200,000 Australians, Busting Out, is the show that literally has women cheering on their feer and men gasping with amazement!! Starring Emma Powell and Bev Killick. The show is tasteful, clever, liberating and laugh-out loud funny. Tickets through Ticketek.
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M-I-A Wakefest 2010
19 Feb 2010 - 21 Feb 2010
M-I-A Wakeboarding presents M-I-A Wakefest at the Whakamaru Domain, Mangakino, Lake Maraetei. The first ever annual wakeboarding and music festival 'Wakefest' in New Zealand. During this weekend Lake Maraetai is being used for the 'North Island Wakeboarding Championship'. M-I-A is utilising this exciting event to introduce M-I-A Wakefest Festival. The main acts have been confirmed as Concord Dawn, dDub, sonz of zion. Tickets through Ticketek.
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The NZ Festival of Bodyart
19 Feb 2010 - 21 Feb 2010
Riverside Park, Redoubt Street. This unique event fosters, promotes and extends the development of new art-forms throughout New Zealand. Aimed at educate and expanding knowledge of art, pushing boundaries and creating new concepts of learning through unique participation in art. The theme 'Maori Myths and Legends' will create artistic opportunities, facilitate a community festival, creating a family day that invigorates and excite the imagination and links with art centres and galleries throughout the region. Workshops are available prior to the event to advance creations and designing of the finished work.
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New Balance Great Lake Relay
20 Feb 2010
The New Balance Great Lake Relay around the largest lake in Australasia - the beautiful Lake Taupo. Renown as the ultimate team building event held on one of the most scenic courses in the world, the Great Lake Relay sees teams of 10 to 18 members running or walking to complete the 18 legs around the 155km course. The legs range in distance from 5.2km to 14.4km. Grab a group of friends, family or workmates together and enjoy a fun filled and exhilarating weekend together - you won't be disappointed!
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Across the Lake Swim
27 Feb 2010
Across the Lake Swim, Acacia Bay to 3 Mile Bay, 4.2kms, held one week prior to Bonita Ironman New Zealand. Each year the numbers are growing.
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More FM Winery Tour - Finn/Runga/Dobbyn
27 Feb 2010
Unison Amphitheatre, Riverside Park. Kiwi music legends Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn will again take the stage together. The Tour delivers the best concert opportunity possible in environments that combine some of our most spectacular scenery with the vibe of this country's creative energy, making a platform for fans to enjoy the best live music, wine, food and environment that NZ has to offer. The More FM Winery Tour really is a unique concert going experience.
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Northern Area Marching Extravaganza
27 Feb 2010
Marching Waikato Association are hosting a Northern Region Marching Competition at the Taupo Events Centre. Teams from 4 Division - U12, U16, Senior & Masters will show their technical displays of their routines they have been training for. Come and support the marching teams. Entry is free and spectators are welcomed.
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Ironkidz Triathlon
28 Feb 2010
Triathlon for 8-15 year olds. Schools participation prize. Teams and individuals, elite section for the serious athlete.
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Bonita Ironman New Zealand Triathlon
06 Mar 2010
One of the biggest international sporting events held each year in New Zealand and the ultimate in triathlon. Ironman New Zealand combines a 3.8 km lake swim and a 179.2 km cycle with a full 42.2 km marathon. Starting at 7am in Taupo athletes begin their challenge to complete the course by midnight. The course allows for spectators to be as close as possible. The first Ironman held in Taupo was in March 1999 with over 700 competitors - in 2005 almost 1,200 took part. A comprehensive web site is available for registering at www.ironman.co.nz and which also follows the race live!
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MotoTT Motorcycle Track Day
12 Mar 2010
MotoTT holds regular Motorcycle track days at Taupo Motorsport Park. These track days are designed to be a fun, non competitive environment for you to improve your bike handling and riding skills. Go as fast or slow as you like with no cars (or police) to worry about. Riders are given sessions catering for experts through to trackday first timers and novice riders. Spaces are limited, pre-registration is required and early booking is recommended.
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Scenic Cellars Spanish Cellar Fiesta
13 Mar 2010
7pm at Scenic Cellars, 32 Roberts Street, Taupo. $130 per person. A sensational Fiesta of Spanish food, matched with fabulous Spanish wine. Scenic Cellars are famous for their themed dinner evenings, which sell out every year. This is an R18 event. To book your tickets please email us or phone +64 7 378 5704.
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Taupo Tea Party
13 Mar 2010
1:30pm - 4:30pm in Riverside Park. Raising money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Enjoy an afternoon with Foodie Richard Till an Author Alexa Johnston, while listening to music, being treated to delectable savoury and sweet treats while sipping on world class blended tea. There will be a celebrity bake off as well as a competition for The Best Dressed, so get some friends together and support a great cause. Tickets for the Tea Party are $50 and available from Yum Food Company on the Waterfront and Hi Fashion in Hue Hue St, Taupo.
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'Champions New Zealand Winners' - Jessie Carson
13 Mar 2010 - 06 Apr 2010
Taupo Museum. Photographer Jessie Carson set off on a journey around New Zealand seeking out people with a story to tell and a passion to share. The portraits are the fruit of Jessie's desire to capture the dedication, self-belief and good old kiwi 'can-do' attitudes that make New Zealanders who they are. They range from the female world shearing record holder from Waikaretu to the coal shoveling champion of Hokitika.
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Taupo Home and Garden Show
19 Mar 2010 - 21 Mar 2010
10am - 5pm at the Great Lake Centre. There's something for everyone at our Home & Garden Shows! Learn some hot tips to enhance the look of your home and save on masses of show-only specials. Enjoy a preview of upcoming trends, innovative products and expert advice - you are guaranteed to walk away with lots of new ideas for your home & garden - whatever your budget or taste!
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3rd Annual Trans Taupo Paddle
20 Mar 2010
The biggest open water paddle/row event of its kind in the country, the Trans taupo is a 44km race across the pure crystal mountain fed waters of New Zealand's (and Australasia's) largest freshwater lake. Open to all single, double, tri/quad and 6 person - Surf Ski's, Sea kayaks, Ocean Rowers and Waka Ama; with both a full distance and a team relay challenge (catering for land or open water change-overs); this event is pinnacle of open fresh water paddling. The Trans Taupo attracts some of the world's best distance paddlers/rowers all chasing glory and inclusion in the prestigious sub 4 hour club, as well as many who challenge themselves to gain the fitness and skills to conquer the lake crossing.
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Grid Kids Duathlon
21 Mar 2010
Grid Kids is a new addition to the MotorSport Championship series - another race but this time not involving cars! The event will be a great way to involve kids and families in the weekend of racing. The duathlon event is for children aged 7 through to 15 and will be run at each of venues for the MotorSport Championship Series. Grid Kids Duathlon will take place on the circuit on the Sunday morning before the racing starts. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, medal, certificate, free entry to Sunday's motor racing and 2 extra tickets for their supporters. They will run and bike on the track, distances depending on their age, using Pit Lane as their transition. The prize giving will be an opportunity to meet and greet some of the drivers and get autographs. Visit their website for more information.
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Scenic Cellars Around the World with Chardonnay
25 Mar 2010
6pm in The Cellar. $30 per person. If you are a fan of Chardonnay, then this is the wine tasting for you! Learn all about Chardonnay producing regions from around the world and sample different styles of this wine. A great fun and educational wine tasting presented by the team at Scenic Cellars. This is an R18 event. To book your tickets please email us or phone +64 7 378 5704.
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Around New Zealand Air Safari 2010
25 Mar 2010
The Air Safari flies into Taupo for lunch hosted by the Taupo Aero Club from 10.00am through to 2.00pm they will then depart for Gisborne. The Taupo stopover is one of 17 airfields that the Safari will fly to. The Air Safari starts on the 23rd March 2010 from Ardmore Aerodrome, weaving its way through New Zealand, finishing on 1st April 2010 at Queenstown. Up to 75 Aircraft will be taking part in this great adventure with over 220 entrants, from Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Join everyone at the Taupo Airport - this is a great way to learn more about sport flying with your local Taupo Aero Club. Our Charity Partner, Life Flight Trust Air Ambulance will have personnel there- come out & meet the pilots, view the aeroplanes & helicopters & enjoy the spirit of the Air Safari.
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Avanti 100k Flyer
27 Mar 2010
The course is a fast and scenic - a total of 100km. 100k, what a fantastic milestone! You will ride through magnificent countryside from one world famous tourist destination to another. A great way to spend a weekend, with the event totally organised for you. The event hosted 3,800 competitors in 2008. Starts at Ward Street in Rotorua at 10am and finishes at the Taupo Events Centre. For more details visit the website.
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Operatunity - Three Tenors and A Soprano
30 Mar 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. Tenors Benjamin Fifita Makisi, Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Derek Hill and soprano Susan Boland present opera and song made famous by the Three Tenors and the Three Irish Tenors. Tickets are $27 and include a light lunch. Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237.
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Oxfam Trailwalker
10 Apr 2010 - 11 Apr 2010
Oxfam New Zealand dares you to undertake the world's greatest team challenge to help overcome poverty and injustice. The challenge is for your team of four to complete 100kms in 36 hours and to raise funds to help some of the world's poorest people. Oxfam Trailwalker offers you an incredibly satisfying personal achievement, an unparalleled chance to share the experience with friends and colleagues and a unique opportunity to do something amazing for others. Be extraordinary. Take Part.
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MotoTT Motorcycle Track Day
10 Apr 2010
MotoTT holds regular Motorcycle track days at Taupo Motorposrt Park.These track days are designed to be a fun, non competitive environment for you to improve your bike handling and riding skills. Go as fast or slow as you like with no cars (or police) to worry about. Riders are given sessions catering for experts through to trackday first timers and novice riders. Spaces are limited, pre-registration is required and early booking is recommended.
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Operatunity - It's A Great Day For The Irish
21 Apr 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. A fun and mad concert of Irish music (feel free to dress up) with Marian Burns on the fiddle, some lovely Irish songs, toe-tapping jigs, melodies and sing-a-longs - lets see a sea of green... Tickets are $27 and include a light lunch. Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237.
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Scenic Cellars Italian Wine Experience
22 Apr 2010
6pm in The Cellar, Scenic Cellars. $35 per person. Experience fantastic Italian vino and learn about Italian wine regions. Let Scenic Cellars step you through an educational tasting of a range of Italian wines. A great chance to sample a taste of Italy, without leaving NZ. A light supper will be provided. This is an R18 event. To book your tickets please email us or phone +64 7 378 5704.
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MotoTT Motorcycle Track Day
01 May 2010
MotoTT holds regular Motorcycle track days at Taupo Motorposrt Park.These track days are designed to be a fun, non competitive environment for you to improve your bike handling and riding skills. Go as fast or slow as you like with no cars (or police) to worry about. Riders are given sessions catering for experts through to trackday first timers and novice riders. Spaces are limited, pre-registration is required and early booking is recommended.
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Erupt Lake Taupo Festival
06 May 2010 - 16 May 2010
Taupo will become the arts and culture epicentre of New Zealand, with over ten dynamic days of music, theatre, visual arts and comedy. From large scale outdoor events to intimate concerts, street performers to free lunchtime shows, ERUPT Lake Taupo Festival showcases the very best of New Zealand and international work in theatre, dance, music, cabaret and comedy. The 2006 Festival saw over 17,000 audience members attend performances, exhibitions, and free or low cost events, making for the largest cultural event to be staged in the Lake Taupo region.
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Central North Island Regional Climbing Series
08 May 2010
Taupo Events Centre. The Climbing gyms in the Central North Island are holding a series of regional competitions over February, March & April. The regional competitions are about fun and participation rather than results, so come along and have a go.
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Scenic Cellars Italian Cellar Dinner
15 May 2010
7pm at Scenic Cellars, 32 Roberts Street, Taupo. $130 per person. Mama Mia. A fantastic evening of Italian cuisine, matched with gorgeous Italian vino. Scenic Cellars are famous for their themed dinner evenings, which sell out every year. This is an R18 event. To book your tickets please email us or phone +64 7 378 5704.
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Operatunity - The Era of Swing
24 Jun 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. Swing along with Operatunity and some special guest instrumentalists as we enjoy this fantastic era with the songs and music of Glen Miller, the Rat Pack and more... Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237.
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Starlight Cinema Centre 15th Hobby Expo
10 Jul 2010 - 11 Jul 2010
Taupo Events Centre. Hobby Expo organised by the Taupo Model Railway Club, showcasing all nature and types of hobbies. Hobbies from model railways through to quilts and stamp collecting. Highly entertaining and interesting, you may even pick up a new interest. Contact the club secretary on jshepherd@xtra.co.nz.
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Scenic Cellars French Cellar Dinner
17 Jul 2010
7pm at Scenic Cellars. $130 per person. Enjoy a fantastic evening of French cuisine, matched with stunning French wine. The ticket price includes a set menu, all beverages and entertainment for the night. Scenic Cellars are famous for their themed dinner evening, so get a group together and secure you tickets soon. This is an R18 event. To book your tickets please email us or phone +64 7 378 5704.
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Mizuno Half Marathon
01 Aug 2010
New Zealand's biggest half marathon in fact its the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere! This popular event is held annually on the first Sunday in August. The course is absolutely stunning with runners and walkers heading out from town along the Lake front with unobstructed views all the way to the mountains.
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Operatunity - The Last Night of the Proms
11 Aug 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. Our favourite and yours, a new look at this flag waving, roof raising, dress up and have fun concert - a prize for the best costume... Tickets are $27 and include a light lunch. Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237.
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Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon
04 Sep 2010
Bought to you by the accomplished organisers of the Mizuno Half Marathon, this off-road event will provide stunning views of Lake Taupo throughout the 21.1 kilometre course which is suitable for first-time off-road runners, walkers or more experienced 'mountain goats'. It will be run on stages of the new 'W2K' track, which winds its way from Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay and will include the recently-opened 'Headland Track' loop. Set yourself a new challenge for 2010 and enter the Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon!
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Operatunity - I'm in Love with Vienna
08 Sep 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. Benjamin Fifita Makisi and Operatunity present songs from Vienna, Venice and surrounds which inspired some of the world's most popular, beautiful and romantic melodies. Tickets are $27 and include a light lunch. Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237.
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Jamis Bicycles Day-Night Thriller
11 Sep 2010
The "Thriller "is fast becoming one of the best events on the mountain bikers calendar and is the largest mountain bike event of its kind in the world with over 4,000 riders. Its wide appeal lies in the fact that it caters to all mountain bikers, from recreational day riders to night riding adrenaline junkies. The ride is a five-person lap race, or continuous relay event, operating for twelve hours from 10.30am to 10.30pm. Only one team member may be riding on the course at any one time and the next rider must be tagged to commence their lap. The course is 8km or 30 minutes in length.
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17th Annual Sika Show 2010
25 Sep 2010 - 26 Sep 2010
Taupo Events Centre. The Annual Sika Show is now in its 17th year, having established itself as New Zealand's premier hunting and outdoor show. The Sika Show incorporates the annual Sika Hunting Competition and trade displays over two days. With annual increases in public attendances, last year saw 4500 people visit the show.
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Operatunity - The Dancing Years
27 Oct 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. Join us for some serious toe tapping with the fabulous dancing music of the 20's & 30's - the elegant era of Novello, Porter, Gatsby, flappers, ragtime and jazz. Tickets are $27 and include a light lunch. Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237
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Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
27 Nov 2010
It's huge! With more than 11,400 riders taking part in 2005, riding around Lake Taupo has become one of the biggest Cycling events in the Southern Hemisphere. Enduro, Solo or Relay come and take part in this 160km journey around NZ's largest lake.
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Taupo Half
11 Dec 2010
With a 2km swim along the lake front where athletes will be able to swim exactly half of the New Zealand Ironman swim course. Then through a transition in front of the Taupo Yacht Club on to the bike and out on to the local roads to Reporoa and back. After the 90 km bike ride you will then dismount your bike and run along the stunning shores of Lake Taupo out to Rainbow Point on a two lap course.
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Operatunity - Jack and the Bean Sprout
13 Dec 2010
11:00am at the Great Lake Centre. Our famous Christmas Pantomime - Jack and the Bean Sprout (we can't afford a Beanstalk!) Geoffrey Hughes has been writing again and we present a fun look at this Fairy Tale and others in this mad Pantomime. Tickets are $27 and include a light lunch. Bookings essential call toll free 0508 266 237.
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