Media Release 04 February 2013

Celebrate Waitangi Day in Great Lake Taupō

There’s a whole lot on offer in the Great Lake Taupō region on Waitangi Day, with a free concert and celebration at Riverside Park highlighting the day’s events.

Vanessa Freeman, General Manager for Destination Great Lake Taupō, says Waitangi Day is a special time in the Taupō region. “The events calendar is packed with things to do and the Waitangi - Taupō Moana 2013 Festival promises to be a great day out.”

The free celebration will feature funk rock/reggae band Ardijah as well as local musicians, kapa haka performances and arts and cultural exhibitions. Children will be kept entertained with bouncy castles, games and giveaways and there will be waka to paddle and other exciting activities on the river.

“Get into the festival spirit, pack your sunscreen and a picnic and dance the afternoon away” says Vanessa. The festival will be held on Wednesday 6th February from noon till 5pm at Riverside Park.

Lake Taupō is also expected to be busy. The water is currently the ideal temperature for swimming and water sports, and the region is expecting thousands of visitors to enjoy the balmy waters on Waitangi Day. “The warmer weather we have been having means the lake is a degree or two warmer than usual, making for very favourable swimming conditions” says Vanessa Freeman.

Both road cyclists and mountain bikers will have plenty of riding options on Waitangi Day. Taupō Cycling Club is holding its Track Day at the velodrome with a range of events to enter from junior to open class. Mountain bikers have an abundance of trails to choose from.

Rowan Sapsford, Chairman of Bike Taupō says “The Great Lake Trail is currently experiencing good numbers and we’ve had some really positive feedback on track conditions”. Rowan says the 20 kilometre section of trail from Whangamata Road to Kinloch will be ideal for riding on Waitangi Day.

“This section is the perfect introduction to the trail and there is plenty of shade under the shelter of trees as you ride, plus the chance for a swim in the lake at Kawakawa Bay before heading up over the hill to Kinloch.”

A large number of quilters and craftspeople are expected to be drawn to Taupō Museum during the first week of February for the touring exhibition of quilts from the 2012 National Quilt Challenge. The exhibition, described as hugely popular throughout the country, is on from 2 – 26 February at Taupō Museum in Story Place.

Vanessa Freeman, General Manager for Destination Great Lake Taupō says the Taupō region has it all on offer in February. “We have great cafes, restaurants and shopping, adventure activities, water sports, family fun and a good dose of arts and culture. The fun doesn’t stop when the school holidays end, so come on back and enjoy our beautiful region this Waitangi Day.”

For more information on what to see and do throughout the Great Lake Taupō region visit www.GreatLakeTaupo.com

ENDS

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