New Zealand’s Longest Running Street Art Festival Event Info

Graffiato was the first street art festival of its kind in NZ, and it’s still leading the way, showcasing the best street art in New Zealand.  The ever-expanding portfolio of over 80 murals brings transformation, wonder and vibrancy to the urban lane ways and streets they inhabit.

The event is run every labour weekend in late October, typically beginning with artist prep work on the Friday, and then full-time painting Saturday, Sunday and finishing on Monday.  The idea behind the festival was originally to reduce tagging, but it has evolved into something more.  We love seeing the local community, and all the visitors to Taupō, take advantage of this incredible opportunity to watch and engage with the creation of these transformative works of art.

Come for the weekend, walk the CBD and be wowed by the works of years past, while keeping up with what the new artists are adding to our glowing CBD!

Towncentre Taupō (TCT) has successfully delivered the Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival for the past 14 years, making it the longest running street art festival in the country.  TCT represents the interests of all businesses within the Taupō CBD, and is tasked with keeping the town centre vibrant, welcoming, and uniquely its own. Every project they support reflects their love for Taupō and their vision of making it the best it can be — from stunning street art festivals to dozens of community events that make the town centre buzz.

General Manager, Julie McLeod, has worked tirelessly for all 14 of those years, to maintain the energy that Graffiato needs to keep bringing the alleys and blank walls of Taupō to life.  The world-class outdoor gallery that Taupōans get to enjoy on a daily basis would not exist without the heart and soul she has poured into it over the years.

She has been joined by the effervescent Alice Thompson.  Alice has worked for TCT for 8 years, with a great many hours being dedicated to creating the Graffiato festival year after year.  While Alice has left TCT for an exciting career change, the TCT team cannot speak of Graffiato past without mentioning the indelible mark she has left on the lives of those involved.

The newest member of the team, Ken Harris, helped with the 2024 festival and is incredibly excited to keep the Graffiato train rolling to ensure one of Taupō’s great events continues to bring vibrancy to this iconic town centre.

Spacecraft is your go-to spot for official Graffiato merch! Swing by and grab a limited-edition tee to wear while you explore the art. Check out Spacecraft Creative for more.