Lava Glass

Introduction

Lava Glass is a remarkable glass art complex located just outside Taupō, in the central North Island of New Zealand. Situated at 165 State Highway 5, Wairākei, it offers a unique art‑immersive experience nestled in a picturesque rural setting. The museum comprises a studio, gallery, sculpture garden and cafe, all flowing seamlessly to create a welcoming environment for visitors. If you are travelling through Taupō, Lava Glass is well worth the short journey for a combination of artistry, environmental mindfulness and sensory delight.

About the Museum

Lava Glass was founded in 2002 by master glass artist Lynden Over and his partner Christine Robb. The complex includes a glassblowing studio, an art gallery, a sculpture garden and a licensed cafe. The glassblowing studio is the first carbon‑net‑zero certified glassblowing studio in the world, a status achieved through the transition from a gas‑fired furnace to an electric furnace powered by local renewable electricity, alongside other sustainability measures, such as electric vehicles and reduced waste practices.

In the studio visitors can observe skilled glass artists at work, creating unique and collectable pieces every day. Seating accommodates around thirty people for small audiences keen to see the glassmaking process up close. The adjoining gallery displays finished works — ranging from vases and paperweights to light shades and sculptural pieces — all inspired by the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand: volcanic formations, geothermal features, native forests and the hues of Lake Taupō and Huka Falls.

The sculpture garden spans one acre of meticulously landscaped grounds and features more than six hundred glass sculptures created on site. Visitors wander along a roughly five‑hundred metre boardwalk that passes ponds, manicured lawns, glass flowers, mushrooms, korus, tree‑orbs and even a fifteen‑piece glass waterfall cascading over shell platters. This garden has been officially designated a Garden of Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust, a national recognition for the quality and innovation of the display.

The Lava Glass Café offers seasonal, locally sourced food with gluten‑free, vegetarian and vegan options, along with fair‑trade certified organic coffee and a tempting range of sweet treats such as cakes, slices and cookies. There are serene seating areas across the grounds where visitors can pause and reflect on both the art and the natural surroundings.

Interesting Facts

• Over six hundred glass sculptures are displayed in the garden, all handcrafted by Lynden Over and his team.
• The garden covers one acre and features a boardwalk of approximately five hundred metres weaving past ponds, glass trees, flowers and even a tiered glass waterfall.
• Lava Glass achieved official Garden of Significance status from the New Zealand Gardens Trust in 2018.
• It is the first certified carbon‑net‑zero glassblowing studio in the world, converting to geothermal‑powered electric furnace and planting thousands of trees for carbon sequestration.
• The founding artists are Lynden Over, a nationally recognised award‑winning glass artist, and Christine Robb, who together direct the creative and sustainable vision of the site.
• Visitors can purchase bespoke artworks on site or through the Lava Glass online store, with worldwide shipping available

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +647 374 8400

Website: lavaglass.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/lavaglassnz/

Conclusion

A visit to Lava Glass offers more than just the chance to admire extraordinary glass art; it is an experience that combines craftsmanship, environmental stewardship and the beauty of New Zealand’s central plateau. Watching the artists at work in the glassblowing studio is mesmerising — every swirl of colour and glass form is shaped before your eyes. After witnessing the creative process, guests can wander through the ever‑evolving sculpture garden, where each piece reflects the natural wonders of the region through vivid glass art.

The on‑site café serves delicious, wholesome food and provides a welcome opportunity to rest and reflect in an artistic setting framed by glass and native trees. In addition to its artistic appeal, Lava Glass stands proudly as a world‑leading example of how art and sustainability can coexist — offering a glimpse into the future of eco‑conscious creativity.

If you are seeking an inspiring outing near Taupō, Lava Glass invites you to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colour, craftsmanship and care for the environment. It is a destination that delights the senses, nourishes the mind and honours the land that inspires its art.