The best way to invest your time in exploring Auckland is to discover the beauty of art in this culturally rich place. There are plenty of art galleries and trails to tickle the fancy bone of any art lover. Choose the services of bus hire in Auckland for a comfortable ride to visit some of these recommended spots for an avid art lover.
Auckland Art Gallery
It was in February 1888, when the doors of Auckland Art Gallery was opened for the first time, with the earliest collection that of Sir George Grey. The collection in the beginning is focussed on British and European art, and has now evolved into an assortment of more than 16000 works. It has grown its collection with bequests, gifts, long term loans and acquisitions. James Mackelvie is another major collection donor of the gallery.
The collection includes major holdings of New Zealand historic, contemporary and modern art, plotting a visual history of the country with the first contact between European and Maori explorers in 1600s. Exceptional works by Pacific Island and Maori artists are a powerful feature of the holdings, along with the prints, sculpture and international painting collections. The diversity of artistic practices also continues to evolve. The oldest artwork includes a sandstone figure from the Hindu Temple of Northern India, dating from 10-12th century. Taken altogether the holdings are widely considered to encompass the pre-eminent public art collection of New Zealand.
Pah Homestead
It was in 1843, when the original property of 162 hectares was purchased from Maori by the land dealer William Hart and an early Auckland settler. In 1870, it was sold to Thomas Russell, before it was bought by James Williamson, who built the Pah Homestead as the ‘gentleman’s residence’ between 1877 and 1879. Known to be the largest house in Auckland at that time, the structure has been designed by architects Thomas and Edward Mahoney. The scenic farm landscape includes a series of tree lined pathways and gardens, developed around the farmstead.
Today, the park has one of the finest collections of rare and large exotic trees in the city, enjoying expansive views that include the Waitakere Ranges, One Tree Hill and Manukau Harbour. It remains mostly of the same built, with all its window and door joinery, marble fireplaces, parquet floors and elaborate ceiling roses. At various time, it has served as a boarding school, novitiate house and an orphanage. The council extensively adapted and restored the Homestead before opening as the home of TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre.
Clevedon Arts Trail
What better way to experience the best forms of art in the city of Auckland, as you head towards east to discover the Clevedon Arts Trail. It’s a self-drive taking in regional workshops, galleries and artworks, Art Industry and Woodzone included. Spend a wonderful afternoon forming your craft at Forgotten Arts, while relaxing over lunch at the Clevedon Village. Make your bookings in advance for the workshop, and don’t forget to check out modern pieces at the Katie Blundell’s next door of the studio.
Explore Arts On Waiheke Island
A trip to Waiheke is a must for all art enthusiasts. You can come along for a ‘Walking By Nature’ tour that takes you on a 4-hour stroll around the island, visiting artist studios, sculpture parks and art galleries, while relaxing with a lunch in a wonderful setting. The Connells Bay Sculpture Park couples arts and nature to create an inventive experience, or you can also pop in to the Toi Gallery, stuffed with masterpieces by talented artists.
After Great Barrier Island, Waiheke is the 2nd largest in the gulf and the most populated island with 9250 residents. It is the most densely populated island with rich culture and history.
Experience Outdoor Arts
Spend a wonderful day at Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail, as you take a drive north to Matakana wine region. In a 2km trail, you can check out over 45 sculptures, followed by relaxing with a glass of wine and vineyard platter. Fine Arts Tours offer specialised full-day or half-day tours around the regions of Auckland, taking in public and private fine art collection. Brick Bay is an incredible vineyard producing land grown wines including Bordeaux style red blends, a vibrant rose and Pinot Gris. The trail goes through a remarkable landscape, displaying fifty works by leading sculptors.
It is open every day for cellar door sale, seasonal dishes, a la carte dining and wine tasting. They also provide fresh new menu, displaying seasonal ingredients and local produce. Experience flavours that we are passionate about and the dishes that we love.
Kura Gallery
Established in the year 1998, the Kura Gallery has art spaces in Wellington and Auckland, representing both emerging and established New Zealand and Maori artists. Driven by a passion to support the growth of art and design, the gallery showcases artworks unique to Aotearoa, exhibiting a wide range of original Maori art and design. The gallery features contemporary and traditional Maori Carving, genuine greenstone, unique jewellery, innovative design and original artworks. It offers essential services including wedding gift registry, gift vouchers and gift wrapping.
You are invited to view the artworks or even purchase it online. Feel free to attend the exhibitions aimed towards supporting New Zealand and Maori design and art to the world.
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
The regional gallery of West Auckland is a prime destination for all the art lovers, presenting a varied programme of modern activities, events and exhibitions, including design, art and craft. The collection strengthens and reflects the full assortment of cultural interests, potential and identities of our community. This award winning gallery operates from a building that is a part of Lopdell Precinct.
It was in the year 1936, when the gallery first opened as the Waitemata City Arts & Cultural Centre, which was later called the Lopdell Gallery, sitting in the iconic house building in the core of Titirangi. It is the gateway to the popular west coast beaches in Auckland and Waitakere rain forest.