Auckland Day Trip Ideas For Arts Lovers

One of the best ways to invest your time in discovering Auckland is to explore the beauty of art in this culturally rich place. There are loads of art trails and art galleries suited for an avid art enthusiast. From vintage collections to contemporary stuff, there is something for everyone. Choose minibus hire in Auckland to visit some of these attractions.

Kura Gallery

Representing both established and emerging local talent in terms of Maori arts, the Kura Art Gallery has been in the arts scene, since the year 1998. The gallery displays artworks unique to Aotearoa, driven by a commitment to support the growth of art and design. It exhibits a wide range of original Maori masterpieces. You will be able to witness both the traditional and contemporary Maori Carving, original artworks, innovative design, unique jewellery and genuine greenstone. Come along and attend the exhibitions to view masterpieces pertaining basically to Maori and New Zealand design and art.

Auckland Art Gallery

With the foremost collection of Sir George Grey, The Auckland Art Gallery came into the picture in February 1888. The collection basically focuses on European and British art, and it has increased to more than 16000 artworks over the years. All this has been achieved through acquisitions, long term loans, gifts and bequests. One of the major collection donors to the gallery is James Mackelvie.

Here, you will be able to witness some of the major works including traditional, modern and contemporary, plotting a visual history of Australia with the first contact between the Maori and European in 1600s. Outstanding works by Maori and Pacific Island artists are the key features, along with international painting, sculpture and prints collections. With the evolution of diverse artistic practices continuing, the holdings here are widely recognised to include the eminent public art collection of the Kiwi land. One of the oldest artworks includes a sandstone sculpture, dating from 10th-12th century, from the Hindu Temple of Northern India.

Gow Langsford Gallery

Considered as one of the most prominent art dealers in Australia, the Gow Langsford Gallery was established in the year 1987. Featuring the work of exceptional artists from New Zealand and across the world, this commercial art space has hosted more than 300 exhibitions.  In the recent past, the exhibitions have focused on the mediums of sculpture and painting, displaying works by artists such as Tony Gragg, Bernar Venet, Judy Millar and Katharina Grosse.

Discover 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.

Pah Homestead

In 1843, an early settler, William Hart purchased the original property (an area of 162 hectares) from the Maoris. Later, Thomas Russell bought the land, followed by James Williamson building the ‘gentleman’s residence’ at the Pah Homestead between 1877 and 1879. At that time, it was supposedly a large house in Auckland designed by Edward Mahoney. The serene farm landscape encompasses a series of tree-lined trails and gardens, developed in the vicinity.

Presently, the park has one of the best collections of rare and large exotic trees, enjoying panoramic views that encompass Waitakere Ranges, Manukau Harbour and One Tree Hill. The TSB Banks Wallace Arts Centre is a hidden gem, known for hosting a changing program of events curated from Trust collection and regional exhibitions. You also have the Pah shop brimming with homemade wares carefully curated for art-lovers who love to shop around. For every purchase, a part of it goes into supporting the Wallace Arts Trust’s commitment to foster the development of arts in fantastic forms.

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 you are passionate about and the dishes that you love.

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.

If you want to make your day trips to these destinations fun and exciting, make sure you book minibus charter in Auckland. Not only is it convenient and cosy, but also worth the money for the unmatched rates it is offered.