What to do and see in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Art Museums

March 24, 2022 Viva Honore

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Connells Bay Sculpture Park

142 Cowes Bay Road, Auckland, Waiheke Island 1971 New Zealand +64 9-372 8957 [email protected] http://www.connellsbay.co.nz
Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 47 reviews

Connells Bay Sculpture Park

The Connells Bay Sculpture Park hosts a private collection of large scale sculpture by New Zealand artists bringing art and nature together on a two hour + guided walk in a beautiful coastal landscape. Bookings by apointment only. $30pp. PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR A BOOKING AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOUR TRAVEL DATES AS THE WALKS FILL QUICKLY

Reviewed By Trek219898

The owners have done a great job of returning this site to native bush and framing some fantastic art works by New Zealand Artists. Do not be put off by the access in our view this is an absolute must visit and shouldn't be missed. Jo and her husband have obviously made a very major investment in bringing this site to life. We couldn't stop talking about it after we left

2532 Papatowai Highway RD 2 Owaka, Papatowai 9586 New Zealand [email protected] http://www.thelostgypsy.com
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 162 reviews

The Lost Gypsy Gallery

A little gem in The Catlins, artist Blair Somerville's intricately crafted automata are wonderfully irreverent. The bamboozling collection in the house bus ($ free) is a teaser for the brilliantly eccentric Winding Thoughts Theatre ($8). Push buttons, wind handles, all is about movement here (Entry 13+ yrs). For coffee and bakeries, say hi to Carol in the Little Rocket and cuddle Ginny the Gypsy dog. Open in summer (end Oct – end April). Wednesdays closed.

Reviewed By C5795TEmichellet - Timaru, New Zealand

I'd seen this place advertised and so thought I'd call in for a look and a coffee to go. I sat down, with my dog as he was allowed which for me was a huge plus. I assume the lady that served me was the owner and she was super friendly. What a great, quirky wee place...a wee treasure. Loved looking around and my dog enjoyed being able to be with me while I had my coffee

3. McCahon House Museum

69 Otitori Bay Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604 New Zealand +64 9-817 6148 http://www.mccahonhouse.org.nz
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

McCahon House Museum

Reviewed By SallyT1105

A 'must see' if interested in NZ art and McCahon's work. Alice gave us a tour and we became fascinated with the house and learnt more about McCahon's life and how he made this small house his families home. There are opportunities to discover more about his art with audio and visual stations. Alice was a friendly & informative guide and we felt like we had discovered a real treasure snuggled in beautiful Waitakere bush. Thank you to the The McCahon House Trust and all involved.

4. Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics

8 Bates Street, Whanganui 4500 New Zealand +64 6-348 5555 http://www.quartzmuseum.org.nz
Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 108 reviews

Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics

Reviewed By Fearless19625917923

I just visited Quartz Museum today after being recommended by friends. I could have spent much longer soaking up the amazing collection of ceramics made by both international and New Zealand potters from past to present day. This place is a real credit to Rick Rudd, his knowledge and dedication to create a museum to showcase such works. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend a visit!????

5. Saligia

31 Trafalgar St Corner of Trafalgar and Elliott Sts New Zealand [email protected] http://www.saligia.org/
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Saligia

A leading Nelson working art studio and gallery, open every day except Mondays. Leading edge, controversial, art with a message. Contemporary themes with award-winning artistic excellence.

Reviewed By ConstanzaV93 - Santiago, Chile

Provocative and straight forward art. Specially recommended to remove the blindfold of closed-minded religious/puritan/right wing individuals. Amazing ways of expressionism, definitely a piece of kiwi art I will remember and suggest, right in the heart of Nelson. My south american wild mind was delighted with the various sculptures, paintings and glass works. They have done a great job.

6. Arty Nelson

126 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010 New Zealand +64 3-545 6973 https://artynelson.co.nz/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Arty Nelson

Reviewed By alanmY3565GY - Brisbane, Australia

Arty Nelson is a gem of a shop, showcasing a group of fabulously talented locals. Well laid out with lots of choice all in a great location. The artists run the shop and are hugely knowledgeable about not only their own art but all of those artists on display. Great place to find that memento of your Nelson visit. Highly recommended.

Wellesley St E Corner Kitchener, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand +64 9-307 7700 [email protected] http://www.aucklandartgallery.com
Excellent
56%
Good
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4.5 based on 1,866 reviews

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is New Zealand’s most compelling visual arts experience. Enter between majestic kauri (native tree) columns to explore four floors of exhibitions, seven centuries of art and one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings. Experience world-class touring exhibitions, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of traditional and contemporary international works and discover the largest permanent collection of New Zealand art right in the heart of Auckland city. The Gallery offers a lively calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities to complement its exhibition programme. Please visit our website to see what’s on. Join a free Gallery tour in English 11.30am and 1.30pm daily. Open daily 10am-5pm (except Christmas Day) and 10am–9pm on Fridays.

Reviewed By Ruinsgal

The Auckland Art Gallery offers a great opportunity to explore New Zealand art - from early portraits of Maori statesman to the latest in contemporary art. The current Colin McCahon exhibit is a focused and well-curated look at the artist's relationship with Auckland The building itself - linking architecturally as it does the traditional and the contemporary - is worth a visit in and of itself.

Worcester Blvd & Montreal St, Christchurch 8140 New Zealand +64 3-941 7300 [email protected] http://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/
Excellent
51%
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4.5 based on 462 reviews

Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)

Reviewed By Champagne552014 - Sydney, Australia

We spent over three hours in this beautifully presented modern Art Gallery, as there was plenty to see, and entry is free. I loved the sailing paintings upstairs, by van der Voorden. He really knew how to portray clouds and waves. The highlight for me was the Ron Mueck silicon sculpture of a man at a table. What brilliant attention to detail (that's real hair). Thank you staff for being so helpful too! If you need a break, there is a lovely restaurant at the entrance, or it is a short stroll to Riverside Markets, which is also well worth a visit. Don't miss this excellent Art Gallery when you next visit Christchurch.

9. Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History

11 Bruce Street At the corner of Dixon Street, opposite Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton 5810 New Zealand +64 6-370 0001 [email protected] http://www.aratoi.org.nz/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 58 reviews

Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History

Wairarapa's only Art and History Museum / Founded in 1969 / Social History, Maori taonga and New Zealand Art / Public Collection of about 4,000 items / Creative Education Programmes / Live Performances / Museum Gift Shop / Cafe / Registered Charitable Trust CC 11262 / Entry by Donation / Koha

Reviewed By 759elib - Sydney, Australia

Spent ages trawling through the exhibition spaces taking in the interesting works on display the combo of indigenous and national artists featured is a roll call of who’s whose in the country. Fabulous place

Or Tyne St 9 7 Harbour Street Historic Precinct, Oamaru 9400 New Zealand +64 27 366 6201 http://donnademente.com
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 67 reviews

Grainstore Gallery

Reviewed By D1253RBpeterr - Christchurch, New Zealand

What an experience. The Artist Donna was as delightful and passionate as her paintings and Artistic creations. I immersed myself in the glorious surroundings of her passion. An hour was not long enough. Thank you Donna. You are an INSPIRATION

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