Must-see art galleries in NZ

From touring international shows to contemporary and historical works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, New Zealand Aotearoa is known for diverse and compelling art experiences from north to south. Discover New Zealand’s vibrant artistic side at the abundant art galleries and exhibition spaces around the country with our round-up of the best New Zealand art galleries to fill your creative cup.

Step into a world of creativity and imagination at the acclaimed Auckland Art Gallery. With an astounding 17,000 works, its New Zealand’s largest art collection housed in an iconic, award-winning building. Walk through the twin kauri wood pillars beneath the soaring tree-like canopy at the entrance and see outstanding Māori and Pacific Island artworks, and experience touring international exhibitions of paintings, prints and sculptures dating back to the 11th century. Auckland Art Gallery is open daily, and admission is free.

Auckland accommodation

If you’re looking for accommodation, Auckland has a wide range of options. Enjoy a relaxed stay at Quality Hotel Lincoln Green in modern, spacious rooms, all with a host of Auckland’s restaurants and natural attractions nearby.

The life and work of Austrian avant-garde painter and visionary Friedensreich Hundertwasser is celebrated at the Hundertwasser Art Centre in the Whangārei Town Basin. After moving to the Northland region in his later years, Hundertwasser designed the art centre, an architectural wonder in itself with a forested rooftop, mosaic tiled facade and ceramic columns. The cultural landmark houses two galleries: one celebrating the artist's work and vision, while the Wairau Māori Art Gallery showcases contemporary Māori art and artists. The art centre is open daily with ticketed entry.

Whangārei Art Museum

Tucked between volcanic mountains and an idyllic harbour in the heart of the Northland region, Whangārei is brimming with natural beauty. It’s also home to New Zealand’s northernmost public art gallery, the Whangārei Art Museum. Explore groundbreaking art and ideas, celebrate cultural identity, and discover new ways of seeing the world with touring exhibitions and permanent collections. The museum is free to enter and open daily.

Whangārei accommodation

You’ll find comfortable rooms set amongst lush tropical gardens overlooking Whangārei harbour at the Comfort Hotel Flames Whangārei. Enjoy a drink at the bar at the Flames Restaurant and Bar or unwind in the spa or pool in the summer. 

On the east coast of the North Island, the renowned wine-making region of Hawke’s Bay is also home to artists, designers, musicians and makers with a growing number of theatres, galleries and artist studios. Located in the centre of nearby Napier, MTG Hawke’s Bay is an award-winning museum telling stories of the region and beyond. MTG stands for Museum, Theatre and Gallery, and the museum hosts a lively program of film and performing arts along with fascinating artefacts in its Māori gallery, and changing exhibitions of art, culture and social history. MTG is open daily and entry is free.

Hawke’s Bay Arts Trail

Time your visit to this beautiful region with the Hawke’s Bay Arts Trail, where regional artists open their working studios to the public over two big weekends each year in November. Enjoy a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives and creative spaces of talented, local painters, potters, printmakers and sculptors. Meet the artists, see works in progress and learn about their creative processes. You might even find a special piece to take home.

Napier accommodation

Enjoy a unique and comfortable stay in the historic town of Napier with accommodation options just a short walk from the town centre and in easy reach of many popular sites and attractions. 

With its brightly painted murals and art installations, the city of Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for its galleries and lively art scene. Behind a spectacular flowing glass and metal facade in a landmark building, the Christchurch Art Gallery is the city’s most prestigious gallery. From old masters to modern art, the gallery is a much-loved treasury of art and ideas. Join a guided tour or attend one of the regular talks or film evenings. The gallery is open daily and free to enter, with families and kids welcome.

Ravenscar House Museum

Another notable gallery in Christchurch for lovers of art and architecture is the Ravenscar House Museum. Housing one of New Zealand’s most significant private collections, the museum is set in a stylish, contemporary house - a reproduction of collectors Susan and Jim Wakefield’s own home, destroyed in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. See incredible artworks by some of New Zealand’s most well-known and beloved artists in a tranquil space. Entry is ticketed with guided tours running twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Christchurch accommodation

Check out these places to stay in Christchurch, from comfortable, self-contained suites to modern and stylish hotels set in manicured rose gardens close to the heart of town.

Travelling south in the Canterbury region, the Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru is a must-visit. Aigantighe, Scottish Gaelic for ‘home of welcome’ and pronounced ‘Egg-an-tie’, is the South Island’s third-largest gallery and houses a permanent collection of New Zealand, Pacific, Asian, and European artworks dating from the 16th century. Don’t miss the gallery’s beautiful two-acre Sculpture Garden with its impressive limestone sculptures carved by international artists. Aigantighe is free to enter and open Tuesday to Sunday.

Timaru accommodation

Make the most of your visit to the Canterbury region by basing yourself in a well-appointed suite or apartment at the Comfort Hotel Benvenue in Timaru. Located right on Caroline Bay, it’s an easy walk to the waterfront and other great attractions.