Discover international artisan talents at these beachside and off-the-beaten track studios during your New Zealand holiday.
Tutakaka Gallery, Tutakaka Coast
Oceans Hotel, Marina Road, Tutakaka.
Artist Steve Moase and partner Fiona McClurg run Tutakaka Gallery, which is now open 7 days a week for summer. Right near the Tutukaka Marina you can find the perfect painting for your house – or yacht. Moase’s colourful paintings and prints (such as the ‘Cubist Paua’ acrylic on canvas painting, pictured below) are on show, as well as a variety of local sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and gifts.
Mangawhai Pottery by Gary Smith, Mangawhai, Northland
7 Insley Street, Mangawhai.
Northland local Gary Smith built his own studio in Mangawhai township to showcase his stoneware and earthenware pottery. Hand-etched designs line the wooden walls in his signature, laid-back style. Inspired by ancient ceramics, Smith modestly says: “It’s nothing new I’m doing here” – but his vibrant colourways are always refreshing. The artist is usually on-hand to talk about his process, with his dusty studio out the back.
Moko Artspace, Hot Water Beach
24 Pye Place, Hot Water Beach.
Simon Buchanan and Sonya Corlett joined forces to open this showroom a stone’s throw from Hot Water Beach over a decade ago, to sell pots and mixed media sculptures, respectively. The art space has since flourished and now houses pieces from over 130 artists in almost every art medium to dip your toes into, including the charming ceramics by Robin Ranga (pictured above).
Space Studio & Gallery, Wanganui
64 Taupo Quay, Wanganui.
If you’re heading to Wanganui these holidays there are no shortage of galleries to pique your curiosity in the local talent. One of our favourites is Space Studio & Gallery – it supports local artists with a collection of nine studios alongside an exhibition space with revolving events.
FJS-art, Raumati Beach, Wellington.
216 Rosetta Road, Raumati Beach.
Fabienne Joni Sopacua is a young contemporary artist who works in abstract art and realism. She was a finalist in the Molly Morpheth Canaday Awards in Whakatāne and her work made an appearance in the NZ Art show this year. We especially like her up-close portraiture. Her new studio is open by appointment – “it’s only one call or text and people can come over,” she says.
Höglund Art Glass Studio & Gallery, Nelson
52 Lansdowne Rd, Richmond.
Ola Höglund and Marie Simberg-Höglund’s glassblown works are sought after both in New Zealand and abroad, having shown their pieces in many international exhibitions. The dual Swedish and New Zealand citizens moved to New Zealand in the 1980s and opened their studio near Nelson. They now also have a gallery in Cromwell, Central Otago, if you find yourself further South.
John Staniford, Hawke’s Bay
163 Carlyle Street, Napier.
Napier resident John Staniford has been a full-time artist for over 40 years. His vibrant artworks, made with acrylic and oils have a delightfully hard-edged style and explore local scenes including coastal properties and people. Visitors are welcome at his studio.
LEstrange Gallery, Sumner
53 Nayland Street, Christchurch.
Local painter and print-maker Bryan LEstrange showcases his work and that of other New Zealand artists at his gallery in the coastal Christchurch town of Sumner. The mastermind behind creating works of art from shipping containers used to protect those driving to Sumner from crumbling cliffs along the way, LEstrange is a champion of his local town and talent. In his gallery you will find a range of mediums from Hamish Allen’s painted perfect landscapes to Hannah Kidd’s life-size, iron and steel sculptures.
The Studio, Otago Peninsula
1728 Highcliff Road, Portobello, Dunedin.
Brittany Sue Mason’s fine sterling silver jewellery is inspired by nature and handcrafted with recycled precious metals. Her colourful mosaic-titled studio is the centre of Portobello village, half an hour from central Dunedin.
