Arts and Culture

Wellington pulses with creative energy, a city where arts and culture thrive. From the national treasures in Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Weta Workshop to the independent galleries showcasing local talent, there's always something to inspire you. Performances are plenty: theatre spanning classic to contemporary, and venues resonating with live music. Spy some street art on your way to a cutting-edge exhibition. Wellington is a hub of artistic expression, a place where creativity is celebrated and innovation is encouraged.

Discover Marlborough’s rich arts, culture, and history. Visit Ship Cove, where Captain James Cook anchored and first encountered Māori. Explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, showcasing Sir Peter Jackson’s rare WWI aircraft collection, and step aboard the Edwin Fox, the world’s ninth oldest surviving ship, preserved on the Picton waterfront. Marlborough weaves together stories of early explorers, Māori heritage, and local art exhibits — a captivating journey through time.

A tour of Napier and Hastings' city streets is a must-do for any visitor to see some of the finest examples of 1930s Art Deco architecture in the world - resulting from the region's rebuild from a devastating earthquake in 1931.

The compact cities of Hastings and Napier are also home to vibrant creative communities, where boutique galleries, street art, and public sculptures intersect to tell the stories of our region. Highlights include MTG Hawke's Bay in Napier, home to the regions taonga (treasures), with performing arts taking centre stage at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings.

Creativity flows in Taranaki. Discover contemporary art at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, or experience Lye’s iconic Wind Wand swaying along the award-winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.

See narratives unfold in vibrant street art, and explore history at Tawhiti Museum and Puke Ariki, where the past comes to life. Follow the Coastal Arts Trail, New Zealand’s largest self-drive art experience.

Car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Hillsborough Holden Museum, home to a private collection of Australian Holden cars and memorabilia.

With 300 local artists, Nelson Tasman is a haven for creativity. From the internationally-renowned to obscure marvels, get up close and personal with the makers and creators of Nelson Tasman. Discover Jens Hansen Studio – creators of the world's most famous ring. Waka Abel Tasman will offer you an on-the-water experience like no other, an immersive outdoor experience while passing on the knowledge of Māori culture, no experience is necessary.

“E rere kau mai te wanui, Mai i te Kahui maunga ki TangaroaKo au te awa, ko te awa ko au.”

“The great river flows from the mountains to the sea.I am the river, the river is me.”

Whanganui is New Zealand’s UNESCO City of Design — a fitting title for a place where creativity pulses through the city’s heart. With over 30 galleries, Whanganui offers a creative pulse you can see, feel, and experience. The iconic Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery recently reopened after a $71m redevelopment, re-cementing itself as one of New Zealand's most significant art spaces. Described as a 'little city of cool,' Whanganui’s creative spirit runs deep. It’s authentic, raw, and refreshingly real.

Manawatū’s vibrant arts scene is inspired by the unique energy of the region and is bustling with diverse art galleries, studio’s museums and exhibitions, and is also home to an array of theatres presenting a variety of local, national and international performances.

The urban centre is dotted with public sculptures and street murals colouring the city - a perfect accompaniment to the vibrant offering of cafes and eateries.

Discover Manawatū’s thriving creative scene as part of your journey on the Coastal Arts Trail - a self-drive itinerary along the central North Island's West Coast.