4 minute read
CULTURE VULTURES LISTEN UP!
With its multicultural make up and rich creative scene, Auckland is hugely inspiring. Here are six ways to tap into our diverse DNA.
1. Appreciate MĀORI CULTURE
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Discover various Māori artworks dotted across central Auckland on a 45-minute Hīkoi To Britomart Māori Art Walking Tour, run by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Explore the world’s largest collection of Māori taonga (treasures) at the Auckland War Memorial Museum or make your own Māori pendant at the Auckland Bone & Stone Carving Academy in East Tāmaki. Don’t miss the boardwalk at Maungawhau (Mt Eden) which both encircles the volcanic crater and protects the remnants of a 1200AD pā.
Britomart Māori Art, Central Auckland
AATP
2. Get into VISUAL ARTS
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki in central Auckland, located on the edge of Albert Park, is a must-do for art-loving visitors. The striking building houses an impressive permanent collection and hosts temporary and travelling exhibitions of international quality and significance.
Pare Watene by Gottfried Lindauer, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Central Auckland
Te Tuhi gallery in Pakuranga is a contemporary art space with an innovative, experimental ethos. Its exhibition calendar reflects and celebrates the region’s cultural diversity.
Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in scenic, bush-clad Titirangi hosts ever-changing exhibitions of high-quality art. The gallery shop sells ceramics, glass, jewellery, art publications and handmade crafts.
TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, or Pah Homestead as it’s also known as, is a heritage building located in Hillsborough. It is home to the contemporary, New Zealand art collection of the Wallace Arts Trust. A gift shop and café are also on site.
Sculpture Trails & Gardens On the outskirts of Matakana, a scribble of country roads leads to Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail. This beautiful, art-freckled bush walk is rugged and wild, culminating at the vineyard’s restaurant, the Glass House Kitchen. Nearby Sculptureum offers a preened collection of galleries and sculpture-strewn gardens, including giant pink snails.
Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries, North Auckland
Anna Kidman
3. Learn about OUR WORLD
Step inside MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) in Western Springs to discover how transport and technology have evolved from centuries past to present day. See how Kiwi ingenuity has shaped our modern world by visiting the historic village, model railway and Aviation Hall. Learn how the engine in your car works at the Accelerate exhibit, try your hand at machine building at ‘Machine Makers’ and head to ‘Get Smart’ for all-things digital, then ride the vintage tram down MOTAT’s tracks.
MOTAT, Central Auckland
MOTAT, Central Auckland
4. Discover art in unexpected PLACES
Studio One Toi Tū: An art space and workshop on Ponsonby Road showcasing an ever-changing display of local artwork.
Studo One Toi Tū building
Studio One Toi Tū
Allpress Studio: A place where designers, artists and communityminded groups share their work directly with the audience, complete with Allpress coffee cart. Found on Drake Street, a four-minute walk from Victoria Park in central Auckland.
Lightworx Gallery: This cutting-edge exhibition in downtown Auckland primarily features illuminated artworks using light installations. The feel-good factor shines bright. In more ways than one.
Friday Lates: Head to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki in central Auckland for a Friday night dropin drawing session. From 6.30pm onwards, it’s 100% free and all materials are provided.
In Their Words: Local creatives have each written 20 or so words about central Auckland and the results are displayed throughout the Queen Street area – keep a look out.
Please check opening hours before visiting as COVID-19 has caused temporary closures.
5. Explore MORE
The new South Atrium, Te Ao Mārama, is now open at the AucklandWar Memorial Museum, located in the Auckland Domain just 10 minutes by car from central Auckland. Take a look at Auckland through a different set of eyes at the new, interactive and hugely hands-on Tāmaki Herenga Waka gallery. As a highly engaging collection of audio-visual experiences, digital encounters, historic archives and personal accounts, you’ll gain rich insight into the region’s past, present and future. This is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Auckland War Memorial Museum, Central Auckland
6. Get on the WATER
The New Zealand Maritime Museum houses New Zealand’s largest maritime collection and runs harbour sailings. Following the America’s Cup, understand the design, teamwork and leadership behind Team New Zealand at the newly updated Blue Water Black Magic Gallery. Book an America’s Cup Tour and marvel at our yachting nation.
Maritime Museum, Central Auckland
