Auckland's most creative places

With its multicultural makeup and rich creative scene, Auckland is hugely inspiring. Here are six ways to tap into our diverse DNA.

1. Discover Māori culture

Explore the world’s largest collection of Māori treasures (taonga) at the Auckland War Memorial Museum or observe and partake in longstanding Māori practices by spending the night at the Te Tahawai Marae (Māori meeting house) in Pakuranga. New for 2020, the boardwalk at Maungawhau (Mt Eden) encircles the crater and volcano summit, while simultaneously protecting the historic remnants of a 1200AD pā and providing panoramic views over Waitematā Harbour.

Maungawhau (Mt Eden) boardwalk, Central Auckland © Tūpuna Maunga Authority

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.

TE TUHI: This 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: Located in scenic, bush-clad Titirangi, this one hosts ever-changing exhibitions of high-quality art. The gallery shop sells ceramics, glass, jewellery, art publications and handmade craft.

TSB BANK WALLACE ARTS CENTRE: or Pah Homestead as it’s also known as, is a heritage building in Hillsborough housing the contemporary, New Zealand art collection of the Wallace Arts Trust. A gift shop and café are also on site.

SCULPTUREUM GARDENS AND GALLERIES: Located an hours’ drive north of central Auckland, just outside of Matakana. From giant hot-pink snails to life-size lego men, enjoy three beautiful gardens and six art galleries brimming with unique and inspiring pieces. The sculptures are impressive and there’s a good dose of humour thrown in too.

Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries, North Auckland © Todd Eyre

3. Learn about our world

A must-see while in Auckland, the Museum of Transport and Technology, or MOTAT as it’s locally known, is just 10 minutes by car from central Auckland, right next door to Western Springs Lakeside Park and a 12-minute walk from Auckland Zoo. It’s also a fabulous blast from the past. Adults love the airline hangar, packed to the (literal) rafters with vintage planes, while kids adore the hands-on technology zone and Tinkering Tots gallery. The beautiful vintage tram still runs; enjoy a fun, 15-minute ride, complete with traditional tram conductor.

© MOTAT, Central Auckland

4. Discover Art in unexpected places

STUDIO ONE TOI TŪ: An art space and workshop on Ponsonby Rd showcasing an ever-changing display of local artwork.

ALLPRESS STUDIO: A place where designers, artists and community-minded groups share their work directly with the audience, complete with Allpress coffee cart. Found on Drake St, a 4-minute walk from Victoria Park in central Auckland.

THE LIGHTHOUSE: Meander to the end of Queens Wharf and find a white house designed by Michael Parekōwhai. Look through the window for a giant stainless-steel sculpture of Captain James Cook.

MERCY PICTURES: Auckland’s answer to the Tate Modern, without the flashy façade. This modern gallery sits at the top of six flights of stairs on Little High St. Buzz 6012 to get in.

GIRL.XU STUDIO: Just a five-minute walk from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. If you’re feeling creative, join a two-hour Saturday art workshop. Jump online to book.

The Lighthouse/Tū Whenua-a-Kura (artist: Michael Parekōwhai), Central Auckland © David St George

5. Get on the water

Set sail with the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Located in central Auckland, the museum houses New Zealand’s largest maritime collection and runs twice daily sailings. Learn the remarkable stories of Polynesian migration across the Pacific as well as European exploration. Afterwards, board the old ketch for a one-hour harbour cruise.

© Maritime Museum, Central Auckland

6. Take a piece of Auckland home

For chic Kiwiana souvenirs, head east and explore the self-drive Clevedon Art Trail, stopping at Art Industry and Woodzone for unique keepsakes. The gift shops at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Auckland War Memorial Museum are both brimming with cool, quality items, and at Takapuna Beach Sunday Market you’ll find handmade oils, crafts, soaps, art and more. Held every Sunday from 6am-midday.

© Loulaw Munro

Main Image: © MOTAT