Northland’s Arts & Craft

Courtesy of Northland Naturally .

Northland is one of New Zealand’s most creative regions. The natural beauty, isolation, strong cultural tradition and diversity of this vast region are factors which foster a rich creative environment for people working in various fields of the art sector.

Importantly, Northland’s strong Maori cultural heritage is intrinsic to its artistic identity and appeal. The arts are the manifestation of Northland’s strong cultural dynamism, which is fresh and forward-looking while being steeped in tradition.

Galleries, museums and several Art Trails lead you on a journey of discovery filled with artistic treasures, many influenced by a strong cultural thread and enhanced by the extraordinary landscapes.   From an expansive collection of community arts organisations to internationally recognised artists, the choice is extensive, dynamic and diverse.

The Northland Art Trail spans the region from Mangawhai just 1 ½ hour’s drive north of Auckland, to Awanui in the Far North and covers both east and west coasts.  Galleries, Art Centres, Jewellers, even a hands-on glass bead making studio are plotted, together with such notable public art as the Waka and Wave sculpture in Whangarei, a pioneering piece of art both in its conception and in its innovative engineering – a powerful expression of two cultures converging.  Another well-known artwork on the trail is the Kawakawa Public Toilet building, the only Hundertwasser designed structure in the southern hemisphere – a functional building that doubles as a work of art and embraces organic form and environmental principles of architecture.

Specific area art trails include the Kerikeri Art and Craft Trail.  In Kerikeri, known as ‘The Cradle of the Nation”, you will discover award winning boutique wineries and cafes, together with subtropical nurseries and established citrus & avocado orchards and fledgling olive groves producing fine oils.  The Kerikeri Art and Craft Trail will take you through the townships of historic Kerikeri and Waipapa, past the Stone Store built in 1832 and the Kemp Mission House.  En route you will be able to meet some of the local artists and crafts people in their working studios and delight your senses with the functional, the decorative,
the wearable and the edible – all within a few kilometres of the township.

On the west coast of Northland, picturesque Rawene is a must-do destination on any visitor’s journey into Hokianga’s buzzing art scene. Here the local 1960s Post Office stands as a fine example of retro historic New Zealand public architecture. It was restored to its original flavour and converted into a quirky and stylish boutique by its new Kiwi owner who left her high flying design career in the Milan and London fashion industries to soak up the potent creative juices of the area.  From the local “Hokianga chic” fashion label to cool retro op-shop finds and unique high-quality New Zealand design – the Rawene outlet represents the incredible cosmopolitanism and artistic buzz of this oddly backwater part of Northland. A skip down to the waterfront leads you into the local café which serves you an astonishingly faithful taste of Italy next to more local art and craft. Hop on the ferry and travel through time to the Victorian village of Kohukohu, where a historic walk takes you around the strings of unspoiled kauri villas perched on the hills overlooking the Hokianga Harbour. But do not be fooled by the feelings of time gone by – Kohukohu is the hub of the Hokianga’s contemporary art scene with a craft shop, galleries and an artist’s studio which exclusively feature the locals’ unique brand of creative activity.   

Pick up a copy of The Heart Trail for a superb opportunity to explore the Hokianga’s blossoming arts scene, meet the local artists and artisans at their studios or workplaces and experience the creative output of numerous others in cafe and craft shop settings.  The Heart Trail also lists suggested accommodation around the area for art lovers, from backpacker hostels to luxury lodges.

A geographical spread of arts and artists over the entire region hosts a remarkable array of arts activities with festivals, exhibitions, events and performances happening throughout the year and offering an opportunity to enjoy the best of our artists, artisans, actors, dancers and musicians.