Art finds in the capital

Museum of Te Papa New Zealand Tongarewa

Listed among Lonely Planet’s top 500 things to see in the world, Te Papa(opens in new window) is New Zealand’s bold and innovative national museum. This treasure trove of New Zealand stories boasts an excellent gift store, with locally-made products from some of the country’s top creative talent. Shop the exquisite range of greenstone jewellery, art books, Kiwiana homewares and more.

Academy Galleries

The showcase of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts(opens in new window), Academy Galleries has a fascinating history and a year-round programme of exhibiting works by local and international artists. Most works are on sale at a low commission rate.

Galleries galore

A hub of creativity, it is no surprise that Wellington is dotted with more than 55 galleries, each unique and a “must-visit” in its own right. Local favourites include the likes of Kura Gallery, which specialises in contemporary Māori art and design, AVID Gallery Ltd(opens in new window) and Peter McLeavey Gallery(opens in new window).

Worth putting on the list

These galleries may not sell artworks, but are an absolute delight if you appreciate art and creativity.

• City Gallery(opens in new window) in the heart of Wellington focuses on contemporary art from around the world, with dedicated galleries to local, Maori and Pacific artists.
• New Zealand Portrait Gallery (opens in new window)is a visual archive of faces, some celebrated, others seldom seen. These faces have helped define our nation.
• Museum Art Hotel(opens in new window) It is not often that a hotel figures on your list for its art, but this is different. Museum Art Hotel permanently displays numerous works by local artists to entertain and inspire guests.