With so many local artists, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a creative keepsake of your time in Taranaki. Or, pick up a rare treasure from the plethora of antique and vintage shops dotted around the maunga and coastline.
The picture-perfect mountain at the heart of Taranaki has been a central figure for New Zealand art over the years - being painted, drawn or photographed by many of our nation’s greatest artists.
The creative influence of Taranaki Maunga extends right around his base, inspiring a journey through studios, galleries and public art in the form of outdoor sculpture and exhibition spaces. The annual Taranaki Arts Trail and Ōakura Arts Trail(opens in new window) run during the last weekend of October, into November, opening up artists’ studios around the region for drop-in tours.
New Zealand’s first and only museum of contemporary art, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre is a stunning building of curving, mirror-like stainless steel, dedicated to pioneering filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye. His noisy metal sculptures are worth experiencing. Allow time for shopping at the Len Lye Centre gift store – the place to go to take a piece of Len Lye home with you.
Waverley’s Glass and Art Studio offers the opportunity for guests to enjoy the creations of local artists as well as meet the makers themselves. Stratford’s Percy Thomson Gallery, Eltham’s The Village Gallery, New Plymouth’s Jewel and the Jeweller, Gover St Gallery, The Collaboration and KINA NZ Design + Art Space, and Lysaght Watt Gallery and Quirky Fox in Hāwera, The Emporium in Ōpunake, and Gallery Pātea - are all well worth a visit. Home to collections of carefully curated crafts, art, jewellery and designs – many New Zealand made - they offer plenty of options for Kiwi-inspired souvenirs or gifts to take home.
For something rare and unique, head to Ringcraft Moana, for a showcase of beautiful, handcrafted pearl jewellery – a special gift idea for somebody special back home, located on Surf Highway 45.
The eclectic shops on offer in Eltham is a popular ‘must do’ for a shopping experience like no other. A 45-minute drive from New Plymouth, discover the retro wares of The Bank as well as the unique treasures of Antiques and Effects, Dandelion Clocks, and Pauls. Further south, on the Surf Highway 45, stop in at Ōpunake for a visit to Retro on 45, and Treasure Cove. Within New Plymouth, favourites among locals are Vintage Industries, Chadz Antiques, Magpie Collectables, and Faded Fancy. Heading north, Urenui has Village Vintage.
Tempt
Soak up the vintage/country ambiance of New Plymouth store Tempt and shop for homewares, art, fashion and accessories.
Plantation Design House
Enjoy the unique wares of this New Plymouth design house, a shop filled with stunning pieces of designer statement furniture, plants and interior design wares.
Arthaus
Carefully curated collection of everything for your home, or a treat for yourself. Design-led, and budget friendly.
Bianca Lorenne
The epitome of luxury and style, Bianca Lorenne specialises in exquisite linen, home textiles, and interior products.
Home Love & Mette K
Beautiful contemporary home interiors, with a Scandinavian influence.
Bijou Eliot
Beautiful design, art and homewares. Here you’ll find a treasure-trove of stunning homewares, bed linens, furniture, and hand knotted rugs from around the world.
