Piha Beach, on the wild Tasman coast, is famous for the Lion Rock vistas, black sand beaches, great surf and deadly rips. If you venture into the water, do so only between the lifeguard flags. Changing rooms, a shop and campground are available. If coming in summer, bring plenty of sunscreens and a hat as it can be blistering hot on the black sand. The beach is also spectacular on a wild, windy day. From north Piha, there are walking tracks to more secluded beaches.
Surrounded by the water, Waiheke Island is known to be the second-largest island of the Hauraki Gulf. Freckled with an abundance of caves, the island branches into several peninsulas, breaking up the coast into a series of tranquil bays. The island's beaches are spotless and a popular choice for family picnics. Visitors may also wander around the island along the various trails that riddle its cliffs and slopes. Waiheke houses many art galleries and sports facilities, as well as a cinema, a theater and various wineries. Waiheke Island's prime attractions include the Whakanewha Regional Park, the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, the Oneroa Bay, Onetangi Beach, the Cascades Waterfall and Pohutukawa Reserve.
This delightful architectural treasure in stone, dates from 1857. It was the home of the Reverend Dr. John Kinder and family and today contains two galleries of his works and memorabilia. While Kinder was a respected churchman and teacher, it is for his prolific painting and photography that he is remembered. His paintings concentrating on architecture and landscape, tell us much about early Auckland and New Zealand, as do the photographs. The house retains its original character, while the garden is beautifully maintained in old cottage style.
Waiheke Community Art Gallery is a jewel in the crown called the Waiheke Island. This quaint island is few miles away from the city and it is home to a number of art minded people. The gallery is famous for its wonderful collection of sculptures, depicting the artist's perception and point of view. The gallery is home to charming ceramic art as well as fine art pieces, that can even be purchased by order. Perfectly complementing its artistically rich surroundings, Waiheke Community Art Gallery invites you to a mesmerizing experience.
Touted to be the city’s art hub, Lake House Arts Centre is an event venue-cum-art space. Every week, it introduces patrons to a different aspect of art and creativity. Workshops, special programs for kids and other events are a regular feature here. It also comprises art gallery, cafe and several studios that can be hired for private celebrations or corporate functions. For detailed information, check website.
Gear up to watch beautiful contemporary art works on display at this state-of-the-art museum in downtown Auckland. Located on Karangahape Road, the Starkwhite gallery invites international artists to exhibit their artworks and also participate in exchange of ideas. Stunning, enigmatic kinetic light sculptures of created by virtual artist Ross Manning, Seung Yul Oh's surreal artworks and Layla Rudneva-Mackay's fine art paintings are few of the exhibitions that have featured here in the past. Although there is no dearth of art galleries in Auckland, the Starkwhite stands out for the innovative artworks that are on display.