8 Things to do in Whangamatā
Discover some of the finest creative things to do in Whangamatā this long weekend.
Excellent news, Whangamatā: Easter is upon us! This week sees the rare double public holiday, meaning that we get to bask for a whole four days of weekend. Living in the Coromandel Peninsula doesn’t get much better than a long weekend of luxuriating and enjoying some of our cultural highlights. Read on to see our pick of creative things to do in Whangamatā this holiday.
There’s not one but three open studios that are not to be missed this Saturday and Sunday.
- Easter Exhibition Open Studio – harbour side at 129 Moana Anu Anu Ave.
View an amazing array of artworks from internationally-acclaimed and local award-winning artists. This is a unique opportunity to have a chat with the artists, and even commission your next artwork.
2. Easter Open Studio – Whangamatā
Next stop is Hetherington Road with three diverse artists and invited guests presenting their artworks in person.
3. Easter Open Studio – Opoutere
If you’re in Opoutere, look out for a yellow flag and pop-in to say ‘Hi’ to fibre artist, Greta Whyte.
4. Whangamatā Lions Craft & Farmers Market
With an estimated 100 stalls, there is something for all the family to enjoy at this huge market. It only happens three times per year so don’t miss out!
5. Tom Petty Tribute Show ‘The Refugees’
Saturday night sees some of New Zealand’s most well-regarded musicians performing covers from Tom Petty – one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Catch The Refugees on the Whangamatā leg of their nationwide tour
Whilst not on the Open Studio trail this time round, local painter and mixed media artist, Joanne Mahoney’s studio is open by appointment. Give her a call in you’re in the neighbourhood and you might be lucky enough to get a one-on-one tour of the studio she loves to work from.
Whangamatā is famous for its amazing surfing break, great beaches and rainforests so it’s no wonder it has inspired generations of artists. If it’s not beach weather this weekend, head over to Kauri Cliff Gallery for some simply stunning Kauri tree sculptures, created by award-winning artist Tony Howse. Here’s what Tony says about his artworks,
“Having lived by the sea all my life, influences my choice in the sculpture I bring to the form. I love to fuse the natural rhythm of the ocean with the true form of the wood.”
This diverse, intimate gallery prides itself on offering ‘a little of the best’. Call in and check our some of the stunning originals on display.
