A sculpture walk is the perfect way to combine the enjoyment of art with the beauty of our landscape.
1. Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens
1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, Kaukapakapa, ph (09) 420 5655.
With more than 70 works, this sculpture garden combines a trail through bush, gardens by owners Geraldine and David Bayly, and views of the sparkling Kaipara Harbour. Natives and themed planting offset sculptures by Trish Clarke, Gill Gatfield, Natalie Guy, Peter Lange, Sharonagh Montrose, Jocelyn Pratt, Richard Wedekind, Bruce Young and more. Allow one hour on gravel paths. Exhibition changes every November.
2. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Arabella Lane (off Mahurangi East Rd), RD 2, Warkworth, ph (09) 425 4690
This 2km trail lies just before Snells Beach and goes through bush, palms and pastures, with a changing display of 25 to 30 saleable works.
3. Zealandia Sculpture Garden
138 Mahurangi West Rd, RD 3, Warkworth, ph (09) 422 0099.
New Zealand sculptor Terry Stringer designed a building with architect Pip Cheshire in the late 90s to be the centrepiece of Zealandia. The house/exhibition gallery is surrounded by an outdoor exhibition space and enclosed garden with pieces by Stringer, Greer Twiss, Molly McAllister, Chris Booth, Richard McWhannell, and Mary-Louise Brown.
4. Connells Bay Sculpture Park
Connells Bay, Cowes Bay Rd, Waiheke Island, ph (09) 372 8957
This park features the likes of Chris Booth, Fatu Feu'u, Virginia King and Jeff Thomson along with annual temporary installations and a bi-annual photographic project. There is a cottage to rent on the property, and pop into nearby Passage Rock Winery for wine and food.
5. Te Whau Garden
31 Vintage Lane, Te Whau Rd, Waiheke Island, ph (09) 372 6748
There are a number of relaxing walks here through palms, native forests and a wetland with more than 50 major sculptures on display. Walks vary from 20 minutes to one hour.
6. Auckland Domain Sculpture Walk
A permanent walk featuring works by Chiara Corbelletto, John Edgar, Charlotte Fisher, Fred Graham, Christine Hellyar, Neil Miller, Louise Purvis and Greer Twiss. Some take a little work to find, so download a map and guide from aucklandmuseum.com.
7. Auckland City Waterfront Trail
Walk a waterfront sculpture trail from Britomart, through QEII Square, along Quay St and around the viaduct to view seven works of art by Michael Parekowhai, Te Ahi Kaa Roa and more. Download a map from aucklandcity.govt.nz.
8. Flametree Art Garden & Gallery
16a O'Brien Rd, Coatesville, Auckland, ph (09) 414 7433
A boutique art exhibition space set in landscaped gardens in Coatesville, with pieces by established and emerging artists in paint, mixed media, photography, sculpture, carving, glass, metal, and more.
9. Rannoch Sculpture Forest
77 Almorah Rd, Epsom, Auckland, ph (09) 630 5574
A diverse array of contemporary New Zealand sculpture, many pieces of which were commissioned by the James Wallace Arts Trust. It is alive with giants, creatures, architectural obscurities and all manner of curious forms amounting to more than 100 sculptures. You need to complete a Rannoch visit request form or contact the trust to organise a tour.
10. Waitakaruru Arboretum & Sculpture Park
207 Scotsman Valley Rd, RD 4, Hamilton, ph (07) 824 0733.
An extensive sculpture gallery set in a 17.5ha arboretum built on an abandoned quarry on the edge of the Waikato. The 2km trail winds past gardens, ponds, waterfalls and the sculpture area. Open daily 10am to dusk. Adults $10, children free.
