What's On: Art trails in Whangārei Heads and Mangawhai this Easter weekend

Michelle Devine shows Anne Hazelwood her divine creations at last year's Whangārei Heads Art Trail. Photo/Tania Whyte

Art lovers will be in for a treat this weekend with a chance to enjoy the beauty of artwork and the coastal settings in which it is displayed.

The Whangārei Heads Art Trail and the Mangawhai Easter Art Trail are both on this Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors to the Mangawhai Easter Art Trail will get the chance to look at interesting and diverse art while peeking into artists' studios.

With 19 venues, plus the Members' Exhibition in the Artists Gallery, this year's art trail has the highest number of participating artists in any trail so far.

Spokesperson Kim Hamilton said organisers were especially pleased about the trail this year.

"We have a cluster of venues in and around the Pioneer Village and the far-flung studios all are great drives, excellent for people who seldom travel beyond the Heads and Village."

Central to the trail map are six venues clustered beside Mangawhai Museum which has its annual book fair on at the same time.

"Last year people enjoyed visiting the heritage church, this year we are thrilled to be filling four heritage buildings - the church, post office, Tara Road School and the Te Arai library.

"Then there's an easy stroll to the studio of Sarah C – Indoor Outdoor Art and across the road to Stylish Homes who have offered us a beautiful show home for what is going to be a super display."

Tucked in and around the streets of Mangawhai are more venues for people to visit before heading for the outer reaches of the trail.

Stunning spots like Barrier View Dr, Pigeon Berry Lane, Cove Rd, Pebblebrook Rd and Daisy Cottage on Devich Rd will give art lovers a chance to chat to the artists and enjoy beautiful vistas and parts of Mangawhai often unseen by visitors.

Participating in the trail is free but the guide - which includes a map - is $10 and is on sale now at Mangawhai Artists Gallery, Gas Mangawhai, Mangawhai Museum and Mangawhai Books and Gifts.

People can visit mangawhaiartists.co.nz/art-trails for more information.

Meanwhile, The Whangārei Heads Arts Trail will see artists' work exhibited in locations spread along 35km of beautiful coastline.

The event was the brainchild of the Discover Whangārei Heads Tourism group and was first held in 2012.

About 800 people attended that first event, by the second year the number had doubled and now visitors from outside of the region head along.

This year 50 artists will be exhibiting a range of work from jewellery, glass and wood to photography, painting and pottery.

The 2019 event starts in Onerahi and ends at Ocean Beach. To find the locations punters must purchase the $5 trail guide - on sale at ​The Hub, Whangarei Town Basin & iSite State Highway 1 -which will include a free raffle ticket.

For more information visit www.whangareiheadsartstrail.org.nz.