Aotearoa Art Fair returns with its most ambitious edition yet

A standout feature: a free Sculpture Trail at Viaduct Harbour.

With a wide range of exhibits, installations, guided tours and talks, this year’s Aotearoa Art Fair marks the largest presentation in its history.

Running from April 30 to May 3 and spanning 60 galleries and over 200 artists from Aotearoa and abroad, the fair will transform all three levels of the flagship Viaduct Events Centre into a showcase of must-see work from local legends, international heavyweights and emerging creatives alike.

But with so much to see, it can be tricky knowing where to start. The beauty of Aotearoa Art Fair is there truly is something for everyone, from casual appreciators to seasoned aficionados.

For the fair’s Director and long-time collector Sue Waymouth, there is no wrong way to enjoy the event – but if she imagined her “perfect itinerary”, it would start with brunch at Bivacco, followed by a leisurely wander around the fair’s Sculpture Trail.

Now in its second year, this free-to-access trail, which is presented by Viaduct Harbour in association with Auckland Live* transforms Auckland’s waterfront into an open-air gallery, embedding large-scale sculptures into everyday cityscapes.

Highlights include Ngaroma Riley’s interactive poi installation, Kapahaka Queen; Sione Faletau’s Lalava ki he Uho – Connected to the Essence, where the sounds of Waitematā Harbour and their frequencies have been translated into kupesi patterns and Gregor Kregar’s brand-new Cumulus Structure, a reflective, luminous cloud floating above the water.

At the end of the trail, you are rewarded with ANZAC – a Māori waharoa (gateway) honouring fallen Māori soldiers, created by celebrated local artist Lisa Reihana – which forms a magnificent threshold into the centre. The 24 works (up from 9 in 2025) will call the precinct home from April 10 until May 4.

Make sure to visit in Pursuit of Venus [infected], a landmark digital panorama by Lisa Reihana, and Dresstories by Sāmoan-Japanese artist Yuki Kihara.

From there, slowly explore the booths and exhibits across all three floors. Must-sees include Māori sculptor Rangi Kipa’s whale bone carvings (Melanie Roger Gallery, Auckland), Aboriginal artwork by Tania Major and the late Sally Gabori (Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne), beautiful toi Māori stairs by Kauri Hawkins (CHALK HORSE, Sydney) and new work by First Nations Rarotongan artist Mark Maurangi Carrol (Nasha Gallery, Sydney).

Vivid colour by Jonny Niesche (STARKWHITE, Auckland), installations by Korean-New Zealand sculptor Yona Lee (Fine Arts, Sydney) and evocative landscape photography by Scott Perkins (Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin) are other must sees.

“The list is long. Having all three levels, there’s something for everyone – both emerging and established galleries all under one roof,” says Waymouth. “It’s a great chance to start your collection, or just have a drink and meet the artists.”

The fair’s curated sectors also return. Horizons champions a new generation of artists from Aotearoa and the Pacific; Wall House Party uncovers art for everyday living; Works on Paper explores the diversity and accessibility of drawing, printmaking, and photography while Futures centres on emerging galleries and artist-run spaces, offering a platform for fresh voices.

After a pick-me-up (Pommery champagne, perhaps?), check your programme to see what talks are being held that day. Let’s Talk Art panels see lively discussions between artists, collectors and cultural leaders, while Artist Talks bring engaging conversations to the gallery booths.

Waymouth’s recommendations include Building Legacies: Women Collectors, Galleries and the Stewardship of Art (May 2), and Stories of Place: Three Artists in Conversation (May 3) while “an incredible experience” would be weaving with renowned artist Graham Tipene.

“Then, hopefully, take home a beautiful piece of work,” she says. “That would be my perfect day; absorbing art, immersing yourself in everything, talking to artists, and celebrating our distinctive cultural landscape where Māori, Pacific and international contemporary practices converge.”

There is also a diverse range of local galleries on show including Auckland mainstays (Gow Langsford, Melanie Roger, Föenander, ARTIS, Fresh Gallery Ōtara) and Wellington institutions (James Blackie, Jhana Millers, McLeavey Gallery). Regional representation includes Gisborne’s PAULNACHE, Napier’s SPA_CE, and Milford Galleries (Dunedin and Queenstown).

“For me, the most exciting part of the Aotearoa Art Fair is the sense of discovery; the moment someone encounters an artwork that stays with them,” says Waymouth.

“We create connections between artists and collectors, between cultures and perspectives, and between New Zealand’s vibrant art scene and the rest of the world.”

*Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail is presented by Viaduct Harbour in association with Auckland Live. Proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate.

Aotearoa Art Fair runs from April 30-May 3; the Sculpture Trail is free to access from April 10-May 4. For tickets and more information, visit artfair.co.nz/2026-tickets.