The Ōākura Arts Trail

We look forward to meeting you.

The Ōākura Arts Trail provides a unique opportunity to discover the wealth of artistic talent located in our vibrant coastal town on Surf Highway 45. Timed to coincide with the Taranaki garden festival, you are invited to visit our studios during the last weekend in October and the first weekend in November.

Since its inception in 2006, the Arts Trail has grown to include painters and potters, fibre and glass artists, photographers and jewellers, and sculptors of wood, metal and stone – exploring realism, fantasy, fun, light, and scale, and showcasing the diverse ideas and perceptions of a truly dedicated group of artists.

Nestled between the Kaitake Ranges and Ōākura Beach, the village offers a range of cafes and the iconic Butlers Reef Hotel for feeding and watering, or stop in at the 4 Square to pick up supplies for a picnic lunch on the beach or among the towering redwoods at Lucy’s Gully. If you are visiting from outside the region and considering making the most of the 10 days of gardens and the arts, the Ōākura Beach Holiday Park is the perfect place to stay.

So head west to Ōākura on the Surf Highway from New Plymouth or Hawera. Whether your motivation is to find inspiration through talking to the artists in their studios, watching demonstrations, or joining in a workshop, or it’s to find the perfect piece for that space on the wall, the table or in the garden, come and join us. We’re easy to find – look out for our large yellow and turquoise flags

We would suggest a good place to start is at The Vineyard Bistro at Ōkurukuru , 5 minutes north of Ōākura village, where there is an exhibition of work from all participating artists to whet your appetite and help you plan your experience.

Some of these studios are only open during this event, but others welcome visitors throughout the year. For more information see under the category our artists or open our map to guide you to our studios under Event Weekends.