7 Artsy Things to do in Tauranga

Artsy Things to do in Tauranga

After checking out all the op shops it was time to check out the Artsy thing to do in Tauranga. There are so many things to do in Tauranga and if you are looking for creative based activities here are seven ideas.

1. Take a Class

A couple of months ago I attended a two day Arty Animals workshop with Claire Delaney Mclarey it was held at the Creative Campus at the Incubator Tauranga Historic Village. We had so much fun learning about painting with water colours you must check her socials out if only to be inspired.

 

Make sure to see what other classes and other things are offered at the Incubator.

2. Visit The Historic Village

A day before the workshop started I spent some time exploring the Historic Village. It was my first time visiting.

The village is located on 17th Avenue and has a collection of original and replica historic building. One of the aims of the Village is to offer a home to groups that support the arts, culture and the social needs of the community. They have exhibitions, workshops and more, for further information and opening hours check out historicvillage

I managed to visit a number galleries,  chat to a some of the artists and look at some of the shops. There is plenty of artworks adorning the walls. Here is a small portion

 

3. Visit The Tauranga Art Gallery

A former BNZ Bank the building was purchased in 1999 with the purpose of turning it into an art gallery and officially opened October 2007. To find out more about its history and current exhibitions make sure to head to the website.

While the gallery was open it was between exhibits so I had to console myself with the fabulous art work MidNight Sun by Sara Hughes this is located outside the gallery

 

4. Explore the Strand Reserve & Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture

As part of the Strand Reserve you will find the sculpture. Make sure to check out the kids playground, tidal steps and bombing platform while there.

 

5. Admire The Kowhai Grove Installation, Umbrellas and Street Art

The Kowhai Grove is an installation by artist Bobbie Grey. The Kowhai flowers are made from plastic bottles and  illuminate Grey Street Arcade. You can find out more about the artist on her Facebook Page

If you happen to be wandering through the Piccadilly Arcade and look up you might see a number of umbrellas. I was unable to find any information about these so if you know anything get in touch.

There is also lots of street art adorning many spots around Tauranga. There is even a map to help you out. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to see lots but here are some I found.

 

6. Hike up Mt Maunganui

While this visit I didn’t climb Mount Maunganui or even walk around it, its a favourite activity to do. While taking a hike up a mountain may not be considered one of the artsy things to do in Tauranga we can certainly draw inspiration from it and if you love to take photos its can be pretty picturesque.

I did walk over to Moturiki Island, formally know as Leisure Island. You can walk on top of the island and to find out more about its history make sure to read this.

 

7. Visit Gate Pa Memorial Reserve

The memorial commemorates The Battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pa), one of two battles that took place in Tauranga. It is located in the suburb of Gates Pa on Cameron road. Read more here and here

 

Accommodation

I’m a lover of retro homewares and other vintage things so of course it was without saying that I needed to stay at The Retro Room Airbnb. For a couple or a single person this is the ideal spot. Kim is the hostess with the mostess and thinks of everything.

 

Artsy things to do in Tauranga

I’m sure there are more than 7 Artsy things to do in Tauranga and would love to hear what you’ve found or if you’ve visited any of the places mentioned.