Creative trail
The Eastern Bay of Plenty with its stunning coastal outlook, warm and sunny climate, has a burgeoning arts scene. It is in a region bounded by the Pacific Ocean’s blue depths and the rugged mountains of the Te Urewera National Park.
These outstanding natural surroundings have long provided the inspiration for many artists in the region. There is a genuine relaxed atmosphere in the Eastern Bay that enables our artists and craftspeople to make full use of their creativity, resulting in a huge quality and variety of crafts. The vibrant arts and crafts scene has been influenced by the revival and resurgence of Maori culture, so predominant in our area.
Many of our artists enjoy the lifestyle our region is famous for and may be out and about during the day, so we encourage you to plan your trail in advance and phone the artists for an invitation to visit.
We hope that this Creative Trail Map will help you to get to know the arts as they are presented in our area. Blessed with golden sandy beaches, pohutukawa-clad headlands and stunning bush it is no surprise that this area is a catalyst for such creativity. The vibrant Ohope Craft Market is well-known for its quality arts and crafts and features many of the artists included on our Creative Trail along with emerging local talent. The market is on at Ohope Hall on the first and third Saturday of the month during summer and the first Saturday of the month during autumn to spring.
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The Gallery has a changing programme of dynamic & challenging exhibitions featuring works by local, national and international artists. Read more » |
A 11 Boon Street, Whakatane E Email Us T 07 306 0505 W View Website |
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Come and see original pieces being carved. As an amateur stonecarver, Stewart Sutton creates sculptures from local stone, Oamaru stone and man-made materials. |
A , Whakatane T 07 308 9911 |
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Visit the museum and experience a wonderful insight into Opotiki’s past. Opposite the historic St Stephens Church, which is also nice to visit. |
A 123 Church St, Opotiki T 07 315 5193 |
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Sample the boutique-style fruit wines from a large range including strawberry, feijoa and tamarillo. The Celestial Winery welcomes visitors all year round. |
A 44 Bells Rd, RD Waimana E Email Us T 07 312 3644 |
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Did You Know?
Whoooom-whoooom!
Some nights, kiwi can be heard as they roam the hills, under 10km from Whakatane town centre.What a scorcher!
In 2010, Whakatane was the sunniest spot in the whole of New Zealand! Whakatane scores the country’s hottest temperature around 55 days a year. Summer daytime temperatures generally reach 20-25°C.Awesome spot!
This region was central to the first settlement of New Zealand (Aotearoa) by Maori, the tangata whenua (people of the land).No crowds!
The population of Whakatane/Ohope is 17,000. Around 32,000 people live across the wider district.Paradise!
Ohiwa Harbour is a haven for many rare and endangered species of birds. The hills above Whakatane are kiwi sanctuaries. There are many projects to restore and protect local environments. Whales, dolphins and Orca are often seen off the coast of Whakatane.Whoooom-whoooom!
Some nights, kiwi can be heard as they roam the hills, under 10km from Whakatane town centre.What a scorcher!
In 2010, Whakatane was the sunniest spot in the whole of New Zealand! Whakatane scores the country’s hottest temperature around 55 days a year. Summer daytime temperatures generally reach 20-25°C.Awesome spot!
This region was central to the first settlement of New Zealand (Aotearoa) by Maori, the tangata whenua (people of the land).No crowds!
The population of Whakatane/Ohope is 17,000. Around 32,000 people live across the wider district.Paradise!
Ohiwa Harbour is a haven for many rare and endangered species of birds. The hills above Whakatane are kiwi sanctuaries. There are many projects to restore and protect local environments. Whales, dolphins and Orca are often seen off the coast of Whakatane.
