Creative Northland

Whangārei, Northland

“We Connect & Grow Northland’s Arts, Culture & Heritage.” Our organisation is mandated to develop the arts and cultural sector within the Northland region.

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Upcoming Events

Thu 12 Nov

11:00 am

Auaha Kōrero - Sarahlee -

A relaxed monthly gathering bringing together Tai Tokerau Northland’s creative community to connect, share and be inspired.Held on the second Thursday of every month, each session creates space for creatives, artists, practitioners and makers to come together, hear from others in our creative community, discover new opportunities and build meaningful connections.Each month, we’ll hear from a guest creative who will share their journey - their mahi, what inspires them, the challenges they’ve navigated, lessons they’ve learned and the ideas or experiences they’d like to pass on to others.Our upcoming guest speakers:November 12th - Sarah Lee StudioJan we will have a break due to the festive season and return in Feb 2027The format is informal and conversational, with plenty of room for questions, kōrero and networking.It's FREE to attend - Coffee and Tea provided!RSVP HERE - https://forms.gle/4GpBiZvzesEEX6tN6Come along, grab a cuppa, meet other local creatives and be inspired in your creative practice.When: Second Thursday of every monthTime: 11am–12pmWhere: Creative Northland, Railway Road, Whangarei Who: Creatives, artists, makers, practitioners and anyone interested in connecting with Northland’s creative community.

Whangārei, Northland

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Wed 02 Dec

05:30 pm

Bitch N' Stitch Club

🧵 Bitch N' Stitch Club – Christmas Craft Workshop!Get creative this December with Nyree and the Bitch N' Stitch crew at ROOST!Join us for a relaxed evening of crafting, stitching and probably a few good chats as we make Scrappy Lil' Birds and Christmas Stars!Choose from the provided patterns or get creative with your own design to take home. No experience needed, and all materials are supplied!📅 Wednesday 2 December⏰ 5:30pm – 8:30pm📍 ROOST, 28 Bank Street, Whangārei🎟️ FREE ENTRYRegister your interest with ROOST:09 988 9189 | howdy@roostonbank.comBrought to you by Creative Northland and ROOST.

Whangārei, Whangarei, Northland

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Thu 10 Dec

11:00 am

Monthly Creative Conversations - Auaha Kōrero - Dyego Cortinas

AUAHA KŌRERO – FINAL CREATIVE CONVERSATION OF 2026! 🎬📸Join us for our final Auaha Kōrero of the year with filmmaker, photographer and storyteller Dyego Cortinas.Originally from Uruguay and now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Dyego has spent the past 20 years working across film and photography, capturing stories that have taken him around the world.His diverse creative journey includes working on major Hollywood productions, feature films, television, documentaries and music videos, alongside documenting people and communities in extraordinary environments - from Indigenous shamans in Colombia and Samoan fire knife dancers to mountain climbers in the Andes.These experiences, combined with his interest in meditation, mindfulness, nature and wellbeing, have shaped his unique approach to storytelling, creativity and the human experience.Come along to hear about Dyego's creative journey, the influences behind his work and the lessons he's learned along the way.ABOUT AUAHA KŌREROAuaha Kōrero is a relaxed monthly gathering bringing together Te Tai Tokerau Northland's creative community to connect, share and be inspired.Held on the second Thursday of each month, these informal sessions feature a guest creative sharing insights into their practice, inspirations, challenges and experiences. There's plenty of opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, discover new opportunities and build meaningful connections.Whether you're an artist, maker, creative practitioner or simply interested in creativity, everyone is welcome!EVENT DETAILS📅 Thursday 10 December 2026🕚 11am - 12pm📍 Creative Northland, Railway Road, Whangārei☕ FREE to attend – tea and coffee provided!👉 RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/4GpBiZvzesEEX6tN6Come for the kōrero, grab a cuppa, meet other local creatives and leave with fresh inspiration for your own creative journey!

Whangārei, Whangarei, Northland

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Our Locations

South Seas Art Gallery

South Seas Art Gallery has become a favourite destination for locals and visitors seeking authentic contemporary Maori and Pacific Island art. The gallery presents a thoughtfully selected collection that celebrates the creative traditions of the region while embracing modern artistic expressions. Guests appreciate the calm, welcoming atmosphere that allows them to take their time appreciating each piece on display.

15 York Street, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Village Arts

Village Arts is Hokianga's community art gallery. Scheduled solo and group exhibitions plus a showcase space highlight the area’s established and emerging artists.

1376 Kohukohu Road, Kohukohu 0491, New Zealand

Wood2water

We've got a little bit of everything, local art, beautifully turned and crafted Woodwork and ceramics, various wooden, bone and pounamu Jewelry, plus our fabulous Merino/Possum Knitwear and boutique clothing, natural skincare products and local Honey's. It's all locally made or regionally sourced, so it's the best of the North under one roof.

22 York Street, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Pompallier Mission and Printery

Pompallier Mission and Printery, set on the waterfront of Russell in Northland, is one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage sites. Established in the 1830s as the heart of the French Catholic Mission in Kororāreka, it offers visitors an immersive journey into nineteenth-century life. Guided tours run regularly and reveal the original printery, bindery and tannery, where skilled guides demonstrate historic printing, bookbinding and leather-making techniques using authentic tools. Seasonal experiences even allow visitors to create their own print on the original French Common Press. Self-guided options provide access to museum displays and beautifully maintained gardens, orchard and walking tracks with panoramic views over the Bay of Islands. A French-inspired coffee house, lawn games and the Good Merchant store add a relaxed social dimension, offering locally roasted coffee, handmade notebooks and heritage-inspired goods. Together, education, landscape and leisure combine to make Pompallier a living, engaging window into Aotearoa’s early colonial history.

5 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Kororareka Artists Gallery : Russell School Hall

The Kororareka Artists Gallery radiates a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws visitors into the heart of local creativity. This space serves as a hub for artistic expression, where the air hums with the quiet energy of inspiration.

Russell School Hall Church Street, Russell

Flying Fish Design Store

The Flying Fish Design Store embodies the spirit of New Zealand's creative heritage, blending artistry with accessibility in a space that feels both intimate and inspiring. Opened in November 2003 in Paihia, this art gallery and specialty shop was born from a passion to elevate the shopping experience for visitors exploring the Bay of Islands. Founders sought to connect travelers directly with the work of exceptional artisans, curating a collection that reflects the diverse talents across the country. Today, the store stands as a beacon for those seeking authentic, handmade pieces that capture the essence of Kiwi innovation.

27 Williams Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands Trading Company

Step into a world of curated treasures at The Bay of Islands Trading Company, where the range of experiences spans from leisurely browsing exquisite gifts to discovering captivating artworks. Located in Russell, Northland, this specialty shop offers an eclectic collection of homewares and stylish clothing sourced from creative hubs in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Europe. Each item is chosen to spark inspiration, turning a simple visit into a journey of personal discovery.

8 Cass Street, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Sarah C - Indoor Outdoor Art and Gifts

Every visitor to Sarah C - Indoor Outdoor Art and Gifts in Mangawhai Heads discovers a treasure trove of creativity. Established as a dedicated art studio and gallery, this venue showcases the original works of artist Sarah C, blending artistry with everyday appeal. The collection emphasizes indoor and outdoor artworks designed to elevate any environment, from a bustling home office to a tranquil bach retreat. With an eye for gorgeous colours and thoughtful designs, Sarah C's pieces range from practical garden installations to exquisite framed prints and one-of-a-kind originals. The use of mixed mediums—ceramics for tactile depth, wood for natural warmth, canvas for expansive expression, and corrugated iron for rustic texture—sets these works apart, offering something unique for every taste.

18 Thelma Road South, Mangawhai Heads 0505, New Zealand

Phillipa Reeve Creative

Phillipa is an intuitive artist who paints with acrylics in an abstract expressionist style. She trained with Nicholas Wilton at Art2Life. For her, painting is a way to explore an idea and feeling with colour, shape, line and texture. The work has been described as bold, free and luscious.

631 Settlement Road, Kaiwaka 0573, New Zealand

Ake Ake Shrouds

Karen is a botanical printer and funerary artist. She uses plants to create a unique aesthetic on bespoke funeral shrouds, finding connection between plants, person and place through the artistic process.

132 Gibbons Road, Kaiwaka 0573, New Zealand

Art and Craft Maker Space

Step into a world of creativity at the Art and Craft Maker Space Whangārei, a vibrant community studio managed by Creative Northland. Nestled in the heart of Northland, this maker space is designed to be a haven for artists, crafters, and enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced creator or just starting your artistic journey, this welcoming environment provides the tools and inspiration needed to bring your ideas to life. Open from Tuesday to Friday between 10 am and 2 pm, the studio offers a unique opportunity to spend your day immersed in hands-on making and innovation.

Railway Road, Whangārei 0110, New Zealand

Russell Museum

The Russell Museum is a treasured cultural hub in Kororāreka/Russell, offering visitors a rich insight into the stories that shaped the Far North and Aotearoa New Zealand. Located in one of the country’s earliest European settlements, the museum reflects Russell’s layered history as a Māori stronghold, a whaling port, and a key site in the nation’s colonial past. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the museum shares taonga, photographs, artworks, and historical records that bring local narratives to life. It plays an important role in preserving and interpreting both Māori and Pākehā histories, fostering understanding and connection across generations. More than a repository of objects, the Russell Museum is an active community space that supports education, heritage protection, and cultural dialogue. For locals and visitors alike, it provides an accessible and engaging way to explore the people, events, and enduring spirit of Russell and the wider Bay of Islands.

2 York Street, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

At the heart of New Zealand’s historical narrative lies Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a profoundly significant site in Waitangi, Northland. As the location where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, this venue is often regarded as the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Today, it stands as a celebrated historical landmark, welcoming visitors to explore its rich heritage through guided tours, cultural performances, and insightful exhibitions. Managed with care, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer an authentic window into the nation’s past, blending educational experiences with breathtaking natural beauty.

Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi 0293, New Zealand

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

When visitors arrive at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, they step into a living tapestry of New Zealand's history. This renowned heritage site, nestled in the Bay of Islands, immediately immerses guests in the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. Expect a welcoming atmosphere where the natural beauty of the grounds complements the profound historical narratives.

1 Tau Henare Drive, paihia, Paihia 0247, New Zealand

MGTO Gallery

Nestled beneath a historic church in the heart of Maungaturoto, this contemporary art gallery, run by a dynamic artist-led collective, hosts rotating exhibitions and is just 5 minutes from SH1. Offering a warm and inviting space to explore, it’s a must visit.

136 Hurndall Street East, Maungaturoto 0520, New Zealand