Whanganui Art Trip

Whanganui Art Trip

Friends

28 – 30 March 2025

Friends only / $500 per person (does not include accommodation or travel)

Nestled on the south-west coast of Te Ika-a-Māui North Island, Whanganui is home to a concentrated treasure trove of Aotearoa’s finest art and craft.

The trip will commence on Friday evening with a welcome from the Friends of the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, at the home of one of Whanganui’s preeminent art collectors. 

Saturday will be filled with visits to studios and art galleries, including well-known glass art duo Emma Camden and David Murray, and local mixed-media artist Katherine Claypole. One of the beauties of Whanganui is the number of art galleries, museums, studios and cafes, all within easy walking distance of each other and the iconic Whanganui awa. This trip has been designed to take advantage of this geographical concentration. 

Sunday will focus on exploring the newly reopened jewel in the art crown of Whanganui, the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. Closed for 10 years, for a long time its future hung in the balance. However, due to the enormous effort of a dedicated group of art lovers the necessary renovations have been undertaken, including a new addition to the original gallery. The Sarjeant Friends and gallery staff will guide us through the various exhibitions and share some of the stories surrounding the reemergence of this beautiful place.

To round off the weekend we will visit a truly unique private museum dedicated to Aotearoa ceramics – the Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics. The Rick Rudd Foundation was established in 2013, and in 2014 Rick purchased what has now become the Quartz Museum. The museum is open to the public and offers an opportunity to view an extensive and once private collection of outstanding New Zealand ceramics. 
The trip ticket includes all visits, welcoming events and lunches. 

Exclusions / Terms and Conditions

- Accommodation and travel are not included.
- Dinners are not included, but venue options for Saturday and Sunday will be offered.
- Recommended travel options to Whanganui include flying to and from Palmerston North. If there is sufficient uptake a bus service can be arranged to provide transport to and from Whanganui. Friday departing Palmerston North Airport at 3pm. Monday morning departing Whanganui at 8.30am. This allows for connection to several flights from Ōtautahi Christchurch on both days. 
- Accommodation recommendations are available on request.

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