Arts & Crafts
It comes as no surprise that Kaikoura’s landscape of contrasts, wildlife and beauty has provided a home for a diverse range of artists from all over the world.
Visitors to Kaikoura will not have to go far to be dazzled by the region’s talent. Right on the main street, the range of local jewellery, pottery, wood craft, handmade postcards and paintings in the windows of the Sealside Gallery and Contours Gallery beckon to the passer-by.
A short walk or drive up to Scarborough Street on the peninsula to visit Brigitte and Walter Kunz’s Art and Design Gallery will be greeted with a bright environment packed with mirrors, paintings and sculpture. Brigitte’s gold leaf gilded pieces showcase the fragility, richness and shine of the traditionally fragile medium.
Over the hill and down the road is the fisherman’s paradise South Bay and the place where local woodworker Brian Betts’ studio Crafty Stuff is situated.
For visitors who enjoy photography, a distinctive and unique representation of the area can be found in Andrew Spencer’s West End gallery which is adorned with majestic landscapes, quirky wildlife... people and images which leave the viewer transfixed with awe.
For those wishing to see the real thing, a 10 minute drive north will lead you to a piece of Kaikoura’s dramatic coastline, a unique surf spot and some iconic Kaikoura pottery.
Down the shingled Kiwa Road is Juanita Edelmann’s Seaward Pottery studio which is nestled amongst a beautiful garden with an atmosphere you might find hard to leave.
Artists whose work does not adorn the walls of galleries can be found in various eateries around the town, such as environmental pointillist Rio Rossellini, whose intricate dolphins and whales not only help to promote conservation of the ocean but are beautiful too.
The year’s art calendar is a colourful one with the Kaikoura Winery’s Art in the Dark and Eco Art exhibitions bringing a mix of the region’s clever novices and professionals out of the woodwork. The Seaward Kaikoura Lions Trash Fashion Show, which is held every two years, is another opportunity for the town’s creativity to be present, this time in an environmentally friendly way, as locals are invited to reach for their banished junk and recycled bits and pieces to create wearable art. Check out the Trash Fashion Museum on West End opposite the car park.
People visiting Kaikoura at the weekends in the summer can pick up various arts and crafts for a song at the Kaikoura market day, held every Saturday. It is also held once a month in the winter.
The Pink Shed, situated on the historic and magical grounds of Fyffe House, also displays some of the region’s art during the summer months.
Kaikoura has it’s own resident tattooist, Greg Ashwell at Atawera Art on Avoca St. Greg assists and encourages his customers to really explore the meaning behind their very personal body art. Specialising in Aoteroa designs, Greg has 17 years experience in tattooing, and can ensure that the unique design of your tattoo reflects the message that is relevant to you.
Not to be missed is Homewood Hill Gallery. Artist Karen James specialises in scenic Kaikoura paintings and also has a variety of land & seacapes, animal & portraits, still life & figure drawings in oils, patels and acrylics. Commission accepted. Stop in and see Karen or Bob, opposite Hapuku School on SH1 north of Kaikoura.
For the crafty amongst us, a visit to A Patch of Country, Kaikoura's specialist patchwork store will be sure to impress! Tours regularly come from Christchurch to see the wide range of material available for patchwork, needlework and crafts.
A wide range of Paua jewellery and craftwork is available at Southern Paua and Pacific Jewels, a working factory shop on Beach Rd, under the railway bridge. Look for the fantastic murals on the sides of the building... you can't miss it!