Discover Wānaka’s Creative Community

Wānaka might be known for its mountain scapes, its dreamy lake views and the plethora of nature on our doorstep – but really, it’s the creativity of our community that brings this place to life.

To discover Wānaka is to discover a town that’s as creative as it is adventurous. Surrounded by nature’s finest, there’s no shortage of inspiration in Wānaka – from the snow-capped peaks, to native birdsong, cold dips in the lake and the changing of the seasons. But it’s the people who turn that inspiration into something tangible: artworks, products, stories, and experiences. And it’s no surprise that our community thrives on creating, making, and sharing that work with the world.

Creatives and our natural landscapes

More than just a backdrop for adventure, the mountains and lakes around Wānaka shape the stories people tell and the way they tell them. Whether painter or photographer, writer, designer, sculptor, crafter or anything in between, our creative network is as diverse as our landscapes – and can’t help but be inspired by this mountain home, too.

The Kenneth Myer Artist Residency at Whare Kea Lodge, for example, inspires ‘art at altitude’ with an annual artist Residency Retreat at the remote mountain lodge. Last year’s 2024 recipient, Sarah Tomasetti, spent two weeks weaving the awe-inspiring scapes of the Mount Aspiring National Park into her creative practice, and the results were breathtaking.

The At the World’s Edge Festival is another example – perfectly weaving art, creativity and the natural mountain landscapes into its offerings, the annual classical music festival held in October is world-renowned for its inspired programmes, stunning surrounds, and free community events in the heart of the Southern Alps.

The creatives behind it all

One of the best ways to truly experience Wānaka’s creative scene is to meet the people shaping it. From local painters like Sierra Roberts, ceramic artists like Shannon Courtenay, or jewellery designers like Alice Herald, our creative communities and local art galleries are filled with talented and dedicated artists committed to their crafts.

As well as browsing local art galleries in town, another way to connect with these artists is to keep an eye out for creative events. From local markets to art sales and open mics, there’s no shortage of creative happenings in Wānaka.

Gallery Thirty Three is a contemporary art gallery right on Helwick Street, showcasing paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery by emerging New Zealand and Australian artists.

The Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition and Art Sale is held every October, where emerging and established artists share the same walls – and you get the opportunity to line yours with a new work or two from local artists.

Creative Juices is a local open mic night for original music and poetry, held on the second Wednesday of every month at Rhyme x Reason Brewery.

Te Wāhi Toi is Wānaka and Queenstown’s online creative directory and event guide, where you can connect with artists, makers, and cultural experiences across the rohe (region).

A creative ecosystem: businesses, supporting artists, supporting businesses.

Creativity in Wānaka doesn’t happen in isolation – it weaves right throughout local businesses, community groups, and the natural environment. It’s a place where artists and businesses are proud to support each other – and here are a few stand-out places doing just that.

1964 Mountain Culture Magazine is an award-winning independent publication born in Wānaka. The journal invites writers, photographers, and illustrators to share stories that reflect life in the Southern Alps – not just the adventures, but also the people, culture, and issues that define this place.

At General Service, a shared workspace and gallery, creatives have room to experiment and connect. It’s as likely you’ll stumble across a pop-up exhibition as you are to meet designers, photographers, and videographers who use the space as their base.

Bike Glendhu is one epic mountain biking destination, but it’s also a place where local artists collaborate on trail art, signage, merch and events. The creativity here is built into the very experience of riding.

And then there’s Mons Royale, the Wānaka-born brand pushing boundaries in performance merino. From their collaborations with photographers and athletes to their partnerships with local storytellers, Mons is all for supporting local creatives and talents.

Together, these hubs, brands, publications, and other organisations support local artists and creatives in a way that fuels both community and business. Supporting one artist or storyteller helps strengthen the wider network: it’s a creative ecosystem of inspiration and collaboration that’s completely Wānaka.

Support local, and take home an authentic piece of Wānaka.

Wānaka’s creative culture shapes the way our community lives, and it also gives visitors countless ways to connect with our people and place. Step into a local gallery, for example, like the Wānaka Fine Art Gallery, a boutique gift store like the Thieving Kea, or a local Wānaka market, and you’ll find artwork, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, prints and more made by local creatives.

Another way to support our local creative community is by choosing to buy from Wānaka artists and makers, rather than big, commercial retailers. By doing so, you take home something meaningful, while also helping the community and our creative ecosystem continue to thrive.

Want to get creating yourself?

Inspired to create? Wānaka is full of creative art classes, workshops and courses to shape your creative ideas. From pottery to paint and sips, photography to dance, writing workshops to open mic nights, there’s no shortage of creative opportunities to dip your toes into – and there’s no time like the present to try something new. These experiences give you more than just a wall piece: they give you a story to take home, and a direct link to the people who make this place special.

Check out Te Wāhi Toi to discover creative events, artists and makers in the region, explore our Arts & Culture listings for more details on our creatives, and don’t forget to check our Events Guide for more creative events in Wānaka.