Golden Bay is a paradise for art lovers, where creativity flows as freely as the tides. Nestled between golden beaches and dramatic mountaGolden Bay is a paradise for art loversins, the region is alive with galleries, studios, and workshops that welcome visitors to explore and be inspired.

From exquisite pottery and painting to Māori carving and contemporary sculpture, the local arts scene is as diverse as the landscapes that shape it. Wander through colourful markets, meet passionate artists in their studios, or time your visit with one of the lively festivals that fill the bay with music, dance, and performance.

In Golden Bay, art isn’t just something to admire—it’s an experience to share and remember Golden Bay is a paradise for art lovers!

Collingwood Museum | Golden Bay History

Collingwood Museum. Take a stroll down memory lane.  Everything from early development of the district, school, coal and gold rush days and more…

Langford Store Bainham Collingwood

Langford Store.  A living museum only 20 minutes inland from Collingwood towards the Heaphy Track serving coffee, tea, sweet treats, with treasures on the shelves for all.  Open since 1928.

Mad Café | Collingwood’s Favourite Spot

Mad Cafe. Where, art and music make a difference.  NgAng, has created, a beautiful space.  For like-minded people, to gather, surrounded by amazing art, interesting conversations, rhythmic beats and healing. A very talented eccentric being, brings light and laughter to the heart of Groovywood. Indoor and Outdoor Garden seating available. Opening hours vary.

Aorere Centre Collingwood. Discover western Golden Bays rich history.

Rockville Machinery and Settlers Museum. Steaming traction and stationary engine displays, trucks, tractor and balers and plenty of other historical farm machinery.

Sue Dasler Pottery. Sue Dasler creates elegant, wheel-thrown pottery inspired by New Zealand’s coastal landscapes, blending beauty with everyday function. Her timeless collections bring natural textures and serene glazes into homes across Aotearoa.

Living Arts Gallery A warm, community-driven gallery nestled in Takaka, Living Arts Gallery showcases an eclectic array of handcrafted works—from pottery and jewellery to artisan chocolate and wellness balms—by over 80 Golden Bay and New Zealand makers.

Collingwood Historic Cemetery. A 20 minute walk from the hill behind the Motel or drive to a  fascinating to old cemetery, where the tombstones and plaques reveal the way of life and death for early settlers. And if you interested in more history, you could visit St. Cuthburts church, just a short walk up the drive past the Courthouse Cafe, which has a bench to enjoy the gorgeous view of the Ruataniwha estuary.

Monza Gallery. MONZA Gallery showcases work exclusively by local Golden Bay artists. It offers a broad selection of paintings, jewellery, pounamu, sculpture, ceramics and cards. Set in the big, green historical building on the main street of Takaka. MONZA – More Outstanding New Zealand Art welcomes appreciators and collectors.

Stone Arrow Jewellery. Offers a wide range of designs.  Crafted from pounamu, sterling silver, paua, copper and recycled glass. They combine the traditional and the innovative. In a world of mass production, they value original handmade designs inspired by nature.

Golden Bay Museum. Explore the rich tapestry of Golden Bay/Mohua’s heritage at Golden Bay Museum – Te Waka Huia o Mohua, housed in a restored post-office building in Tākaka. Visitors can wander through displays that bring to life Abel Tasman’s 1642 encounter, local Māori and settler history, and the region’s natural and industrial stories—all presented with warmth and insight.

Golden Bay Art Vault. The Art Vault is an ever changing showcase of local artists in a beautifully restored 100 year old Bank Building. With ongoing changing exhibitions the Art Vault is always worth a visit. 

Hells Fire Forges. Hell’s Fire Forges in Golden Bay blends traditional blacksmithing with a bold, punk-rock flair, crafting everything from functional tools to striking metal art. Their workshop is a creative hub where fire, steel, and imagination come together in unforgettable designs.

Paper Sissors Rock Gallery. Paper Scissors Rock is an artist-run co-operative nestled on Takaka’s Commercial Street, showcasing a vibrant mix of ceramics, printmaking, embroidery, painting, jewelry, and accessories—all crafted by Golden Bay makers. Located near the playground between Art Vault and the TLC Café, this creative hub celebrates local artistry in a welcoming, collaborative space.

Sculpture 705 Lollokiki is the collaborative art identity of two Takaka-based artists, Toy Murchie and Kas Muller, who have been creating together since 1997. They are the resident artists at Sculpture705, an artistic complex in Pōhara, Golden Bay—comprising a courtyard, studio shop, archway, sculpture garden, and workshop space

Kuketa Jewellry. Kuketa Jewellery, nestled in the heart of Tākaka on Commercial Street, offers a curated collection of handcrafted jewellery by Pam Nelson and fellow Golden Bay artists—where local craftsmanship meets timeless design.