More than 37,000 people have walked Waiheke Island’s 2015 headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition leading in to its final week.

At the previous exhibition in 2013 the event had attracted only 30,000 visitors at the same stage.

The celebrated biennial event features 31 major site specific sculptures on the two kilometre Matiatia headland costal walkway.

There is also a small sculpture gallery in the headland Pavilion where guests can enjoy live music and experience a taste of Waiheke with a selection of local wine and beer with food from chefs Ana Schwarz and Nico Fini.

headland Sculpture on the Gulf project director Rae Finlay says visitors to the exhibition have enjoyed the mostly settled weather and great walking conditions.

“Waiheke is a special place, especially when the sun is shining. So far 37,000 guests have enjoyed the magnificent collection of sculptures on the Matiatia headland. Weather forecasts for the final week are good and we are expecting another surge of visitors.”

There will be a celebration of Valentine’s Day at the Pavilion on Saturday (February 14) with a menu featuring fresh oysters and Waiheke Batch Winery bubbly at a special price.

“Leave the hustle and bustle behind you,” Rae Finlay says. “Take the sculpture shuttle up from the headland Pavilion to do an early evening headland sculpture walk first and then enjoy a fabulous romantic dinner to the live sounds of Ian Simpson.”

Five of the walkway exhibition sculptures have already sold with some key pieces still available.

Visitors have the opportunity to select their own favourite sculpture when voting for the winner of the $10,000 Fullers People’s Choice Award to be announced at the conclusion of the event on Sunday 15 February.

Sculptures sold

• James Wright ‘Target‘ $45,000
• Audrey Boyle ‘the knot not and the knot now’ $10,000
• Anah Dunsheath ‘ My Pic is My Bond’ $19,500
• Sharonagh Montrose and Helen Bowater ‘Crossed Wires’ $10,000
• Ioane Ioane ‘The Return of Manuruhi’ $28,000
• A wide selection of smaller sculptures from both the headland Walkway artists and invited artists has also sold in headland Pavilion Gallery. Stock is being replenished regularly so there is still a great variety available for sale. 

Entertainment schedule for final week