The Mahurangi Artist’s Studio Trail returns from Friday 30 January to Sunday 8 February, inviting visitors to explore this diverse and inspiring creative event.

This year’s Trail is bigger than ever, with 60 artists across 33 venues, spread from Puhoi to Leigh. With 26 artists new to the Trail, visitors can expect fresh work, new spaces, and plenty of surprises — even if they have visited before.

Explore, collect, and win

Trail visitors can take part in two special Trail initiatives:

• Trail Passport Prize
  Pick up a Trail Passport and have it stamped at each studio you visit. Hand it in at your final stop to be in the draw to win a $500 voucher, redeemable on artwork by any Mahurangi Artist Network member.
• People’s Choice Award
  Vote for the studio space you find the most exciting, intriguing, or simply the best. The winning artist will receive a Gordon Harris art voucher, recognising their creativity and presentation.

A creative journey across the region

The Trail begins in Puhoi, where cast bronze sculpture sets the tone, before moving through Mahurangi West and on to Pohuehue, including the ever-popular venue hosted by Philippa Stichbury.

In Warkworth, visitors will find six venues along with Trail Central, a hub featuring nine artists, a members’ showcase exhibition, and refreshments provided by the Lions Club of Kowhai Coast (with proceeds supporting local community groups).

Trail Central is also home to the ‘Waste Less: More Art’ challenge, where artists have created original artworks using materials diverted from landfill, in partnership with Less Waste. Visitors can purchase a unique artwork for $50, supporting sustainability as well as local creativity.

From Warkworth the Trail continues to Kaipara Flats, featuring Joy Bell’s vibrant mosaic environment and a cluster of six artists working in pottery and mixed media. Along the route to Matakana, visitors will encounter glass, ceramics and painting, followed by multiple venues in Sandspit and Snells Beach.

In Matakana, the Trail includes three internationally recognised ceramicists and the newly opened Mahurangi Network Gallery, showcasing work by many Network members. The journey continues to the Tawharanui Peninsula, the new artist hub at Point Wells Hall (with eight artists and refreshments), and finishes in Leigh, where five artists are showing across two venues.

Plan your visit

Leaflets are available at venues throughout the region, or you can plan your route online at:
www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com/mahurangi-art-trail-2026

Whether you dip into one studio or follow the Trail end-to-end, the Mahurangi Artist’s Studio Trail promises a memorable summer journey filled with creativity, conversation, and discovery.