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The Mahurangi Artist’s Studio Trail returns from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 8, inviting art lovers to explore the diverse range of local studios and creative workspaces across the region.
Coordinator Alysn Midgelow-Marsden says this year’s trail is bigger than ever with 60 artists across 33 venues, from Puhoi to Leigh.
“With 26 artists new to the trail, visitors can expect fresh work, new spaces and plenty of surprises – even if you’ve visited before,” she says.
“From bronze sculpture in Puhoi to ceramics, glass and mixed media in Matakana and Leigh, the Mahurangi Artist’s Studio Trail offers a summer journey through one of Aotearoa’s most vibrant and creative regions.”
It begins in Puhoi before heading to Mahurangi West and then Pohuehue including the popular venue hosted by the multi-talented artist Philippa Stichbury, who’s known for painting, sculpture, textiles, digital, mixed media and ceramics.
In Warkworth, there’s six venues plus trail central at the Warkworth Town Hall, which is a hub featuring nine artists, a members’ showcase exhibition. Refreshments will be provided at the hall by the Kowhai Coast Lions Club 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 (MM, Sep 16).
Visitors can purchase a unique artwork for $50, which supports 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.
“Whether you dip into one studio or follow the trail end-to-end, it promises to be a memorable summer journey filled with creativity, conversation, and discovery,” Midgelow-Marsden says.
Trail visitors will also be able to take part in two special 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 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
Mahurangi Artist’s Studio Trail, Friday, January 30 through to Sunday, February 8. Venues open 10am – 4pm. Warkworth Town Hall may open at different times or days during the trail so check on the trail map available at your local eateries, businesses and the Warkworth Information Centre. Plan your route online at: www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com/mahurangi-art-trail-2026
