Hundertwasser Art Centre With Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Hundertwasser Art Centre With Wairau Māori Art Gallery
Hundertwasser Art Centre With Wairau Māori Art Gallery
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Step inside and be captivated by the unique architecture of the last authentic building in the world designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Be inspired by the largest collection of his original artworks outside of Vienna, each piece reflecting his vibrant spirit and innovative ideas. This is more than just a visit; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates creativity and sustainability. Visitors can be surrounded by nature in the middle of a city on the Afforested Roof, view short films about Hundertwasser’s art, architecture and way of life in our small theatre and relax in the onsite Aqua Cafe-Restaurant with views over the Hatea River. The MuseumShop offers a offers diverse and beautiful range of objects. High-quality Māori art products and books are also available. Wairau Māori Art Gallery, the only public art gallery, is dedicated to displaying the best in contemporary Māori art exploring various indigenous themes and histories. Open 7 days.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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₱870.40
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
159 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
10
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Yo Mac
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Friends
Building was cool especially the outside, the architects did a good job to recreate his style as he died prior to its design.
The gallery space seemed very small in the context of the building but they packed a fair few works in and these were originals.
The Wairau Maori Art gallery was small and had very few works. I had read that this was to be the only dedicated Maori art gallery in NZ and expected a lot more. It actually felt a bit token.
We were told a guide would assist at a later time then discovered that there was no guide beyond a person pointing to where the galleries were. And as it turned out the galleries were packed anyway. The AV room was tiny and cramped and poorly ventilated.
Never fun to make an average review but given all the hype and expectation I was moved to remark mostly because of the size and Maori art gallery expectations I had...which would be different for everyone.
Entry fees vary but about 20 nzd entry per person.
There is a cafe in the building which we would have thought made good gallery space. Plenty of cafes nearby.
There's also a gift shop...really pricey in my opinion.
The gallery space seemed very small in the context of the building but they packed a fair few works in and these were originals.
The Wairau Maori Art gallery was small and had very few works. I had read that this was to be the only dedicated Maori art gallery in NZ and expected a lot more. It actually felt a bit token.
We were told a guide would assist at a later time then discovered that there was no guide beyond a person pointing to where the galleries were. And as it turned out the galleries were packed anyway. The AV room was tiny and cramped and poorly ventilated.
Never fun to make an average review but given all the hype and expectation I was moved to remark mostly because of the size and Maori art gallery expectations I had...which would be different for everyone.
Entry fees vary but about 20 nzd entry per person.
There is a cafe in the building which we would have thought made good gallery space. Plenty of cafes nearby.
There's also a gift shop...really pricey in my opinion.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry M
Wellington, New Zealand140 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is wonderful quirky building well worth the visit to Whangarei in itself. The roof top garden is a real pleasure, as is the cupola. The art museum is well laid out. The 2nd floor gallery containing Hundertwassers work is particularli interesting and inspirinh. Surprisingly
I particularly loved his support for Humus toilets! The ground floor Maori gallery has some good qulity pieces but seemed a bit sparse and underwhelming. There looks to be another gallery, currently empty. If they're not to rely wholly on tourists theyll need to give locsls a reason for a3+r visit so maybe this will house visiting exhibitions (like the Rita Angus recently at Te Papa.
We enjoyed the visit enirmously. There is currently a slight problem with the Android online booking in dark mode. Selecting regipn and how you heard, but wont stop you booking will just give them false data till they fix it.
Highly recommended. The cafe is superb, high quality with interesting tasty food, not the usual cafe fare.
I particularly loved his support for Humus toilets! The ground floor Maori gallery has some good qulity pieces but seemed a bit sparse and underwhelming. There looks to be another gallery, currently empty. If they're not to rely wholly on tourists theyll need to give locsls a reason for a3+r visit so maybe this will house visiting exhibitions (like the Rita Angus recently at Te Papa.
We enjoyed the visit enirmously. There is currently a slight problem with the Android online booking in dark mode. Selecting regipn and how you heard, but wont stop you booking will just give them false data till they fix it.
Highly recommended. The cafe is superb, high quality with interesting tasty food, not the usual cafe fare.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewarts Vacation
1,535 contributions
Apr 2022
A great tribute to Hundertwasser - painter, architect, ecologist, visionary! The building itself is true to his style - bright, colourful and fascinating! According to Hundertwasser, the "geometric straight line is not a creative line" so one needs to be careful of the uneven ground, in keeping with his dislike of straight lines!
There is a gallery downstairs dedicated to Maori art.
Be sure to go upstairs to the main gallery which has an excellent exhibition of art by Hundertwasser, as well as interesting and informative displays detailing his life history.
Do not miss the top outdoor level where you can admire the golden cupola. If you are physically able, take the stairs. There is also an elevator.
The short film presentation was interesting. There is a restaurant on site and a shop selling artsy items which we felt were very pricey.
The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and very willing to engage in a chat.
Purchasing tickets online was a quick and easy process.
There is a gallery downstairs dedicated to Maori art.
Be sure to go upstairs to the main gallery which has an excellent exhibition of art by Hundertwasser, as well as interesting and informative displays detailing his life history.
Do not miss the top outdoor level where you can admire the golden cupola. If you are physically able, take the stairs. There is also an elevator.
The short film presentation was interesting. There is a restaurant on site and a shop selling artsy items which we felt were very pricey.
The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and very willing to engage in a chat.
Purchasing tickets online was a quick and easy process.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liz l
Auckland, NZ64 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
What an amazing legacy for a visionary world-famous artist & conservationist, tucked away on the Whangarei waterside. A destination attraction and well worth a couple of hours detour. Book the 10am tour with expert guide Liz (or peers) for compelling insights into Hunterwasser’s art and life-long passion for the environment. Much better than walking through the gallery by yourself. But be on time as the tours depart 10am sharp.
Will return given that the artworks will be refreshed/rotated on a regular basis.
Hopefully the HW doesn’t get over run by coach loads of tourists in the summer months once this National treasure hits the inbound agent radar. As it’s only small… but perfectly formed. Thank you team.
Will return given that the artworks will be refreshed/rotated on a regular basis.
Hopefully the HW doesn’t get over run by coach loads of tourists in the summer months once this National treasure hits the inbound agent radar. As it’s only small… but perfectly formed. Thank you team.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue Weston
1 contribution
Jun 2022
A really uplifting and inspiring place to visit. From the quirky exterior through to the bold blue gallery walls and mosaic tiled toilets the gallery is colourful. The art works are full of ideas, colour and details, so allow two hours to really enjoy them. The video and explanations accompanying the works give an insight into Hundertwasser's way of living and his environmental concerns. While the messages about the environment seem more urgent than ever, he conveys joy in expressing ways to care for our planet.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa H
Brisbane, Australia652 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Quirky art, beautiful and meaningful. Enjoyed learning about the artists, and spent time enjoying the view in the tower.
Would recommend this to art lovers or those looking for something special and unique.
The gift shop was lovely - great customer service and I thought the prices were reasonable.
Would recommend this to art lovers or those looking for something special and unique.
The gift shop was lovely - great customer service and I thought the prices were reasonable.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy M
Dunedin5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We visited the centre today and were guided through by Pam Tothill who made the experience so very interesting. The suggested 1-2 hours is not long enough to absorb everything. The Wairau Maori art Gallery is something very special. Here you will find a collection of amazing works. If you are coming North from Auckland, this centre is an unmissable stop, but leave yourselves plenty of time.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timetravel88
Auckland Central, New Zealand99 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
The story of Hundertwasser's life and his works is very well presented in this gallery. The building design, the choice of the art pieces and how they are portrayed were all to his requirements. The art works cycle every few years with different pieces being sent from Vienna. The darker walls and the fact that the art is projected out from the walls creates shadows and a 3D effect that is most pleasing. The variety is very extensive; paintings, weaving, posters, models, photographs and film are all there. Interesting roof-top forest, turrets, spirals and other classic Hundertwasser ideas. Most knowledgeable staff that provided extra information about the man and his work. Very good visit all round. Cafe and indoor/outdoor restaurant is also part of the Centre. Certainly a "must" for anyone visiting or passing through Whangarei.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile39606521892
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
May 2022
The Art Centre is an amazing and colourful building, full of interesting displays. I appreciated the quirkiness of trees and plants growing on and through the roof, also being able to use the chairlift to take me up to the highest point. The entry floor needs to be negotiated carefully, due to its unusual configuration.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen B
9 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Our visit to the art centre was such an exceptional and uplifting experience. The building is staggering in its design and construction, the artwork in both the Hundertwasser galleries and the Maori gallery was stunning . We booked a 60 minute guided tour. We had Pam Tothill's knowledge and stories for almost 90 minutes. She had known Hundertwasser and has been involved in the project since its inception. Her passion wS infectious. We enjoyed lunch in the Art Centre Cafe and spent two hours in the afternoon exploring it on our own. Book a tour but also give yourself entry of time to express after the tour
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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