Archived Events

Explore creative ways of printmaking without a press, using transparent layering of plastic templates and newsprint masks. Saturday 22 July, 10am-1pm | MAHI TAHI | $50 unwaged / $70 waged

Turumeke Harrington's installation, Tātou tātou, nau mai rā encourages us all to play, interact and consider our goals in this thoughtful exploration of space, navigation and voyaging.

Distinguished Māori weaver Roka Hurihia Cameron brings her woven kākahu (cloaks) and taonga pūoro (musical instruments) to Te Atamira, and talks about interweaving different cultures in her work as a kairaranga (weaver) and kaiāko (teacher). Sunday 16 July | 2 - 3 pm | PUAWAI

Join us for a fun-filled, arts and craft-packed holiday programme. Led by accredited art teacher Michelle and run in collaboration with Youthtown, our bespoke, multidisciplinary arts programme will enthuse all through a range of workshops. Age groups 5-7yrs and 8-12yrs | Monday 3 July - Thursday 13 July

Join us to hear from master carver Steve Solomon talking about his art, including how local materials, conditions and narratives have shaped his art of whakairo (carving). FREE | 2-3pm, Sunday 9 July | MANAAKI MAI

Join Gracie for a hip-hop, Afro/Dance, or Heel dance class. Monday 3 July: Hip Hop/Groove – 8:15–9:15pm, Wednesday 5 July: Afro/Dance hall – 8:15-9:15pm, Friday 7 July: Heels – 6:30–7:30pm

Te Atamira has invited our multicultural community to come together and host a series of kai nights to honour Matariki. This is an opportunity for all to share the unique food traditions of each culture and to reflect upon the significance of Matariki, which symbolises remembrance, celebration, and hope.

A rourou (food basket) is traditionally the first item that beginner weavers learn to make. Learn the history, traditions and correct tikanga associated with harakeke (New Zealand flax) and make a rourou to take home. | Wednesday 5 July, 1 - 3:30pm | Rangatahi - Ages 12-18

Come and join newly formed Project Symphonize in a joyful celebration of harmony. | Wednesday 28 June 2023 | 7.30pm (1 hour) | PUĀWAI

Yoga for Snowsports. With the help of yogic tools, our sessions are designed to train balance, strength & agility in the different layers of the body. Every Tuesday in June, 7:30 - 8:30pm

Join us for an extraordinary winter solstice celebration, hosted by Align Pilates, where we will ignite your inner light and empower you to thrive through the winter months | Thursday 22 June, 5:30 - 7pm | PUĀWAI

'Speed Dating' with a twist- Come along and connect with a cause close to your heart, discover a new passion, meet wonderful people and organisations who strengthen our community through their mahi, and find out how you can get involved.

This new site-specific exhibition by artists Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux unfolds the complex geological, botanical and human histories within schist.

Want to learn more about how you can reduce your household waste and save money doing it?! Sustainable Queenstown is bringing you Wastebusters' brand new workshop series: Low Waste Living - Households. | Thursday 15 June 2023 | 6.30pm | WHAKAARI

This exciting collective six-week contemporary jewellery artist residency and exhibition is going to be ever-evolving. Every week new artists will arrive to make in this wonderful space and more contemporary jewellery will be installed until we have a grand closing. | MANAAKI NUI

Marking the closing weekend of our remarkable schist installation, Stone Moves, by Miranda Bellamy & Amanda Fauteux, we present a compelling demonstration of the hidden scents in the plants that surround us here in the Queenstown landscape. Sunday 11 June |WHAKAARI | 2pm | FREE

Unwind after a busy week with an afternoon of community and creativity. During this Botanical Watercolour Workshop, we will be exploring watercolour in a fun and friendly environment. Immerse yourself in nature through observation while learning tips and tricks of this challenging painting technique. All levels are welcome. | 10 June | 1-4pm | WHAKAARI

Come along and explore the tapestry of our universe’s cosmology with Tau Huirama & Liz Kinley-Huirama. Join Tau & Liz for a two-day waananga for a rich glimpse into a Maaori world view, never shared in this unique way before. | 9 & 10 June 2023 | 9.30am-4pm each day | PUĀWAI

Throughout five engaging and immersive weeks, you'll be guided by experienced artist and art conservator, Kasia Hebda in the fundamentals of composition and technique. Our Still Life Drawing course is here to empower and inspire you! | Tuesdays 6 June - 4 July, 6-8pm | MAHI TAHI

A two-part workshop that explores the art of lost wax casting, an amazing jewellery process where you carve your idea into wax and then cast it in precious metal. It is an ancient practice that goes back thousands of years. | JUNGLE GYM | Part #1: JUNE 4 | 2-5pm

Join The Creative Workshop Co in this FREE workshop to create your glow-in-the-dark gratitude tree! Sunday 4 June 2023, 3-5pm | MAHI TAHI

Unleash your creativity and break the boundaries between you and the canvas in this two-day workshop with artists Lucca Rodriguez and Simona Parker! Saturdays 27 May 9am-3pm and 3 June 9am-12pm | MAHI TAHI

In this "Sketch and Paint" series - with Artist Raquel Carter, over 2 hrs each week - you will explore sketching, composition, acrylic painting basics, layering, creating form, and working with colour. | 2, 9, 16, 23 June 2023 | 6-8pm | MAHI TAHI

In this "Wild Mountain series" - with Artist Raquel Carter, over 2 hrs each week- you will explore acrylic painting basics, layering and discussing creating form, composition and colour. | 1, 8, 15, 22 June 2023 | 6-8pm | MAHI TAHI

Join experienced art tutor Grant Whibley in this four week course open to all (no experience needed). Wednesdays 10 - 31 May 2023 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | MAHI TAHI

A one day vocal workshop ending with a performance where we will learn 4-part harmonies of highlights from the hugely popular musical, 'Hamilton' by Lin Manuel Miranda. Whether you are an accomplished singer or a beginner - there is room for everyone. Sunday 28 May 2023 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | PUAWAI

Join us to delve into the remarkable schist exhibition in our Whakaari gallery, Stone Moves, with Curator of Art at Hocken Collections, Hope Wilson. Unpack the layers of geological, botanical and cultural history embedded in Miranda Bellamy and Amanda Fauteux’s installation of this much loved local stone. | Saturday 27 May | WHAKAARI | 2-3pm | FREE

BONES, a one person play exploring the stories we carry in our bones from our ancestors. Setting: a man baking scones telling stories of his mother, and singing a couple of songs really badly. | 25,26,27 May | FREE

You are warmly invited to join us in an evening celebrating contemporary jewellery. Meet local and visiting jewellers and view a stunning range of wearable pieces by leading contemporary artists from around the country. All welcome to this event.

Want to learn more about how you can reduce your household waste and save money doing it!? Sustainable Queenstown is bringing you Wastebusters' brand new workshop series - Low Waste Living - Households. | Thursday 25 May 2023 | 6.30pm | WHAKAARI

A 5-week series of Feldenkrais® lessons. Ideal for singers, musicians, artists, and artisans. Nicky will lead you through gentle movement sequences that help you discover better ways of organising your body in action. No previous experience needed.

Come to this workshop and get your hands on the tools and equipment of gold smithing and walk away with a simple silver ring. | JUNGLE GYM | MAY 21 | 2 sessions avail 2-4pm or 4-6pm

Come to this workshop to explore the art of colour in adornment with experimental materials. Come and make something wild and energetic to break all the tight boundaries we have around contemporary jewellery. | JUNGLE GYM | MAY 14 | 2-5pm

Queenstown Quilters & Patchworkers welcome Australian quilting artist Chris Jurd for a trunk show and talk. | 12 May 2023 | 7-8pm | $5 (at door) | PUĀWAI

A professional development opportunity for the wider jewellery community - bring your current work for a structured master class feedback session, exploring context, craft, and the art of editing for specific audiences. | JUNGLE GYM | MAY 7 | 2-5pm

The only rule here is ‘that we’re having fun!’ Join us for the world premier concert of Queenstown Party Orchestra – performing a joyful programme of Latin, light classics and pop covers. Think Billie Eilish meets the Pentatonix! Saturday 6 May 2023 | 7:00pm | PUAWAI

Come and create original artwork using acrylic and mixed media techniques in this two-hour, four-week workshop with Artist Raquel Carter. Thursdays 4 May - 25 May | 6-8pm | MAHI TAHI

Join us for a series of creative and hands-on workshops where we explore a variety of mediums and art forms. Led by accredited art teacher Michelle, these workshops will offer a variety of ways to have fun in the Arts. Tuesdays 3:30-5pm | Ages 13-18

After a sold-out tour in 2021 and 2022, Brent Street’s iconic team of choreographers are hitting the road again – bigger and better than before! For the first time ever, Paris Cavanagh, Cassie Bartho and Stephen Tannos will be travelling to Queenstown with Brent Street for an epic workshop experience. 1 May 2023 | 4:00pm - 8:00pm (9:00pm finish for auditionees) | PUAWAI

Dance, moving-meditation, music, and community. During this workshop, we will dance, move, share, and reflect. The workshop is open to anyone curious about dance as a practice for living well, no prior experience is necessary.

Come and create a bright and beautiful artwork in this two-hour, four week workshop with Artist Raquel Carter. Sundays 30 April - 21 May | 2-4pm | MAHI TAHI

Join Artist Raquel Carter for a free art taster workshop! Experiment with acrylic painting techniques, learn about colour wheel secrets and a variety of mediums and various techniques of mark-making effects and tonal drawing. | 2-4pm

Join us for a fun-filled, arts and craft-packed holiday programme. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle and run in collaboration with Youthtown, our bespoke, multidisciplinary arts programme will enhance and enthuse all through a range of workshops. Ages 5-12 | Tuesday 11 April - Friday 21 April

This two-day ceramics workshop with Raquel Carter will include basic hand-building skills that offer the student a foundation to create any form. Wednesday 19 April - Thursday 20 April | 10:30am - 1pm both days

Queenstown-based multi-instrumentalist and composer/producer Cliff Leatherbarrow joins us with his band (three members from Queenstown, one from Auckland) to perform jazz standards, and tracks from his recently released album “Jazz Alchemy”. All proceeds will be donated to Cyclone Gabrielle relief.

RE:FRESH is an exhibition of brand-new, hot off the press artworks from members of the Queenstown Art Society. Not only are the works spanking new but many of the artists are too.

Join Natalia Lomeiko, Yuri Zhislin and Sarah Watkins for a night of Mozart, Brahms, Moszkowska and Sarasate.

Join us for an action-packed afternoon, exploring an exciting range of activities with new friends. Taking place at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, Monday - Friday, 3-6pm

Come along to our Youthtown Afterschool Programme where we form a fun environment for creative learning. Wednesdays - 3D Creative Fun | Thursdays - 2D Creative Fun | 3:30pm - 5pm | $185 for full term

These Hip Hop classes will be a fun open class for students to express themselves through dance in a positive enjoyable environment! Classes for 2-14 year olds. Every Wednesday in Term 1.

Join us for an afternoon where we explore a variety of mediums and art forms. Led by accredited art teacher Michelle, these workshops will offer a variety of ways to have fun in the Arts. Tuesdays 3:30-5pm | Ages 13-18

Cindy Huang explores exchange, ancestry, and materiality in her solo exhibition. Her installation of hundreds of handmade porcelain lilies aims to explore the lack of recorded knowledge about the Chinese settlement locally in Tāhuna and regionally in Ōtākou and Murihiku.

A 5-week series of Feldenkrais® lessons
. Ideal for singers, musicians, artists, and artisans. Nicky will lead you through gentle movement sequences that help you discover better ways of organising your body in action. No previous experience needed.

Megan Huffadine will lead this workshop in creating experimental works exploring composition and ideas for a landscape painting by using the mixed media collage process | 10am-1pm

Join us for a kōrero and workshop with Cindy Huang to learn about her practice and her process of working with clay.

Join artist Louise Parker for a 90 minute workshop and collaborative exhibition. Participants will make three white ceramic flowers to be installed as part of the RE:FRESH exhibition | 5:30-7pm

Megan Huffadine will lead this workshop in creating experimental works with mixed media collage exploring the possibilities of abstract composition with motifs and grids. | 10am - 1pm

Come along and listen to acclaimed art writer, critic, and performance artist Megan Dunn discuss her life as a practicing artist and writer | 3pm

The 2023 Aspen New Zealand Summer Series: Geopolitical Challenges will analyse the current geopolitical challenges surrounding our region and discuss what they mean for New Zealand. Great Power Rivalry - 2 March | PUĀWAI

A gymnasium for creative thinking. Squiggla is a programme that exercises creative thinking through free-flow mark-making and is all about visual exploration and creative discovery without the pressure to 'make art' or 'copy' something. In the world of Squiggla, you will experience mark-making in action. You are invited to exercise and embrace your creative thinking with whānau (family) and friends.

Join us for a conversation and morning tea with Sue Gardiner (MNZM) and Karen Gardiner, co-directors of the Chartwell Trust and creators of Squiggla. 11am | Free

Join us for a special Squiggla workshop led by Sue Gardiner, the creator of Squiggla. Listen to local musicians and make marks to the music – exploring different compositions, time and rhythm. 6pm - 7:30pm | FREE

Join us as we explore the Arts in a fun and engaging way. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, each workshop enhances your child’s creativity and imagination. Ages 5-12 | Wednesday 11 January - Wednesday 1 February

Explore the possibilities of drypoint with artist Kyla Cresswell. Further your drypoint knowledge and learn how to add colour to your image as part of the print process using ink, chine collé or monoprint. We will also take a look at tetra pack printmaking. Sunday 29 January | 10am - 4pm

From Irish fishermen to war veterans to LL Cool J and Run DMC bucket hats have risen from practical purpose, fishermen seeking cover from the rain to high fashion. Satisfy your inner style by coming along to craft yourself a new summer accessory and trying your hand at slow fashion. Saturday 28 January | 11:30am - 1:30pm | WHAKAARI

Learn how to make a drypoint etching with artist Kyla Cresswell. Use tools to draw onto a plate and hand print onto paper using an etching press. Create burrs, textures, lines and stipple to build up your image. Suitable for beginners. Saturday 28 January | 10am - 4pm

Join us as we explore the arts in a fun and engaging way. Led by established artists from around Aotearoa, each workshop enhances creativity and imagination through a range of activities.

In these workshops, we encourage you to unlearn all that you have been told and connect your playful side connect with your creativity.

A series of photographs by international award-winning British artist Mandy Barker highlighting the impact of society’s reliance on plastic and the damage it causes to marine life and, ultimately, ourselves. 5 December – 24 January | WHAKAARI

Mixed media including tin, glass, variety of plastic rubbish. Shane Woolridge has created Until the Last Drop, 2022 as a local response to British photographer Mandy Barker’s SHELF-LIFE. A work which is made from rubbish collected in Arrowtown.

An installation that mimics the form of three seaweeds, or macroalgae. This installation is thought-provoking, meticulously hand-cut and dyed, the seaweeds writhe and curl like their natural forms. They are constructed from man-made materials and the end result is visually appealing with the strips of nylon full of small bumps and realistic holes.

Nature journaling is a wonderful creative practice for connecting with our natural environments through observational drawing, painting, and writing. Beginners are welcome. This is the perfect follow-up class to Beginners Botanical art. Saturday 21 January - Sunday 22 January | 10am - 3pm both days

An exhibition with the Silver Smiths of studio38. A celebration of the hoop earring. Fashioned and worn for millennia, once part of the ensemble of Kings and Queens, a statement of confidence and diversity, its natural organic circular form symbolises wholeness, unity, and infinity.

Botanical art is a beautiful classic art practice for those who love nature, gardening, botany, science and art! Tabatha focuses on the elegant tradition of botanical art, and she takes her students through a little of that history - particularly in its New Zealand context. Wednesday 18 January - Thursday 19 January | 10am - 3pm for both days

In this workshop, you will learn to eco-print using local plant materials and an iron-based mordant. This method creates clear, dark leaf prints, and is suitable for cellulose fabric – perfect for upcycling clothing or creating original fabric! Saturday 14 January | 9:30am - 12:30pm and 2pm - 5pm | MAHI TAHI

Join us as we get into the Christmas spirit! Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, each workshop enhances your child’s creativity and imagination. Ages 5-12. Monday – Thursday. All materials provided (Please note children will be supervised during lunch break only if signed onto All Day programme. Please provide a packed lunch).

Come along to our Young Picassos Afterschool Art Programme. Lisa Duncan is a professional and qualified artist and teacher who understands how to inspire and draw out the best of a child's creative potential whilst having fun and producing quality artwork.

Come along to our Youthtown Afterschool Programme where we create a fun environment for creative learning. Every Wednesday 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 5-8. Every Thursday - 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 9 and 12. REGISTRATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Join us for an afternoon where we explore a variety of mediums and art forms. Led by accredited art teacher Michelle, these workshops will offer a variety of ways to have fun in the Arts. Tuesdays 3:30pm - 5pm - ages 13 -18 - FREE.

Two perspectives championing environmental change through art. Join Anny Tubbs and Martin Hill as they discuss the topic of art as a platform to champion sustainable and positive change. Saturday 10 December | 10am | WHAKAARI | Free

Explore innovative ways to up-cycle waste and found materials into unique wearable designs led by jewellery designer Kay Turner. Make your own pair of sterling silver hoops embellished with recycled plastic. Saturday 10 December | 10am - 12pm | MAHI TAHI | $40

Celebrate the festive season and shop local this Christmas with our late-night Christmas shopping night!

Try out or improve your pottery skills! Tuesday mornings, 10am-12pm & Thursday evenings, 6-8pm | TE PĀ MATAPAIA

A selection of video, photography and painting by local and international artists reflecting solitude and togetherness - the key themes of the 2022 At the World's Edge (AWE) Festival. 1 October - 28 November 2022.

Tuatahi Creatives present an exhibition exploring the natural world through the artistic expressions of contemporary Māori artists from Aotearoa. 28 October – 23 November | WHAKAARI

The Queenstown Writers Festival is a biennial boutique festival that brings writers and readers together to celebrate the written word in many forms. At this spring event novelists, poets, short-story writers, children’s writers and non-fiction writers talk about books, share their stories and lead writing workshops. 11 November - 13 November

Living Within Our Limits: Green Growth vs Degrowth, 28 October, 5:30-7:30pm | PUĀWAI

Food For Thought: Creating Resilient Food Systems, 25 October 2022, 5:30-7:30pm | PUĀWAI

A show romancing the music of two of the greatest trumpet players ever to walk the earth. From passionate ballads, raging swing tempos, to cool muted grooves with a funky connotation. A modern glimpse into the life and times of these two innovators. If you love Miles Davis and Chet Baker or just beautiful jazz you will enjoy this. Saturday 22 October, 7:30pm | PUĀWAI

Mīharo is proud to present an exhibition that celebrates the work of early childhood tamariki through to high school rangatahi based on the theme ‘Legends of our Lands, our people, our places, our stories.’ 30 September – 21 October | WHAKAARI

A journey of sight and sound, of solitude and togetherness, of wonder and awe through six intertwined programmes, free Queenstown events and AWE Community performances. Take your place At the World’s Edge this October.

Join us as we explore the Arts in a fun and engaging way. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, each programme enhances creativity and imagination through a range of activities. Ages 5-12 Monday – Friday 9am - 3.30pm All materials provided – please bring a packed lunch.

Join us as we explore movement in this four-day contemporary, street dance workshop. Led by contemporary dance artists Ooshcon and Jahra Wasasala (CONJAH), this programme will enable young people to embrace body language as their first language. No experience required. Tuesday 11 October - Friday 14 October, 11am - 3pm. $10 | KAPA TAHI

Drop by and meet Te Atamira staff, artists and special guests for informal talks about current exhibitions and events over a cuppa. Every Thursday morning at 10:30 | MANAAKI NUI.

Join us as we explore the Arts in a fun and engaging way. Each programme enhances creativity and imagination through a range of activities. FREE Ages 13 - 18 Tuesday - Thursday 12pm - 2pm

Are you interested in designing arts programmes and creative production? Perhaps you would like to know more about how to turn an idea into a reality? If this sounds like you, come and join our Creative Producers group. 13-18 year olds, Fridays at 3:30 (term-time only). FREE - registration is required.

Come along to our Youthtown Afterschool Programme where we create a fun environment for creative learning. Every Wednesday 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 5-8. Every Thursday - 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 9 and 12. REGISTRATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL.

The Queenstown Embroiderers’ Guild presents a selection of their work alongside four panels from the Tapestry Trust of New Zealand’s ongoing project New Zealand: A History in Stitch. 19-29 September | MANAAKI NUI

Come and join Nat Perks for a cosy afternoon of embroidery - go slow, chill and create together. Saturday, 24 September, 1-4pm | MAHI TAHI

The Queenstown Salsa Festival is back for a second year from the 15th of September to the 18th of September 2022.