Yesterday I was on a mission to view as many art galleries as I could in the city, honestly I…read moredidn't get to many, considering the size of Auckland their isn't actually a great deal around. I have heard that Wellington is the 'art capital' which I look forward to visiting one day. So, Lonely Dog Gallery I heard about you from a previous Yelp review and decided to go pay you a visit. The work here is thematic, comical, fine art and well presented. It is obviously in a specialised market which I am pleased to see does good business - I took note of quite a few red dots (art that has been bought). Plus being in such a good location next to Britomart's transport centre in the hub of the city must mean a lot of tourism flow through. I was also relieved to find it easy to get to, unlike some other inner city galleries I couldn't even find the bloody door to get inI d Although I didn't but any of the art I did buy one of the cards of the art, for my eldest sister in mind, (a big fan of dogs), $5.00 each or you can buy them in packs. They have a description on the back which added to the appeal.

Lonely Dog recently moved down Customs Street a few hundred metres closer to Queen Street…read more Otherwise, it's still the exact same intriguing spot for a quick look as it's always been. For those that don't know, Lonely Dog is a sort of art phenomenon started by Kiwi artist Ivan Clarke who one day started adding human-esque dogs into his dramatic landscape works. It's a sort of weird comic book meets fine landscape art mix, and as such it makes for some pretty surreal stuff with all sorts of symbolic parallels drawn between the dogs and reality. Can't say I've ever bought anything from here, but it's a fun place to linger for a few minutes for a look if you're in the area.

Gorgeous Art gallery in the heart of Auckland! My husband and I enjoyed strolling the gallery…read moreduring a recent trip. I really enjoyed their Manet and Picasso pieces. If you have a few hours to spare, there's a really nice outdoor space to sit and read a book!

We had just finished eating on Queen Street and were wandering around the area when we stumbled…read moreupon this art gallery museum. We decided to walk in and I'm glad we did. The first floor is free and features several exhibitions, so we took our time roaming around. One of the main exhibits focused on Māori art, and we spent about an hour exploring the pieces and learning more about Māori history in New Zealand. It was genuinely informative and beautifully presented. There was also a display by a Korean artist on the first floor. I don't quite remember the theme, but the design of the house-like structure had some Chinese influences, which made it visually interesting. Overall, if you have some time to spare and want to cool off from the scorching sun, this gallery is definitely worth a visit. Bonus points for clean restrooms, too!

If you have artistic flare but not the traditional type, then come on down to 85 Cavendish Drive…read more(in the hub with Big Save Furniture, PK Furniture and Reece), there is a massively long drive way that backs onto Chipmunks which has fantastic graffiti art all over it. Graffiti artists from all around the world have come here and painted magnificent pieces, showing off their talents and skills which have made them known world wide. Before meeting my boyfriend never was I into this art, but it really is quite unique. These big bold pieces are done with spray cans and spraying techniques. I would never have known that those fine straight lines were all done freehand. It really is an art and far from the horrible eye sore tagging which gives graffiti a bad name. This local flavour is totally worth coming to view. It gives so much character to the area. I truly am a fan!

This store is great because it doesn't cater to the 'kitschy' side of New Zealand art and design as…read moremuch as some souvenir type stores like it do. It's more of an Art Gallery rather than a store. And affordable too. I love artist Tony Cribbs 'Adventures of Tin man' series and always like to pick something up whenever I see one in a store or gallery. They are just too cute. And funny as well. I always get compliments on them whenever I have people over to mine. They just exemplify the New Zealand sense of humor so well. I like the fact that Mana also has prints of a lot of their artworks so if you can't afford the actual original artwork itself there are still opportunities for you to own a slice of something. I'm currently crushing on one of their artworks, one of a Maori girl/princess wrapped in a traditional woven cloak. I may have to settle on the print of this one myself!

If you're looking for some absolutely beautiful local art, jewellery or gifts for someone visiting…read moreNew Zealand to take home with them or even to send to someone abroad, this place should be your one stop shop. They've got a fairly small but carefully curated collection of glassware, paintings and sculptures alongside jewellery and cards and other nick-nacks. My favourite things in here are the necklaces. Long thin silver chains with bird and flower pendants, which were gorgeous and really unusual. Things like this range from around $40 up to $400, so you're sure to find something no matter what your budget. I've been looking for a Green Stone necklace for my partner for quite some time and have never been able to find one that I really love, but the ones in Mana are the nicest I've seen in Auckland. Plus they were playing Ben Howard on the stereo when I walked in, which just made me like it even more.

This name is deceiving, or perhaps I am just foolish! I have previously walked past this place and…read morehad always thought it must be 'upstairs' and would go in next time when I "have more time". Now I have made that time and I am glad I did. Downstairs is housed this great little community gallery. They change the exhibit every month and it is made up of an eclectic mix of work for purchase by established and emerging artists. The focus is on community and is linked to the Titirangi Community Arts Council. I was pleased to hear that sales have been up since moving to New Lynn in September 2012 and although they are only there temporarily for the next two years whilst Lopdell House gets a new look I am sure good things may come out of this relocation.

Beautiful inside and out. Great grounds to walk around with stunning, old, large majestic trees…read more Inside hosts several galleries for a variety of exhibits, quite an eclectic mix on display currently - Jan 2016. Particularly enjoyed the photographic two, one on Antarctica and the other a series of black and white portraits by M.Friedlander. These two shows are what lured me here in the first place, actually and the suggestion from a frienf that they also have a cafe onsite, the downfall was that the cafe was closed due to a coffee machine malfunction:( The current exhibition by contemporary Marc Blake was also really good, a talented artist with an eye for creative expression, colour and design.

This historic home located in Hillsborough's Monte Cecilia Park is a beauty. I came here only last…read moremonth after having lived in Hillsborough for 5 years and not knowing it existed. It is a lovely old home, high varnished wooden floors and rose ceilings. There is a cafe too, but rather than sit inside opt for the wide sweeping veranda, that is the best place to sit. As you walk down from the veranda is a small yard, there are some quite cool sculptures here and a pretty garden with some sculptures amongst the flowers. Around the back of the property are park benches and some massive palm trees, it is a stunning home. There are various exhibitions and events here so to find out what is on visit the website. Additionally there is an art store where you can buy works of art such as ceramics, glass and jewellery.

This is an amazing art gallery/art store, where you can buy beautiful products made by the local…read moreNew Zealand artist. Fabulous paintings and photography for your home wall maybe, or original as they come necklaces, rings and bracelets. I am a huge fan of their Ceramics selection- mainly by Painted Pacific Pottery who is from my local neighborhood. Wall hearts by Lots of Love are super sweet, and perfect for the love in your life. I really enjoy popping in and seeing what they have each week, there is always something different around. You may even bump into an artist in the store, who has designed something there, so talk with the lady working at Next Door Gallery, and you will learn a whole lot about a bunch of local artists you may or may not have heard of. Just a great gallery; to buy that special gift you're looking for.

"You know, I'm no art critic. But I know what I hate. And I don't hate this." - C. M. Burns,…read morePowerplant owner. Never a truer word was spoken. Art galleries are pretty boring sometimes. I don't think Starkwhite could ever be described as boring, which I think is probably the most important thing for an art gallery, right? Starkwhite consistently displays work by artists who challenge their audience. Whether they're poking fun at something or maintaining a poker face, the work always has something to say. That's why I like Starkwhite and always go inside if they've got a new artist exhibiting. Best thing I saw there was this terrific sculpture piece that saw a tray of eggs drooping perilously over the corners of an empty doorway. It was bloody excellent. Probably one of the best contemporary art galleries in Auckland.