The Coromandel art scene explodes with colour and vitality every year on art escape weekend. A great weekend road trip for culture fans and art collectors.

A road trip with a difference, art, artisan products combined with beaches and spectacular coastal scenery make for a perfect weekend getaway.

Remember to take your wallet as it is very difficult to resist original art inspired by the view outdoors. And the art escape is pet friendly. Max was invited to visit most galleries and places. Simply check with the artist if it is alright for your leased pet to accompany you.

After your first day viewing art remember to take a stroll through Whitianga to check out the Whitianga street art, you will be walking past numerous cafes and restaurants with choice aplenty for your evening meal.


Hotties Beach Cafe is the site where artists have contributed an individual item for display. Great food surrounded by over forty art installations. Visitors are invited to view and vote for their favourite art work.

Mercury Bay Art Escape artists are centred around the beautiful coastal area of Mercury Bay on the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, encompassing the areas of Hikuai, Tairua, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Cooks Beach, Whenuakite, Coroglen, Whitianga, Kuaotunu, Rings Beach and Opito Bay.
Check out the artists pages and get inspired to start planning to join the party next year.
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