Featured Activities
Everybody knows that Wānaka is a great place to get into the outdoors, but did you know that it’s also a hotbed of talented artists, designers and bespoke interior stores?
If you don’t quite know where to begin then head on over to the Architecture and Design (AD) Library, a fantastic local resource for designers, architects and anyone really. The team is friendly and has every product you could ever imagine – all under one roof! It’s a designer’s haven and worth checking out for inipiration. Experience the pop-up showroom and exhibition space for an ever changing mix of art, homewares and new products being launched in the New Zealand marketplace.
When looking for finishing touches to style your home, you can’t go past The Workroom. Anna Begg the owner has a mindful eye for detail and has a wide range of linen, quirky statement cushions plus a great selection of Sibella Court’s range of hand forged hardware.
Local Hāwea ceramicist Hilary Rose Smith took out the ceramics award at the Wānaka Arts Exhibition this year, with her hand-built, textural, organic-shaped ceramics. And is known for statement vases and one-off commission pieces. For stone and ceramic tiles of the more practical nature head to Casa Mia.
Wānaka isn’t short of talented artists and just one among many is local artist Sierra Roberts. With her bold, statement portraits that celebrate all forms of feminine beauty, that are heavily influenced by her travels. Hannah from Cold Snap Club fills each canvas with quirky and quaint hand-painted skiers. These pieces absolutely scream fun! Lisa from Love Thy Land is an illustrator who produces Kiwi-centric prints at an affordable price. Purchase a one-off piece or create a set of 3 from the choice of your favourite Wānaka attractions to really make a statement in any room.
Revology is designed for your everyday sustainable essentials from aprons to mugs, lampshades and one-of-a-kind chairs made from sustainable fibres. It’s impossible to exit the store empty handed!
If you’re into upcycling and trawling for second hand treasures – do as the locals do and check out the Wanaka Trading Post, Salvation Army, Wastebusters and the Hospice.
Wānaka has some next-level craftsmen such as Ken Wills and Jem from Emerge Woodwork, who are humbly and quietly producing the best bar stools in town! Another one to look out for is Jonty McCool from Leisure Workshop for bespoke designs, wooden topographic maps and light fittings that thanks to his ethos for creating everlasting will stand the test of time.
We’ve only just scratched the surface! Be sure to take some time to trawl through the list below. Find yourself some lifetime pieces designed or sourced by our talented locals.
