Arrive in Christchurch on suggested flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), a private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

At 18:00, join your tour leader Julie Ewington and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing at the hotel, followed by dinner.

(D)

Begin the day with a private, guided walking tour of the city and its public art, led by Julie. Devastated by a major earthquake in 2011, Christchurch has embraced urban regeneration, with cutting-edge architecture sitting alongside some of the oldest heritage buildings in New Zealand. See sculptures, including local artist Brett Graham’s Erratic and the Scott Statue, before visiting the Christchurch Art Gallery, a leading institution for New Zealand art that also served as the city’s Civil Defence headquarters following the 2011 earthquakes.

After lunch, explore the art collection of Christchurch philanthropists and art collectors Jim and Susan Wakefield at Ravenscar House Museum, followed by a visit of one of the most recognised buildings in the city, known as the ‘Cardboard Cathedral’. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the church was the first public building commissioned in the aftermath of the quakes and stands as a symbol of progress and resilience.

(BL)

This morning, visit the Jonathan Smart Gallery, known for its impressive display of New Zealand contemporary artworks, as well as The National Jewellery Gallery, a gallery specialising in contemporary jewellery and object-based works.

Afterwards, transfer to Christchurch airport for a flight to Wellington (economy class flight included in tour cost), the capital city of New Zealand known for its vibrant arts scene and scenic harbour setting.

Arrive in Wellington in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel, followed by dinner.

(BLD)

Following a morning talk by Julie, explore McLeavey Gallery, established by influential art dealer Peter McLeavey. The gallery has played an important role in presenting modern and contemporary New Zealand artists.

This afternoon, visit the Hamish McKay Gallery, founded in 1993, which represents established and emerging New Zealand and Australian artists, including Shane Cotton and Rose Nolan. Then, discover the purpose-built Adam Art Gallery at the Victoria University, established in 1999 to present a prestigious program of exhibitions, events and publications.

(BL)

This morning, enjoy a private, guided tour of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which opened in 1998 following the merger of the National Museum and National Art Gallery. The museum is home to over two million objects across art, natural history, New Zealand histories, Māori knowledge and Pacific cultures.

In the afternoon, visit City Gallery Wellington, founded in 1980, and showcasing contemporary art from New Zealand and around the world.

Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Today, gain insights into one of the most significant New Zealand buildings of the 20^th century, the Futuna Chapel. Designed by the architect John Scott and built by the brothers of the Society of Mary in 1961, the chapel is named after the Pacific Island of Futuna on which the missionary Peter Chanel, to whom the chapel is dedicated, was martyred in 1841.

Following lunch, visit the studio of contemporary New Zealand jeweller Lisa Walker, whose practice challenges traditional ideas through unconventional materials and techniques. Her work is presented in major public collections, including Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia.

(BD)

In the morning, check out of the hotel and drive to Whanganui, located on the west coast of the North Island. The city offers a unique mix of rich Māori and colonial history, a thriving arts community and striking natural landscapes centred on the Whanganui River.

On arrival, visit Sarjeant Gallery, a regional art museum that holds a collection of more than 8,000 items of national and international significance, spanning four centuries of European and New Zealand art history. Then, visit New Zealand Glassworks, the country’s centre for glass art, which showcases Whanganui’s established community of glass artists.

Afterwards, check in to the hotel and enjoy some free time before dinner.

(BD)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and walk to Whanganui Regional Museum to learn about the people, objects and stories that represent this region. Highlights include the Taonga Māori collections, the Lindauer Gallery and historical fashion and textiles.

Later, visit the Quartz Museum, the only dedicated museum for studio ceramics and the largest and most diverse public ceramic display in the country. Opened in 2015 by Rick Rudd, the museum exhibits approximately 100 works by New Zealand potters, including himself, and some international makers from the early 20th century to the present day.

Afterwards, transfer to Whanganui Airport for a flight (included in tour price) to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, known for its vibrant Polynesian heritage.

(BL)

Start the day with a talk by Julie before visiting the Auckland Art Gallery, which includes major collections of historic, modern and contemporary New Zealand art. Designed to give a visual overview of the country’s history, the story begins with the first contact between the Māori and European explorers in the 1600s and continues to the present day.

After some free time, walk to the nearby Fingers Contemporary Jewellery to appreciate the unique local design and style.

Tonight, enjoy special VIP access to the Aotearoa Art Fair, formerly known as the Auckland Art Fair, including the opening night dinner. Established in 2005 as a premier showcase of contemporary art, the Fair is known for its breadth, exploring New Zealand’s relationship with the wider Pacific and presenting works by established and emerging artists in painting, sculpture, print, photography and digital media.

(BD)

This morning, enjoy a private, guided tour of the Anna Miles Gallery, founded in 2003 and known for its changing exhibitions of contemporary New Zealand art.

Continue to Objectspace Gallery, New Zealand’s leading public gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.

In the afternoon, return to the Viaduct Events Centre to further explore the Aotearoa Art Fair.

(B)

Today, visit a renowned local sculpture park to view a variety of sculptures by New Zealand artists.

On return to the Auckland city centre, stop at The Lighthouse, a public artwork by Michael Parekowhai whose exterior is in the form of a 1950s family home and whose interior features an installation of light as well as a sculpture of Captain Cook, titled The English Channel.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to relax or to further explore the city at your own pace.

(BL)

In the morning, transfer to Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, located in the scenic Titirangi area of Auckland. Opened in 2014, Te Uru presents exhibitions and events showcasing the art and artists of West Auckland.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to the former home of artist Colin McCahon and his family, where they lived during the 1950s and where he created some of his most famous works. See the original house and the modern Parehuia Artists’ Residency, where three artists are invited to live and work each year.

This evening, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner with Julie and fellow travellers at a local restaurant.

(BD)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, make your way to Auckland Airport for suggested flights to Australia. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour, private airport transfers and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)