Christchurch Art Guide: Where to Buy Contemporary New Zealand Art
Visiting art galleries, museums, and design-led spaces has always been something I gravitate toward when traveling. Luckily for me, this habit started early - my parents loved exploring galleries, architecture, and creative places wherever we went. We would admire artworks, discuss historical narratives, and ask curious questions: How did they do that? How was this made? Could we try something like this?
Ōtautahi Christchurch is buzzing with that same creative energy today. New businesses are emerging, communities are reconnecting, and the arts feel deeply woven into the city again. From theater and festivals to public sculpture and street art, there is always something happening.
If you're looking to buy art in Christchurch or simply explore contemporary New Zealand art, this walking guide is a great place to start.
Start Your Walk at The Arts Centre
Begin your day at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, one of Christchurch’s historic creative hubs. The restored Gothic buildings are home to studios, galleries, and creative spaces, making it a natural starting point for anyone interested in the arts.
As you wander through the halls, you’ll often find exhibitions, photographic displays, and local creative activity unfolding throughout the complex. It’s a reminder of how important creative spaces are to the cultural life of a city.
Visit Christchurch Art Gallery
No art walk through the city is complete without a visit to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. The gallery offers a changing programme of exhibitions featuring both New Zealand and international artists.
Take your time here. Move slowly through the spaces and notice how different artists work with scale, materials, and ideas - from large installations to intimate works on paper.
Look Up: Christchurch Street Art
As you walk through the central city, keep an eye out for Christchurch’s street art. Murals appear throughout the city and have become a defining part of Ōtautahi’s visual identity.
These large-scale public artworks bring colour and creativity into everyday spaces and showcase the talent of artists working both locally and nationally.
Image credit to Neat Places and @danielaaebliphotography
Discover Contemporary New Zealand Art at Ashe
As you make your way down High Street, you’ll find Ashe - a contemporary art gallery in Christchurch dedicated to showcasing New Zealand artists and makers.
At Ashe, the focus is on creating a welcoming, approachable gallery environment where people can explore art at their own pace. Whether you’re an experienced collector or looking to purchase your first artwork, the aim is simple: help people find work they genuinely connect with.
The gallery presents a wide range of contemporary New Zealand art, including:
Alongside artwork, Ashe also showcases thoughtfully made design objects and homewares by local makers. These include handcrafted wooden utensils, ceramic platters and bowls, mugs, candle holders, candles, table runners, cushions, and a curated selection of art and design books.
This balance of artwork and functional design reflects something I strongly believe in - that creativity can live not only on the walls but also in the objects we use every day.
Working closely with the artists is an important part of Ashe. Supporting their practice while maintaining the sustainability of the gallery helps ensure that artists can continue creating meaningful work for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for an original artwork, a special gift, or an accessible print, there are many ways to start or grow an art collection.
Image credit to Neat Places and @danielaaebliphotography
Supporting Artists and Creative Communities
One of the best ways to stay connected with contemporary New Zealand art is to follow artists directly. Social media offers a wonderful window into an artist’s process - what they’re making, where they’re exhibiting, and how their ideas develop over time.
If you ever discover an artist you love, feel free to ask about them when visiting the gallery. Conversations about artists, techniques, and ideas are always welcome.
Supporting artists is a shared journey between collectors, galleries, and the creative community.
Buying Art in Christchurch
Christchurch has a vibrant and growing ecosystem of contemporary New Zealand art, from public galleries and exhibitions to independent spaces and artist studios.
Whether you’re visiting the city for the weekend or rediscovering your own neighbourhood, taking time to explore the arts can offer a new perspective on the place we live.
And if you happen to find yourself walking down High Street, I would love to welcome you into Ashe.