The inaugural Tauranga Art Show took place on 28–30 August 2026 at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui. Organised by Art Shows Across Aotearoa, it added a Bay of Plenty stop to the group’s programme of New Zealand art events, beginning with an opening on Friday and continuing through the weekend.
The show brought together original work by artists from across New Zealand, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and object art. Its format encouraged direct conversations with artists as visitors compared pieces for their homes and collections.
The organiser announced Tauranga as a new location for 2026, with the inaugural opening on 28 August followed by two show days. It formed part of a wider series that also included Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown; the series-wide art award should not be confused with a prize awarded solely at Tauranga.
This first edition has ended. For a forthcoming event in New Zealand, continue to Aotearoa Art Fair 2027. Our May 2027 art selection for Australia and New Zealand offers another starting point for planning a regional visit.
The inaugural Art Shows Across Aotearoa event in the Bay of Plenty.
The Tauranga Art Show 2026
The inaugural Art Shows Across Aotearoa event in the Bay of Plenty
28 August 2026 - 30 August 2026
Mercury Baypark / Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3175, New Zealand
Mission:
Give artists from across New Zealand opportunities to present original work and meet audiences in the Bay of Plenty.
Organizer:
Art Shows Across Aotearoa
The first Tauranga edition offered local audiences an opportunity to meet artists without traveling to another city. Its mix of wall-based works, sculptures, and crafted objects made it useful for visitors exploring how original art could fit different spaces and budgets.
The event took place from 28–30 August 2026, with opening activities on Friday and show days on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. Available options included VIP Preview, Opening Night, and Weekend Passes. The regional event listing showed a range of NZ$10–95 across ticket options, rather than a single standard adult price. Children aged 16 and under were admitted free with a paying adult. This past edition has concluded.
The venue was Mercury Baypark, also referred to as Baypark Arena, at 81 Truman Lane in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga. Check the relevant event entrance and current transport arrangements before a future visit. Allow extra time for arrival and arrange collection or delivery separately if buying a large work.
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Art Shows Across Aotearoa announced its new Tauranga event in November 2025. The first edition followed in August 2026, expanding the organiser’s existing multi-city programme into the Bay of Plenty. Its official event name is The Tauranga Art Show.
Look through the show before returning to your preferred artists. Ask about the materials, care and installation needs of a work, and measure the intended space before committing to a large piece. Confirm packing and transport directly with the artist or organiser.
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