The redevelopment of the Auckland Art Gallery in 2011 saw a breath of life put back into the cultural precinct of Auckland. Winning over 23 architectural awards, the building was a visual and commercial hit. The gallery itself now holds over 15,000 works in its collection making it an exceptional place to view works from Lorrain to Lindauer.

Open all day every day (except for Christmas!), you can count on the gallery as a sojourn from the bustling city. Have a chat to the gallery assistants as you wind your way through the gallery’s many nooks and crannies.

What adds to the fun is finding the hidden gems throughout the gallery. Stop by the E. H. McCormick Library to see the fabric from Rita Angus’ Portrait of Betty Curnow, relive your childhood by grabbing a storybook and jumping on a bean bag, or pop up to the sculpture terrace on level two for unrivalled views of Albert Park.

As the home of the prestigious Walters Prize and one of the venues for the Auckland Triennial, the gallery is a hub for contemporary art in New Zealand. With daily tours, an interactive area for kids, cafe and a gift shop, an entire day can be spent at this wonderful spot.