Whirinaki Whare Taonga
Monday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Tuesday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Wednesday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Thursday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Friday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Saturday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Sunday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Whether it’s dinosaurs or the Mona Lisa, Whirinaki Whare Taonga is an arts centre that simply refuses to do boring.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise - the imposing, almost brutalist exterior dominates this corner of Fergusson Drive, its mix of plain wooden and concrete slats giving little away. Step inside - and past the glorious waft of baked goods from the in-house Dough Bakery - and it’s an entirely different proposition. A panoply of sights, sounds, and textures flow seamlessly throughout the five galleries that make up the centre, each with a revolving programme of exhibitions. With a focus on interactive experiences and family-friendly activities, laughter and chatter are constantly filling the spaces, whether it’s from a school group visiting for an art class, a gaggle of model train enthusiasts, or a jazz band playing to a relaxed audience.
It’s no wonder Whirinaki Whare Taonga manages to draw such an eclectic crowd - exhibitions in the past have ranged from dinosaurs and space photography to ceramics, impressionist paintings, superheroes, and more. And with its ability to pull in truly “blockbuster” exhibitions - think The Secrets of Mona Lisa from the Louvre, and 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic from The Smithsonian - the centre forms a pivotal part of Upper Hutt’s cultural identity.
A proud stalwart of the Upper Hutt arts scene, Whirinaki Whare Taonga aims to engage, enrich, inspire, and connect people through the arts - something it does a fine job of, judging from the hordes of people who flow through its doors every day.
Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs
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Location
836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt
Nearby Places
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Dough Upper Hutt
Come for the art, stay for the coffee and doughnuts at Dough Bakery in Upper Hutt – conveniently located in one of the town's most popular cultural haunts.
Cake & Kitchen
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Featured in
Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt can perhaps be best described as a harmonious juxtaposition. While much of it can have a gritty, industrial feel, largely due to its history, it’s also a real breath of fresh air and home to some of the best natural places to explore in the country. The city has embraced both of these qualities over the years to turn itself into an immensely popular place to visit.
From the sprawling Kaitoke Regional Park, with its swimming holes, walking tracks, and its own little slice of Middle Earth, to the ever-popular Staglands Wildlife Reserve, there are plenty of spots to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Venture towards the heart of the city centre and you’ll encounter Brewtown, a beer craft connoisseur and foodie’s paradise that also doubles as an entertainment hub.
Sprinkled elsewhere throughout the city you’ll find art galleries, cosy cafes, and all manner of eateries from chicken shops to sandwich bars to keep you nourished.
Lower Hutt
For a smallish city - often seen by many as an extension of Wellington - Lower Hutt certainly packs a lot of punch.
Only a short drive from the Wellington CBD and hosting an incredible range of things to see and do, it’s no wonder Lower Hutt is a popular day trip or weekend option for families around the region. Each suburb in the city brings a unique flavour to the overall Lower Hutt experience, from the arts and culture of central Lower Hutt; to the brunch, beach, and shopping hotspot of Petone; and the industrial yet welcoming embrace of Seaview. Like the Hutt River that weaves its way through the heart of the city, a sense of creativity and community is the common thread, linking the disparate locations together.
With some of the region’s trendiest cafes and plenty of cultural highlights to explore, it’s never a dull day in Lower Hutt.
