Gallery 33

Saturated with natural light from the large windows looking out to the main street, Gallery 33 has the ideal setup to show off the many talented New Zealand (plus a couple of Australian) artists that are lucky enough to be on show. There’s plenty of space to browse at your own pace, although with the art on the walls changing regularly, it’s best not to dally too long if you see something you like.

Playful pieces like the giant Eskimo lollies and the oversize knuckle bones by Simon Lewis Wards keep the place from being too serious, and the much-loved glass birds by Lukeke are a striking feature on the wall. Artworks by Simon Kaan never fail to sell quickly, and Gallery 33 is more than chuffed to be the only place in New Zealand showing off the stunning works by Melbourne artist Cristina Popovici. With the stock room out back also doubling as gallery space, it’s obvious the team here is eager for you to see all the art possible, and whether it be paintings, sculpture, glass art, ceramics or jewellery, the gallery isn’t fussy when it comes to medium.

Holiday makers come to buy, and if you’ve travelled some way to be in Wanaka, never fear, the team are well accustomed to sending pieces all-round the globe. Be sure not to miss the first Friday of each month, where exhibition openings never fail to bring together the art-hungry people in town who flock to the gallery to see the latest in contemporary art.