Courtenay Creatives: The Best of Art, Style and Design in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

Kura Gallery is a treasure trove of indigenous creativity. Celebrating the best of contemporary Māori art and design, their collection spans a wide range of exquisite pounamu and traditional carvings to unique furniture and handcrafted jewellery. Whether you’re looking for a piece of art or a meaningful gift, this store is brimming with precious taonga to take home and cherish.

For design lovers with a sense of humour, Brown & Co. is an eccentric old-school emporium of mid-century art, cheeky collectibles, and even ethically sourced taxidermy. Embracing both the unusual and the beautiful in equal measure, they offer a curated selection that spans fine art from renowned names to retro toys and curious oddities. With its vintage feel and playful selection, just looking around the store is a little adventure in itself.

As you wander down the main stretch, don’t forget to look up – or you might just miss the Courtenay Place Light Boxes, a striking public art installation in the middle of the city. These eight towering structures are an ever-changing exhibition space, showcasing a range of playful, powerful and often moving works by local and international artists. With new exhibitions every few months, they provide a creative respite from one of Wellington’s busiest streets, inviting a moment of reflection in an unexpected place.

Step into Yvette Edwards’ studio, a lush city-centre sanctuary brimming with everything from towering palms to delicate orchids. More than just a florist, Yvette focuses on creating designs that reflect her passion for sustainability and natural beauty. With years of experience crafting arrangements for grand English estates and Wellington events, she brings a thoughtful, personal touch to every project – perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of colour to their home or special occasion.

For over two decades, Photospace has been a cornerstone of Wellington’s photography scene. Established by visual artist James Gilberd in 1998 – the only specialist photography gallery in New Zealand at the time – the gallery has remained steadfastly committed to showcasing both emerging and established photographers from New Zealand and beyond, with exhibitions ranging from fine art photography to experimental video and multimedia installations. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just dipping your toes in, it’s a great place to discover some local boundary-pushing creativity.

Down Allen Street, Ora Gallery brings a burst of creativity to the Courtenay Precinct. Specialising in contemporary New Zealand art and design, this gallery is home to an eclectic mix of original paintings, sculptures, glasswork and handcrafted jewellery sourced from local artists across the country. With a dynamic, ever-changing collection, it’s a go-to for those seeking New Zealand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces. 

If you love supporting local, head to Welly Collective. Home to over 150 artists and small businesses from Wellington’s creative community, this boutique market is packed with an eclectic mix of handmade treasures – selling everything from playful homewares and original art to quirky trinkets and miniature terrariums. It’s a one-stop shop for thoughtful, locally crafted gifts and keepsakes.

Established in 2022 out of the need for more affordable maker spaces in Te Whanganui a Tara, Punaka Collective is a community-led studio space offering a quiet refuge for artists spanning many disciplines – from painting, sculpture and textiles to pottery, tattoo, photography and more. With a foundational kaupapa rooted in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the collective aims to foster a safe, inclusive environment for creatives to explore their artistic mediums while building community and supporting each other’s artistic journeys.