Mercury Bay Art Escape

The Coromandel is renowned for its natural beauty and for a thriving community of artists
and makers. From sculptors and painters to weavers and jewellers, the region is rich in
creative talent. The Mercury Bay Art Escape is a much-loved self-drive art trail stretching
from Pauanui to Whangapoua, offering an intimate glimpse into the studios and practices of
some of the area’s most accomplished artists.

Held annually in March, the Open Studios event marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, with
studios open across two consecutive weekends. Artists welcome visitors on Saturday,
Sunday and Monday, allowing time to wander, linger and truly engage with the work — and
the people behind it.

Across the two weekends, around 50 local artists open their studio doors. Visitors are
invited behind the scenes to experience artworks in the spaces where they are made, enjoy
thoughtful conversations with artists about their materials and techniques.

Discover an eclectic mix of work including sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, painting,
printmaking, weaving mosaics and much more.
Watch an artisan blacksmith at work, chat with artists in their studios, peek behind the
scenes of their creative spaces, and buy directly from the makers.

Make a weekend of it — soak up stunning coastal views, local cafés and bars, and the
relaxed Mercury Bay vibe.

The art trail is free to explore, with a downloadable map available at
mercurybayartescape.com

The experience begins with a ticketed opening night gala held on the Friday evening before
the first weekend. In 2026, the guest speaker is iconic New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell,
adding a celebratory note to this landmark year.

A refined Showcase Exhibition, featuring one work from each member artist, is also held
annually at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach, just a 15-minute drive from Flaxmill — an
ideal pairing of art, landscape and coastal dining.

Getting to Mercury Bay Art Escape from Flaxmill

Perfectly positioned for a cultured coastal escape, Flaxmill is within an hour’s drive of both
ends of the Mercury Bay Art Escape (approximately 40 minutes to Pauanui and 1 hour to
Whangapoua), and only a short drive from Cooks Beach, Hahei and Hot Water Beach.