Amelia WilliamsI still remember stumbling into a small gallery in Auckland and seeing a piece hanging quietly in the corner. There’s a story it seemed to tell without a word. I didn’t plan to buy art that day, but I walked out with a framed piece.
That’s the magic of great art and great galleries. They don’t just show you something beautiful; they connect you to it.
Auckland is full of professional artists whose work is deeply moving, and galleries that know exactly how to bring that to life.
If you’re looking to experience that for yourself, here are some of the best professional artists and galleries in Auckland that stood out to our team.
How much does a professional artist’s art cost in Auckland?
Professional artists’ work in Auckland can range from around NZD 500 for emerging artists to a few grand for more established ones. If you’re looking at big names or gallery pieces, prices can shoot up to NZD 100,000 or more, depending on the artist’s reputation and the medium.
1. Kuia & Korowai
Address: 39 Beach Road, Pahurehure
Phone: +64 21 361 173
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Kuia & Korowai is a one-woman studio run by Jinny Thomas, and it’s hard not to walk away feeling moved by the intention behind her work. She’s a kuia, a grandmother, an artist, but above all, she’s someone clearly guided by heart and whakapapa.
Her feather cloaks are contemporary takes on the traditional korowai, with all the weight and meaning still stitched into them.
Even though her cloaks are machine-sewn, people still describe them as top-notch quality. Someone even said they were in awe of how it felt, spiritually and physically.
Jinny works out of her home studio. She doesn’t have a big team or a flash showroom. But what she does have is this knack for translating personal stories into design.
Several people we came across mentioned how she took the time to learn about their journey and then named the cloak accordingly. There’s something really beautiful about that.
We also appreciate that the cloaks are affordable. She’s got readymade designs where you just pick a size and length. But she’s also open to swaps, tweaks, and custom orders.
That said, you’re working on her timeline, which is fair because she’s sewing the cloaks herself. If you’ve got a tight deadline, definitely call ahead.
We are beyond pleased with our experience
“We were absolutely thrilled with our first Korowai, we purchased another. The craftsmanship is outstanding, with intricate details and vibrant colours that truly make it a standout piece. It is beautifully made. We are beyond pleased with our experience and highly recommend Jinny to anyone looking for high-quality korowai and excellent service. Thank you.”
-Larissa Lyndon, Google review
The craftmanship is beautiful and more than I could have wished for
“I can highly recommend Jinny. My Korowai is absolutely stunning and was the perfect addition for my graduation. The craftmanship is beautiful and more than I could have wished for. I look forward to seeing the journey it will follow with our family.”
-Vina Boyd, Google review
2. Glenn Jones Art
Phone: +64 800 100 492
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Glenn Jones Art takes everyday New Zealand stuff and turns them into clean, colourful prints that hit you right in the nostalgia.
The style is bold and simple—flat colours, clear lines, and nothing too fussy. It looks great on a wall without demanding attention every second.
We liked that it’s a family gig too. Glenn makes the art, his wife Julia runs the business, and their kids show up in the ideas. That makes it feel more personal, and people seem to pick up on that.
People told us how quick and smooth the shipping was, how well everything’s packed, and how nice the prints look in real life.
The range is big too. You can get art prints in different sizes, framed or unframed, and even things like T-shirts and neon signs. It’s more like a smart design brand with a strong visual voice.
That might not be for everyone, though. If you’re into original, one-off pieces or large-scale paintings, this might feel a bit too polished or mass-produced.
Also, everything has the same visual tone. That’s not necessarily bad since it could help with brand identity, but collectors looking for variety in style might find it monotonous after a while.
So original and takes me right back to my childhood
“Absolutely love this artwork. So original and takes me right back to my childhood. Quality prints that really stand out. Free and fast postage is an added bonus.”
-Karen, Google review
The prints look fabulous on our wall
“I love the artwork – some quirky, some not so. My prints arrived within a few days of ordering and in top condition, the packaging making sure there was no damage. The prints look fabulous on our wall.”
-Lesley Petersen, Google review
3. Kura Gallery Art + Design Aotearoa
Address: 95a Customs Street West, Auckland Central
Phone: +64 9 302 1151
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Kura Gallery Art focuses purely on Māori and New Zealand art and design. You’ll find everything from traditional Māori carvings and pounamu jewellery to modern prints, glasswork, and even furniture.
The gallery is run by Jude Dods and her son Ben, who both have strong ties to the Māori community and backgrounds in art and design.
We were really impressed with their Tao Iho certification. It’s like a quality stamp that proves the Māori artworks are authentic and made by Māori artists.
It’s a big deal in the art world, and not every gallery bothers. But Kura does. They’ve built their whole identity around it, and that says a lot about their values.
Visitors we spoke to also mentioned how kind and knowledgeable the staff are. One person even said the staff contacted an artist on the spot about a piece they were interested in.
The place itself is small, and that’s maybe the one downside. It’s packed with beautiful things, but if there are a few people inside, it can feel a little tight.
Prices vary. Some pieces are affordable, others are more investment-level, but we loved that all of them feel fair for what you’re getting.
Have a wide variety of crafts
“Amazing place to get a unique taonga (gift/treasure) for yourself or a loved one. Stopped in and picked up some earrings and and maori prints for my daughter. Have a wide variety of crafts from wood carvings, pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, painted artworks, screenprints and a whole lot more. Support local maori artists and shop here. Mauri ora.”
-Jay, Google review
It pays to give yourself time to look around
“Authentic and quality Maori art, jewellery and homewares. Dont go here if you want cheap tat as you wont find it here. Also staff are lovely and helpful. It pays to give yourself time to look around as doing a couple of laps around the store you keep seeing new things.”
-Aroha Haggie, Google review
4. ArtSelect Gallery Limited
Address: 19A Osborne Street, Newmarket
Phone: +64 21 415 449
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 3 PM
ArtSelect Gallery Limited only represents a small group of Auckland-based artists. Instead of overwhelming you with too much, Director Ngaire Stone puts her energy into showing really strong, thoughtful work.
We liked that they have a strong relationship with the artists they represent. They get access to pieces you won’t find elsewhere, like private commissions or works straight from a solo show.
If you’re collecting with a purpose or looking for something specific, this might come in handy.
Another touch is how welcoming the place feels. A lot of people mentioned that the gallery isn’t just a white-walled showroom. Instead, it invites people to chat with each other.
You can visit here during regular hours. But if you want a private viewing or need to come outside the normal schedule, they’ll usually work with you.
Now, a small critique: the gallery sticks pretty close to painting and sculpture. They do it well, no question. But if you’re into video art, mixed media, or more experimental stuff, you might find the selection a bit narrow.
Some excellent art work to be seen and purchased here
“Some excellent art work to be seen and purchased here. A great little space to visit or even host that small event. Pop along and see for yourself some off the great artwork.”
-Alexander Parnham, Google review
Could not be happier with our purchased piece
“We purchased a lovely ethereal piece by international artist Tim Laffey. Could not be happier with it and we will absolutely be engaging John and Ngaire to expand our art collection. Absolute joy to deal with!”
-Dianna “Dee” Birchfield West, Google review
5. Anna Miles Gallery
Address: 10/30 Upper Queen Street, Auckland Central
Phone: +64 21 471 047
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Anna Miles Gallery is a little unusual as it’s inside a city apartment building. The entrance is also a little tricky to find, but once you do, you’re rewarded with a room full of character.
Anna Miles actually lives in the same building, which adds a personal touch. It doesn’t feel like a gallery that’s separate from life.
She opened the gallery in 2003 after working as a critic and curator. She didn’t want to write about art, but also wanted to support artists long-term.
The gallery works with painters, sculptors, photographers, jewellers, and craftspeople. We really appreciated that because you’re not just seeing one type of work. The mix keeps things interesting.
Exhibitions change pretty regularly, and there’s often a playful edge to how the shows are put together. Anna is known for pairing artists in unexpected ways.
A downside, though, is that the gallery isn’t the easiest to stumble upon. It’s only open on a Saturday in a whole week, and some visitors have recommended calling ahead before visiting.
The exhibition (Neighbours) was a treat
“Wander through a block of apartments and into what i determine as a home turned gallery, an exciting way finding! Anna introduced us to the works on show. Such a lovely little spot with great natural light, and the exhibition (Neighbours) was a treat. I visited for the work of Samuel Hartnett and stayed for the experience. Really nice stair runners, too.”
-Didi, Google review
This is a serious contemporary gallery showcasing NZ’s best talents
“Although it’s tucked away in a city apartment complex, this is a serious contemporary gallery, showcasing some of New Zealand’s best current and emerging talent. Anna is extremely knowledgeable and a great conversationalist. Best to call ahead before you visit.”
-Ben Chandler, Google review
