Sculpture on the Gulf
Every two years, artists from all over New Zealand, including Waiheke itself, display a variety of outdoor sculpture along a 2.5-kilometre trail that runs around the spectacular Ma¯ tiatia headland on Waiheke Island. This year’s Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf will feature 28 artists working in stone, wood, glass, metal, and other media, creating pieces designed to fit in with the land- or sea-scape of each individual location.
Why go?
It’s such a glorious combination of art and nature.
The sculptures are not only inventive, stimulating, beautiful, and often strikingly big, but complement their glorious backdrop of sea, islands, hills and po¯ hutukawa. You would happily come for the scenery alone, but each artwork adds a focal point that completes the picture.
Along with the pleasure of getting some exercise and fresh air, there’s also the entertainment of admiring the artistry, skill and inspiration of the sculptor, or trying to puzzle out what on Earth he or she was thinking. That’s the joy of art: personal interpretation is an integral part of it, and whether it clicks or not, it’s fun to play the game. More often than not, though, you will be in awe of the idea and the workmanship, and full of admiration for how they have been combined.
Besides the large sculptures along the trail, there will also be smaller works on show at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery in Oneroa, some of them miniature maquettes of the finished works, alongside stand-alone originals. You can also get arty yourself, and contribute to a bird-waterer sculpture. And in nearby Alison Park you can lose yourself in Elliot Collins’ Memory Castle.
Insider tip
Wear good shoes. The track is unsealed and there are quite a few steps up and down. You really don’t want to be distracted by unsuitable footwear.
On the way/nearby
If the sculptures have whet your appetite, there’s more art in the galleries and shops in Oneroa, so allow time to browse. And speaking of appetites, there’s a wide choice of eateries in the town, from a crepe caravan to high-profile restaurants. If your feet are complaining, pop down to Oneroa’s sandy beach for a paddle.
How much?
The walk is free, but the organisers encourage adults to make a $10 donation each towards the cost of putting on the exhibition. There’s a $5 fare (children free) to take the shuttle bus from the Information Centre near the Ma¯ tiatia wharf, through Oneroa village, to the start of the track, which ends back at Ma¯ tiatia.
Best time to go
The exhibition runs March 1-24, and is always busier on weekends, so avoid them if you can. The shuttle and information centre operate 8am to 5pm daily, but the trail is accessible 24/7. See sotg.nz.