Sculptureum Matakana: Art, Gardens and Wine from Auckland
A curated journey north where world-class sculpture, living art, and vineyard dining converge just beyond the city.
This Sculptureum art tour from Auckland takes you across the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and north through the Northshore to Matakana, where one of New Zealand's most distinctive cultural attractions awaits. The drive itself sets the tone, with Rangitoto Island catching the morning light as the city gives way to rolling countryside.
Sculptureum sits just one hour north of Auckland and five minutes from Matakana Village, yet it feels entirely removed from everyday life. Spanning three sculpture gardens and six art galleries, the property brings together more than 800 works from both local and international artists across 1.4 kilometres of easy, accessible walking paths.
The collection places works by globally recognised artists alongside striking natural landscapes, seasonal plantings, prehistoric rocks, and statement trees. Rothko Restaurant offers award-winning dining prepared from the freshest seasonal produce, rounding out a day that balances cultural depth with genuine relaxation.
Tour Highlights
Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge with views of Rangitoto Island in the morning light before heading north to Matakana.
Explore six diverse art galleries featuring works by Picasso, Chagall, Rodin, Chihuly, and Cezanne, among many others.
Walk 1.4 kilometres of easy sculpture garden paths surrounded by seasonal plantings, reflective quotes, and prehistoric rocks.
Encounter living sculptures including exotic birds in five aviaries, large rabbits, turtles, and miniature ponies throughout the grounds.
Optional dining at the award-winning Rothko Restaurant, with menus built around the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Taste wines produced from Sculptureum's own 14-acre on-site vineyard, a natural complement to an afternoon in the gardens.
How the Day Unfolds
Your tour begins in the heart of Auckland CBD. The group heads north, crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge as Rangitoto Island sits prominently in the Waitemata Harbour.
The route takes you through Auckland's Northshore and into the Matakana wine country. The drive offers a gradual shift from urban to rural New Zealand landscape.
Upon arrival, you enter a property that houses three distinct sculpture gardens and six art galleries. The scale and variety of the collection — over 800 works — becomes immediately apparent.
Spend time moving through the gardens and galleries at your own pace. Works by internationally recognised artists are placed alongside living animal sculptures and native plantings across 1.4 kilometres of accessible paths.
Rothko Restaurant at Sculptureum offers an award-winning seasonal menu. Dining here is optional and provides a natural pause before exploring the vineyard and remaining gardens.
After a full afternoon at Sculptureum, the group departs Matakana and returns to Auckland CBD, completing the seven-hour day tour.
What Is Included
Included
- Return transport from Auckland CBD to Sculptureum
- Entry to three sculpture gardens
- Access to six art galleries
- Guided travel commentary during transit
- Encounter with living animal sculptures on-site
Not Included
- Meals and beverages (Rothko Restaurant dining is optional and at own cost)
- Wine tasting (available at own cost)
- Personal spending and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Sculptureum Tour
Spaces on this small-group tour are limited. Secure your spot now and spend a day exploring world-class art, sculpture gardens, and award-winning cuisine just north of Auckland.
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