Kapiti has a thriving arts scene, making it an exciting creative destination for locals and visitors alike.
Some 29 of the District's fantastic artists, studios and galleries feature in the recently launched second edition of the:
Kapiti Coast Arts Guide (9 pages, 750kb).
It features a number of new galleries and studios which have opened since the publication of the original version in 2004.
The Guide is in the process of being distributed nationally through Information Centres and is available locally at:
Paraparaumu Library, Waikanae Library, Otaki Library, Nature Coast Information centres, Kapiti Coast District Council offices, Mahara Gallery and
participating galleries and studios.
If you are an artist wanting to be included in the Guide in the future, contact the Arts Advisor for more details.
Kapiti Arts Trail
Each year, Kapiti's arts community is celebrated with the wildly popular Kapiti Arts Trail.
Photos and more information
Art Galleries on the Kapiti Coast
The following two galleries receive partial Council funding. For information about other delightful galleries in Kapiti, refer to the Kapiti Arts Guide above.
Mahara Gallery
Mahara Place
Waikanae
Email: maharagallery@paradise.net.nz
Telephone: (04) 902-6242
Opening hours
10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Saturday
1.00pm - 4.00pm Sunday
Gillian & Roderick Deane Art Space
Paraparaumu Public Library
179 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu
The gallery is used to display an interesting range of artworks by local artists and to advertise any current arts events in the community.
Opening hours
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm with late opening on Thursday evening until 8.00pm.
Saturday: 9.00am-4.00pm
Sunday: 10.00am-2.00pm
If you would like to know more about this artspace or discuss booking it, please contact the Arts Advisor on Kapiti.Council@kapiticoast.govt.nz.
He Kakano – Waikanae Library Art Space
Waikanae Library, Mahara Place, Waikanae
He Kakano “the Seed” is a small (but perfectly formed) art space that allows local artists to display their artwork within the Waikanae library. He Kakano consists of two walls which are diagonally across from the Issues desk. The art space walls are visible from the Library entrance and centrally situated on the ground floor.
He Kakano’s first exhibition was in mid 2007, with an official opening in August 2007. The gallery was extensively used during a very successful “Arty August” programme of artists that was held at all Kapiti Coast District Council Libraries.
The space is available free of charge to local artists and arts group who may not have access to other galleries. No rent or commission is charged.
Opening Hours
Waikanae Library
Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-4.00pm
If you would like to know more about this artspace or discuss booking it,
please contact the Arts Advisor on Kapiti.Council@kapiticoast.govt.nz.
Arts Funding
Click for information about the funding grants.
Busking on the Kapiti Coast
The Council does not actively monitor busking, but is required to act on complaints.
Buskers wanting to perform within the Kapiti Coast District should download our Guidelines for Buskers (2 pages, 73kb) so you can maximise your success and avoid complaints from residents.
Please note that you may use acoustic instruments and your own voice, but our Bylaws prohibit use of speakers and amplifiers.