South Coast Arts Trail 2025
Frequently asked questions
For visitors
What is the South Coast Arts Trail?
The South Coast Arts Trail is a free, self-guided arts weekend across Wellington's south coast suburbs. Over two days, local artists open their studios and exhibit in community venues, giving visitors a chance to explore creative work, meet the people behind it, and discover a part of Wellington that's well worth the trip.
The trail is walkable for most people, bike-friendly, and accessible by public transport for most studios. Whether you're browsing, buying, or simply curious, there's no set route and no ticket required.
Now in its fifth year, the trail celebrates and promotes artists that live, work, or have strong connections to the South Coast of Wellington. It is organised by volunteers who live and work on the south coast, with support from local sponsors and our parent not-for-profit organisation, the South Coast Business and Promotions Association, which supports South Coast businesses and community.
Where is the South Coast Arts Trail?
The South Coast Arts Trail includes Owhiro Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay and Berhampore.
When is the South Coast Arts Trail?
The South Coast Arts Trail 2026 will take place on Saturday 12 September to Sunday 13 September from 10am-4pm daily.
How can I find out more information about the South Coast Arts Trail?
You can find us on our website at southcoastartstrail.co.nz, and keep up to date by following us on social media. We post regularly in the lead-up to the trail.
Facebook: facebook.com/southcoastartstrail
Instagram: @southcoastartstrail
Where do I start the South Coast Arts Trail?
A map of venues will be available on our website in the weeks before the trail. There is a regular bus service from the CBD covering Island Bay, Owhiro Bay and Southgate (#1, #32x or 29). Maybe you’d like to start with a browse at the local Island Bay shops, or at one of the local cafes, or start at Pariwhero Gallery at Red Rocks, and work your way east. There is parking on some urban streets and coastal routes, but please be aware of time limits in some parking areas, and be careful not to park over driveways or access areas.
How do I get around the South Coast Arts Trail?
Most venues are walkable and easy for biking. We encourage you to wander at your own pace, enjoy the fresh air, the slow pace, and the chance to meet others.
I notice some South Coast Arts Trail artist studios are in private homes. Am I allowed to enter?
Participating venues will display a South Coast Arts Trail flag so you know you are in the right place.
I’m at a listed South Coast Arts Trail venue but it looks closed?
Venues have been asked to be open between 10am and 4pm daily, however it's best to check our website for any changes.
How do I buy artwork on the South Coast Arts Trail?
Some venues will have eftpos machines, but for many artists this will be a matter to negotiate, using bank transfers or whatever else is worked out between vendor and buyer. While artists are encouraged to have their work available to purchase, not all work may be for sale.
I would like to participate in a future South Coast Arts Trail event. How do I find out more about it?
You can contact us through our website through the 'contact us' page here.
Facebook: facebook.com/southcoastartstrail
Instagram: @southcoastartstrail
How can I support the South Coast Arts Trail?
The South Coast Arts Trail is a free community event, made possible by the generous support of sponsors and donors, and organised by volunteers who call the South Coast home. If you'd like to support the trail, visit our sponsorship page or get in touch.
I would like to host an exhibition. How do I find out about hosting one?
We are always looking for supporters of the South Coast Arts Trail. Please contact us here.
I’m a local South Coast business – how do I become part of the South Coast Arts trail?
Sponsoring the South Coast Arts Trail puts your business in front of thousands of visitors who come to the South Coast over the trail weekend, as well as our growing online audience in the weeks leading up to the event. It's also a chance to align with something that matters to the local community.
We offer sponsorship tiers to suit different levels of support, from logo placement and print advertising through to social media spotlights and website features.
Get in touch to find out more.
For artists
How can I participate in the South Coast Arts Trail?
Registrations have closed for the 2026 South Coast Arts Trail. We will be asking for registrations for the 2027 South Coast Arts Trail in early 2027.
When do I need to be available for the South Coast Arts Trail?
The South Coast Arts Trail 2026 takes place over the weekend of 12-13 September 2026. If you have your own studio this needs to be open to the public from 10am-4pm each day.
Public venues with registered artist exhibits will also be open during this timeframe, allowing time on Friday and Sunday evenings for exhibitors to hang and pack down/collect their work.
Exhibiting artists in public venues are asked to share a hosting roster, where possible, during opening times.
How does the South Coast Arts Trail support arts trail participants?
The South Coast Arts Trail will arrange venues for anyone needing a space to show their work and we will assist, where possible, with any artist-led initiatives that support this event. The South Coast Arts Trail will promote this event on our website and social media, a printed South Coast Arts Trail booklet, billboards, banners, flags and other marketing material.
We will seek funding and sponsorship support to ensure this event is sustainable, so that it happens every year.
Can I sell my work at the South Coast Arts Trail?
Yes, you can sell your work during the South Coast Arts Trail. Some venues may offer eftpos, otherwise artists are responsible for making their own arrangements for payment.
Does the South Coast Arts Trail take a commission on works sold during the event?
No, the South Coast Arts Trail does not take a commission on works sold, however, some public venues such as church halls may appreciate a koha.
My artwork is not suitable for children. Can I still be part of the South Coast Arts Trail?
The South Coast Arts Trail is a community event. Our aim is to ensure this is an event that all can participate in, including children so please choose the work you wish to exhibit accordingly.
How do I promote my South Coast Arts Trail event?
Please share with your friends and whānau, use our marketing material that will be available to you after registration, and share on your social media or through any other channels you might have.
Do I need to use South Coast Arts Trail branding on my promotion?
It would help enormously to promote the event using our branding, as by bringing people to the South Coast Arts Trail we also promote our local businesses and support the sense of community that is fundamental to a healthy and thriving suburb.
The South Coast Arts Trail team will send a simple digital branding pack to registered artists, after registration, to use for your social media and promotion.
I would like to exhibit my works at a public venue. How will I be allocated a venue?
Artists that have registered to exhibit at a public venue, will be allocated a venue space most suitable for their work at the discretion of the South Coast Arts Trail team.
How are you going to advertise the South Coast Arts Trail?
Digital:
Each registered artist will be included on our website, including a small bio, image and a link to your social media. We will also promote artists using social media including:
Facebook: facebook.com/southcoastartstrail
Instagram: @southcoastartstrail
There will be a South Coast Arts Trail printed guide, with information and a map for visitors to find their way around the arts trail to find your studio, or exhibition. Registered artists will be included in the guide, and will include a bio, image and your social media link that you provided us when registering. Each registered artist will receive guides to share with friends and whānau and visitors.
We will also communicate with local arts journalists and community media, and billboards and posters promoting the South Coast Arts Trail.
South Coast Arts Trail letterbox flags will be available for individual studios and participating venues.
Please explain the Health and Safety requirements of opening my studio or home to the public for the South Coast Arts Trail?
As the South Coast Arts Trail team are not able to be on site at every venue, or responsible for private homes or venues, we are following the guidelines of the NZ Health and Safety at Work Act (2015). This states that art studio owners/operators have a duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of visitors. This includes identifying and managing risks such as slips, trips and falls, and exposure to any hazardous materials.
Public venues are also required to adhere to these guidelines. The principle is to take all reasonable steps to make sure visitors to your home are safe and secure, and made aware of any hazards that could cause harm. Please note, a Health and Safety checklist is included in the registration information, and if you would like a copy, please contact us.