Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery — Attraction in Waitākere Ranges

As a former Aucklander now resident in Sydney, but visiting 3-4 times p.a., I read a feature on Te Uru in North&South or wherever in December. A simple short trip on the bus up the hill from Lynnmall set me down in Titirangi village which I had not stopped in for quite a while. Further down the street towards the Scenic Drive roundabout one soon comes to the Lopdell House/Te Uru complex. Once inside the building it is fairly standard modern exhibition spaces spread over 3 or 4 floors, but with the back "stairway to heaven" being virtually an impressive glass wall with wonderful views at the top (in Dec.) over the local blooming pohutukawas and out to the Manukau. The exhibitions on at this time included some Hoteres on the ground floor, the interesting Portage ceramic awards, a Tiffany Singh (McCahon house resident) installation at the top. At the time I visited the roof access seemed only available from the Lopdell House roof terrace, so be aware of that for a wonderful Manukau vista. The exterior of the building has a wonderful copper verdigris finish (but apparently actually aluminium as copper would have broken the budget). This is a truly wonderful regional gallery space and a great addition to the West. I very much look forward to future visits. It is very much worth the trip, regardless of the art inside at the time, even if only to admire the...

Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery is an absolute gem! This is the place to come to if you want to experience new and contemporary art. They change their exhibits and installations often, to make every visit fresh and interesting.

Your personal taste will inform the visit. Some contemporary installation are brilliantly inspired and inspiring, and showcases local New Zealand history and artists. Although I could appreciate the passion and effort that went into creating those works of art, I just didn't "get" some of the pieces.

The building itself is an architectural marvel. It also offers beautiful outside views, displaying the wooded areas and the harbour as art itself.

Well...

I love this gallery. I always visit when I travel up from south island to see my family. The water colour paintings by Gretchen Albrecht at Dec/Jan xmas holidays were a colour feast for the eyes. Really enjoyable. The views from the different levels building are a real treat too. The portage Ceramics award pieces here are always special to see. This place is a gem. Its gallery store...