Kina NZ Design + Art Space

Anyone wanting to take a memento of Taranaki home with them should spend some time browsing the curated art and design pieces at Kina NZ Design + Artspace in New Plymouth. Located in a heritage building that was once New Plymouth’s Exchange Chambers, Kina now trades in the brightest New Zealand artists.

The space is generously proportioned with huge ceilings and period features; the perfect blank canvas for showcasing a wide breadth of arts. Kina’s shelves and walls are bursting with an accessible and affordable selection of art with everything from ceramics to glassworks to paintings to handcrafted jewellery. Owner Luella Raj, has been collecting and sourcing works for nearly two decades, and her skilful eye for idiosyncratic artists and makers is evident.

You’ll see a playful nod to kiwiana, including giant cast glass jet plane sweets mounted on the wall by artist Simon Lewis-Wards, and for those looking for something uber local, the gallery is awash with imagery of the iconic Mt Taranaki including stunning fine art prints from Michael Smither. The gallery has plenty of nooks to explore and we recommend losing yourself in the many curiosities and creations.

The friendly staff are expertly knowledgeable about the artists and will freely share intel if you want to know more. Kina is the ultimate conduit between New Zealand makers and art and object collectors.