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Easter Adventure Highway Ruapehu Art Trail Exhibition

Whakapapa Visitor Centre | 03 Apr - 19 Apr 26

Looking for a great indoor activity on a wet weather day or a relaxing recovery day during Easter and the school holidays? Discover the Adventure Highway Ruapehu Art Trail Exhibition at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre

Located just behind the historic Chateau Tongariro on the road to the Whakapapa ski area, the isite is a spacious visitor centre filled with fascinating geological displays, interactive infographics, and information about iconic experiences such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It’s a large, engaging complex with plenty to explore.

The exhibition winds through the entire centre — including the theatre and 100‑seat auditorium — and showcases an impressive collection of work from leading Ruapehu artists. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of styles, mediums, and creative perspectives that celebrate the region’s vibrant artistic community.

Featured Artists

  • Merrilyn George — Multi‑award‑winning Ruapehu artist, nationally and internationally recognised for her exceptional fabric art.
  • James Cannon — Multi‑award‑winning artist and frequent winner at both the Ruapehu and Waimarino Art Awards.
  • Regan Hoban — Portraiture specialist and winner of the 2023 Ruapehu Art Awards People’s Choice Award.
  • Mark Tyrrell — Multi‑award‑winning artist, including the 2025 People’s Choice Award for Morepork Lullaby and multiple Waimarino Art Awards wins.
  • Sarath Surendran (Freddie) — Waimarino Art Awards People’s Choice winner.
  • Paula Charlton — Long‑time organiser of the Waimarino Art Awards and multi‑award‑winning Ruapehu artist.
  • Marama De Groot — Rising artist and winner of the 2025 Ruapehu Art Awards Open 2D Prize.
  • Charlie Cannon — Emerging Ruapehu artist launching his own creative path.
  • Kelly Graham — Known for soulful, vibrant works loved by visitors.
  • Maureen Tupaea — Abstract artist with exceptional intuitive colour composition.
  • Fred Gordon — Ceramics expert with decades of international exhibition experience.
  • Kate Hartman — A well‑established artist from the Kāpiti Coast, newly welcomed into the Ruapehu arts community.

Exhibition Venue

Whakapapa isite
Whakapapa Village, State Highway 48, 3951
Hours: Sunday–Saturday, 8:30am–4pm
Phone: 07 892 3729

Explore More

To explore the full Adventure Highway Ruapehu Art Trail, view artist profiles, or plan your visit, head to adventurehighwayarttrail.shop or pick up a brochure at the Whakapapa isite

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