Hutt ValleySee & Do
A family walks towards the Dowse Museum in Lower Hutt.

The Dowse Art Museum

A contemporary art institution with a focus on craft and applied arts.

The Dowse, as it’s known by locals, opened in 1971. Its focus was on studio craft, including ceramics, textiles, and weaving, which was unusual for art galleries at the time. The museum has continued to carve out a niche in the applied arts. It now has one of the largest collections of this kind in New Zealand with more than 3,500 objects. It’s considered a pioneer in the presentation of art forms underrepresented and underappreciated in the mainstream art world. Visitors can explore The Dowse for free and enjoy contemporary art and culture.

It established the First National Weaving Award in 1976 along with an exhibition, elevating craft to something other than ‘just a hobby’. Exhibitions now regularly cover graphic design, contemporary jewellery and ceramics, interactive virtual reality, Māori whakairo (carving) or raranga (weaving), photography, and paintings by emerging and leading New Zealand artists.

A young child and their parent enjoy the lights inside one of the Dowse Museum exhibits.

The Dowse is known for accessible exhibitions, public programmes and spaces for people of all ages. In the forecourt in front of the museum sits ‘Fallen Robot’, a giant robot sculpture by leading New Zealand artist Ronnie van Hout. While children will delight in climbing over this permanent sculpture, adults can ponder the meaning of a fallen industrial giant and its relationship to the Hutt Valley’s industrial history.

Taking pride of place in one of the main galleries is Nuku Tewhatewha — an important local . It is one of  greatest treasures. Built in 1856, it is the only known intact pātaka of seven or eight that were carved across the North Island as symbols of support for the Kīngitanga (Māori King) Movement.

No matter what is on when you visit, you can be sure that you’ll walk away feeling inspired, challenged, and reinvigorated. The museum’s café, Bellbird Eatery, and gift shop are also excellent additions to your experience. The Dowse always endeavours to reflect its local and wider community with imagination and intelligence.

A family walks inside an orange room at the Dowse Museum.
Family walking towards thre Dowse Museum. There is a large statue of a square man floating in the water.
A family looks at the Nuku Tewhatewha inside Dowse Museum.
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An exhibition at the Pātaka Art + Museum located in Porirua City Centre featuring large painted canvases displayed on the walls. Four people stand and admire the artwork.

Pātaka Art + Museum

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3 people wearing black, appreciating art works on the white wall inside City Gallery.

City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi

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An exhibition room inside Toi MAHARA Gallery with woven baskets, photographs and other artworks on display.

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The forecourt outside Aratoi. There is a large archway with carved Māori figures and motifs in the middle of the forecourt. A family of three are walking through it. The Aratoi buildings are in the background.

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A group of young children with teachers standing around a green table at Capital E, holding hands.

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The monument at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park is located in, Te Aro, Wellington.

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A family with a young child play with piglets on the grass at Staglands.

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Young children pointing up at the Earth projected onto the digital planetarium and Space Place.

Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place

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16 people paddle a waka in the Wellington Harbour.

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The interior of Seashor Cabaret, a diner located on The Esplanade and Sidney Street in Petone, with four vintage arcade games, two taxidermy deer heads on the wall, two large tables with eight chairs each and three wood booths with eight customers seated.

Seashore Cabaret

Seashore Cabaret serves up delicious diner food and great coffee. On the Petone Foreshore, the café offers views across Wellington Harbour with your brunch.