The very first KOAST was held during Labour Weekend 2014. It has formed an integral part of the area’s vibrant art scene by offering local artists an opportunity to showcase their work in a unique way.
Members of the public are invited to come and see artists at work in their studios, chat with them and enjoy a wide selection of media. Using the Trail Guide which lists artists, their locations and the medium they work in, visitors can plan a weekend spent exploring the region’s art scene.
KOAST 2019 was a really exciting event with over 3000 visitors and the 2018 year was the same. Each year there are artists who paint in oil, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media, sculptors, jewellers, ceramicists, weavers and many more. The 2020, 2021 and 2022 events were cancelled due to COVID.
The 2023 event saw over 140 artists and well over 3,500 visitors.
KOAST – Tai Tokerau 2025 had over 200 exhibiting artists throughout all venues and over 5000 visitors, so start planning to bring your friends to the 2026 art event and enjoy driving around the beautiful region, including the Bay of Islands. Explore the working studios where our artists create their unique work and you’ll find plenty of original art for sale!
You will need a Trail Guide with the map which enables you to find the studios and exhibits. The Guide also has a description about each artist – and you can find more on this website of course.
Thank you to the following businesses who helped us sell Trail Guides.
Kerikeri – Kaleo Design, Paper Plus, The Old Packhouse Market (Saturdays), Redwoods Garden Centre, KeriBerries, BOI Automarine, and The Little Black Gallery
Waipapa – Village Books
Paihia – Post Shop, Flying Fish, Cabbage Tree, iSite
Mangonui – Exhibit A Gallery, Artisan Gallery, Mark Daniells, Old Oak Boutique Hotel
Kaikohe – Te Pu O Te Wheke Gallery
Rawene – No 1 Parnell Gallery, Ngapuhi Creatives
Kohukohu – Village Arts
Russell– South Sea Art
Whangarei – The Bach Town Basin, The Quarry Arts Centre, Reyburn House
If you would like to become involved in contributing to alternative exhibitions or events for the future, please send us your name, phone and email using this form, we’d love to hear from you