South Coast Arts Trail 2026
Find the art.
Find the South Coast.
Find the art. Find the South Coast.
12-13th September 2026.
The South Coast Arts Trail is a free, self-guided arts weekend across Wellington's South Coast. Over two days, local artists open their studios and exhibit in community venues, giving you the chance to explore creative work, meet the people behind it, and discover a part of Wellington that's well worth the trip.
ENJOY THE ARTS TRAIL
12 – 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
ISLAND BAY. WGN. 6023
About the Arts Trail
Whether you're walking, cycling, or just out for a weekend drive, this is your chance to explore the art and stories from our artists, that make our community unique. Along the way, you’ll also find community organisations opening their doors and welcoming visitors, and local schools proudly showcasing the amazing work of our next generation of young artists.
My favourite time of day © Nicola Jackson
Thank you to South Coast Artist and Printmaker, Nicola Jackson for supporting and participating in this year's Arts Trail.
We are pleased to feature Nicola's art as the lead image for the 2026 South Coast Arts Trail. Nicola's work can be found in selected galleries in NZ and the QT hotel, Wellington.
The South Coast Arts Trail is for everyone, whether you're a local who knows every corner of the South Coast, or a visitor discovering it for the first time. While you're here, explore the local shops and cafes, take in the coastal views, and let the trail lead you somewhere unexpected. We look forward to welcoming you to Wellington's South Coast on 12–13 September 2026.
Awards Finalist
South Coast Arts Trail has been named a finalist in the 2026 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, Wellington City category. Five years of artists, venues, businesses, sponsors, volunteers, locals and visitors, all showing up for this wild little corner of Wellington. It's been a year with its challenges on the South Coast, which makes this feel all the more meaningful. Thanks to the team at @wlgairportcommunityawards and all the best to all finalists!
Sponsorship Opportunity
Sponsor the South Coast Arts Trail 2026
We invite you to join us as a sponsor for the fifth edition of the South Coast Arts Trail, a free community celebration of art and culture across Wellington's South Coast on 12–13 September 2026.
The trail features local artists emerging and established, alongside artists from community organisations and young artists from our local schools, all with strong connections to Owhiro Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay and Berhampore.
Our parent not-for-profit organisation, the South Coast Business and Promotions Association, supports South Coast businesses and community. The South Coast Arts Trail is one of the ways we celebrate and promote the creative life of this region.
Local audience
Your business is seen by the community that lives and works here, through weeks of digital promotion in the lead-up to the event.
Visitor reach
Thousands of visitors come to the South Coast over the trail weekend, putting your brand in front of new audiences.
Flexible options
Sponsorship tiers range from print and digital advertising through to social media spotlights, with something to suit businesses of any size.
Support us
Become a Friend
Support the South Coast Arts Trail and help keep it going. Friends receive early updates and special invitations, and know their contribution is helping local artists and our creative community thrive.
Be involved
Volunteer over the trail weekend and help bring the trail to life. Whether you're welcoming visitors, supporting artists, or helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, your time makes a real difference.
Sponsorship
The South Coast Arts Trail is free to attend and run entirely by volunteers. Sponsorship keeps it that way. If your business would like to support the trail, we'd love to hear from you.
Support Us
Payments can be made to South Coast Business and Promotions Association: 06-0549-0700792-03
We'll send you a receipt on confirmation of payment.
