Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula district is a haven for artists, whose workshops and galleries are open to the public. There are also many art and craft boutiques to visit. Exquisite blue pearls and examples of hand-blown glass are produced on the Peninsula.
A thriving artistic community makes Hanmer Springs and the Hurunui district a fascinating destination for anyone with an interest in original New Zealand arts and crafts. In the Hurunui visitors can meet artisans working with pottery, ceramics, wood, jade, bone, glass and a variety of other materials.
Kaikoura is home to numerous artists and craftspeople, who like to incorporate local flavour into their designs.
Visit the Ashford Craft Village in Ashburton, where several artists and craftspeople are based. This town is also the home of the World Famous Ashford Spinning Wheels and Weaving Looms.
Check out the pottery, the galleries, Maori Rock Art and the local arts and crafts scene while in the Timaru area.