Matakana: Sculptureum Gardens & Art Galleries Entry Ticket

Summary

Art walks, garden paths and playful surprises at Sculptureum

You’ll wander through Matakana’s Sculptureum gardens and six art galleries—flat paths lined with quirky sculptures and bold colors everywhere you look. It’s wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, so bring everyone along. You’ll catch unexpected moments—a quiet gallery corner or laughter over lunch smells drifting by—that make this day feel personal and real.

What’s the experience like?

“That one’s a rabbit?” I asked, squinting into the sun as our little group drifted along the first garden path at Sculptureum in Matakana. The air had that sharp, fresh smell you only get after rain. I kept falling behind because every few steps there was something odd or funny — a bronze pig in sunglasses, glass flowers catching the light. We’d laugh or just stand quiet for a second, trying to figure out what the artist was thinking. A couple from Auckland told us they come every year just to see what’s changed.

The galleries were different — quieter somehow, almost like stepping into someone’s living room if their living room was filled with wild color and strange shapes. There’s this one wall covered in tiny faces; I stared at it way too long, probably making the staff wonder if I was lost. Our friend Li tried reading an artist’s name out loud (I won’t even try to spell it), and everyone cracked up. You really don’t have to know much about art to enjoy it here — it feels more like wandering through someone’s imagination than a museum.

I liked how flat all the paths were — my mum uses a stroller for my niece and she didn’t have any trouble. There were families with prams, an older couple with a service dog sniffing around the sculptures (the dog seemed to approve). We didn’t eat at the restaurant this time but could smell something buttery drifting over from that direction. If you’re looking for a day trip from Auckland or just want something easy but memorable near Matakana, this is one of those places that sticks with you longer than you’d expect. I still think about those glass flowers when the sun hits my window at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sculptureum gardens and galleries

• Walk through three sculpture gardens
• Visit six art galleries
• View over 800 artworks

Top questions

How long does it take to walk through Sculptureum?

The sculpture gardens and galleries cover about 1.4km of flat paths; most people spend 2-3 hours exploring.

Is Sculptureum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Sculptureum are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed inside Sculptureum?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers throughout the gardens and galleries.

Can I bring my service animal to Sculptureum?

Service animals are allowed in all areas of Sculptureum.

Does entry include access to both gardens and galleries?

Yes, your ticket includes entry into all three sculpture gardens and six art galleries.

Is there food available at Sculptureum?

Yes, there is an on-site restaurant serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Where is Sculptureum located?

Sculptureum is in the Matakana region of New Zealand, north of Auckland.

What’s included

Your day includes full entry into all three sculpture gardens plus six indoor art galleries at Sculptureum—everything is flat and easy to navigate whether you’re bringing a stroller or need wheelchair access. Service animals are welcome too, so everyone can join in comfortably.