The Suter Art Gallery

After a lengthy closure, the Suter Art Gallery reopened in 2016 with a fresh new look. After its $12 million refurbishment, expectations were high, and the results did not disappoint. The new building has modern, clean lines that reference the original brickwork and lofty wooden ceiling of the old gallery, which originally opened in

1899. There are three exhibition spaces, a sculpture walk, an education centre, and a contemplation gallery. With local and international art spanning 200 years, the gallery has a collection considered of national significance, including New Zealand's largest collection of watercolours by the 19th-century landscape artist, John Gully, and various works by Toss Wollaston, one of the founders of modern art in Aotearoa. Wollaston settled in Mapua and became a contemporary of Colin McCahon. The gallery also has a superb café that looks out over the Queens Gardens pond. Enjoying a coffee or lunch here and then taking a stroll through the classical Victorian ornamental park can be interesting way to while away the afternoon.

208 Bridge Street. (03) 548 4699, thesuter.org.nz