Gallery
Commercial & Dealer Gallery
Tucked away onsite at Treghan Lodge in Kerikeri, Little Black Gallery is an independent gallery showcasing an eclectic and carefully curated collection of contemporary New Zealand art.
The gallery represents established and emerging artists and makers from Northland and throughout New Zealand, with an ever-changing collection of paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, glass, fibre and other original works. Rather than specialising in a single style or medium, Little Black Gallery brings together work chosen for its individuality, craftsmanship and creative strength.
Visitors might discover an expressive contemporary painting alongside hand-thrown ceramics, distinctive New Zealand jewellery, sculptural pieces, glass art or intricate fibre art. With new work arriving regularly and exhibitions throughout the year, there is always something different to see.
Little Black Gallery is a relaxed place to browse and discover something unexpected. Set off the road rather than in a conventional shopping precinct, visitors have time and space to look around without feeling hurried. The emphasis is on discovering work that has character and a story behind it, whether you are an experienced collector, looking for a special piece for your home, searching for an original gift, or simply enjoy seeing what New Zealand artists are creating.
The gallery has strong connections with the artists it represents and enjoys sharing the stories behind their work. Many pieces reflect the landscapes, materials and creative influences of New Zealand, while others take their inspiration much further afield.
For visitors exploring the Bay of Islands, Little Black Gallery offers another side of the region - its creative community and the painters, potters, jewellers, sculptors and makers who contribute to it.
Little Black Gallery's collection spans a broad range of contemporary art and craft, making it an interesting stop for anyone looking for original New Zealand work rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
The collection regularly includes:
Original paintings and works on paper
Contemporary ceramics and pottery
New Zealand-made jewellery
Sculpture and three-dimensional work
Glass and fibre art
Small original pieces and distinctive gifts
Because the gallery works directly with individual artists and makers, the collection continually evolves. Pieces may be one-offs or part of small bodies of work, and exhibitions and new arrivals introduce different artists and ideas throughout the year.
This variety is an important part of the gallery's character. Visitors can find substantial works for a home or collection alongside smaller pieces that are easy to take away or give as a special gift.
The gallery's approach is simple - they select work that is original, beautifully made and interesting enough to live with.
Regular exhibitions and displays give visitors another reason to return to Little Black Gallery. These may focus on an individual artist, bring several artists together around an exhibition, or introduce a new collection of work to the gallery.
Between exhibitions, new pieces arrive throughout the year. The gallery is never static. Paintings change, new ceramics appear, jewellery collections evolve and different combinations of work create a fresh experience from one visit to the next.
For people interested in the story behind a piece, the gallery is also a place to learn more about the artist, their materials, techniques and inspiration. This connection between artist, artwork and eventual owner is an important part of what an independent gallery can offer.
For travellers, art can provide a lasting connection with a place long after a holiday has ended.
Rather than conventional souvenirs, Little Black Gallery offers the opportunity to find an original artwork or handcrafted piece created in New Zealand. Some visitors are looking for a significant painting or sculpture, while others discover a piece of pottery, jewellery or smaller work that simply speaks to them.
The gallery welcomes everyone, from established collectors and first-time buyers to visitors who simply want to look around and enjoy the work. Browsing and discovering something unexpected are very much part of the gallery experience.
For overseas visitors, smaller ceramics, jewellery and other original pieces can also provide a particularly personal reminder of time spent in New Zealand.
Little Black Gallery is in Kerikeri, in the Bay of Islands in Northland, New Zealand.
Kerikeri is one of Northland's most interesting destinations, with artisan producers, historic sites, vineyards, cafés and restaurants all within easy reach. Little Black Gallery makes an easy addition to a day spent exploring the town and surrounding countryside.
The gallery is located onsite at Treghan Lodge, just a few minutes from central Kerikeri. Its setting away from the main shopping area is part of its appeal, offering a quieter place to stop and browse, with onsite parking.
Visitors are welcome to make Little Black Gallery a destination in its own right, or include it as part of a day exploring Kerikeri and the wider Bay of Islands.
Kerikeri is easily reached by road or air and makes a convenient base for exploring the wider Bay of Islands and Northland.
By road, Kerikeri is approximately three hours north of Auckland. The drive takes visitors through changing Northland landscapes and can easily form part of a longer journey through the region.
For those flying, direct flights from Auckland connect with Bay of Islands Airport at Kerikeri in around 50 minutes. The airport is only a short drive from the town.
Paihia and Waitangi are approximately 25 minutes away by car, making it easy to combine a visit to Kerikeri with the waterfront and historic attractions around the southern Bay of Islands. The historic seaside village of Russell can be reached by passenger ferry from Paihia or by road and vehicle ferry.
Travellers continuing north can use Kerikeri as a natural stopping point on journeys towards Whangaroa, Mangōnui, Doubtless Bay and the Far North.
Kerikeri rewards visitors who allow time to explore beyond its town centre.
The area combines some of New Zealand's earliest European and Māori history with walking tracks, waterfalls, gardens, local food producers, vineyards and a strong community of independent businesses and makers.
The historic Kerikeri Basin is home to the Stone Store, Kemp House and Te Ahurea, while nearby walking tracks provide an easy way to experience the river and surrounding landscape. Elsewhere around Kerikeri, visitors can discover local produce, cafés, restaurants, wineries, gardens and specialty shops.
This mix makes Little Black Gallery an easy part of a relaxed Kerikeri day. Browse contemporary New Zealand art, explore the historic area, enjoy lunch or coffee, visit a local producer or garden, and take time to discover a little more of the Bay of Islands away from the waterfront.
Whether you leave with a painting, a piece of jewellery, a beautiful ceramic work or simply the memory of something that caught your eye, Little Black Gallery is a place to discover some of the remarkable creativity found in Northland and across New Zealand.