BOP Open Studios

Discover the Art at the Heart of Your Community
21 – 23 November 2025

This year, BOP Open Studios is proudly part of the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival calendar. This event is a natural extension of our long-standing love for celebrating local creativity. 

And see below for information about the Starting Point Gallery open to the public at The Kollective from Monday 17th – Sunday 23rd November.

View the official trail map
View participating artists

The inaugural BOP Open Studios in 2024 was a resounding success, thanks to the artists and committee that made it happen. With studio doors open from Katikati to Pukehina, and art lovers travelling from near and far to experience the region’s rich creative talent, artists and visitors alike praised the intimate and inspiring nature of the three-day trail.

BOP Open Studios will run on the alternate year to the main Garden & Art Festival, ensuring there’s always something beautiful on the horizon for art lovers in the Bay.

About BOP Open Studios

BOP Open Studios is a three-day self-guided studio trail across Katikati, Athenree, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Te Puke, Pukehina and everywhere in between.

It’s an opportunity to:

  • Step inside the creative spaces of painters, sculptors, potters, printmakers, jewellers, textile artists and more.
  • Meet the makers and hear the stories behind their work.
  • Discover and collect original art directly from the artists themselves.
  • Explore a wide range of studios, from tucked-away garden sheds to purpose-built workspaces, each one as unique as the artist inside.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or simply curious about the creative process, BOP Open Studios offers a rare and memorable way to connect with the arts community here in the Bay of Plenty.

The Starting Point Gallery

At The Kollective (Stop 43) we showcase a work from each participating artist. A great space to go for inspiration on which studios to visit first. Someone can even help you plan your trip. The Starting Point Gallery runs from Monday November 17th all the way through to Sunday 23rd November, and like the Trail, it is absolutely free. You can even buy an artwork here if you see something you like.

The Kollective – 145 17th Avenue, Tauranga South, 3112

Our Vision

Our goal is to present a high-calibre experience that:

  • Elevates and connects local artists with new audiences
  • Builds the Bay of Plenty’s reputation as a vibrant arts destination
  • Becomes a ‘must-do’ event on Aotearoa’s annual arts calendar

BOP Open Studios artists

Get a sneak peek of the talented local artists taking part and start planning your studio visits.

View participating artists

BOP Open Studios applications now closed

Thanks to everyone who applied to be part of BOP Open Studios. If you’re an artist in the Tauranga or Bay of Plenty areas and missed out this time, keep an eye out for future opportunities!