Gibbs Farm - a spectacular day trip

 

I had about 46 hours in Auckland, but I was determined to squeeze in a lot of sights (and art) in my daylight hours.

Top of my list was the elusive Gibbs Farm. Even my sculptor friend was amazed I managed to get tickets when she had missed out during a two week trip.

I had wanted to go on my full day, so I could spend all allotted four hours there but as it was, I could only get the day of my flight. It's a little over an hour from the airport so it meant a lot of time pressure.

But it was worth it.

The estate is rarely open to the public but you buy tickets through a charity. There is no place I could find that regularly updated the days and charities, so you just have to keep looking (however eventbrite might be a start but check broadly). I started scouting about three months out. There was nothing. Then one day I discovered the day I wanted was sold out (the first and only time I saw it advertised). However, there was also the next day so I took it.

I managed to lock down tickets helping Gutter Kittens (?), so expensive but a good cause. Someone had told me they might let me in 15 minutes early so I left Auckland 90 minutes before entry.

I was allowed in when I arrived, so that gave me an hour and 15 -20 minutes to cover the 7km trail (which for me, as a speedy walker, was doable if I charged in between the art). Ideally, you would take a picnic and enjoy inspecting the sculptures and then a pleasant amble around the property.

Even with the hurried pace in between the art, it was worth it. I adored every minute and the sculpture is HUGE. It's glorious from a distance and magnificent up close, while the scenic backdrop of rolling hills and the sea are an artwork in themselves.

I regret not having more time (and I also needed to show my shoes on entry into Australia as there were animals roaming around and it is technically a farm, however they were deemed fine, muddy as they were).

You need a car to get there from Auckland (it's 62 kilometres away) and (76 kilometres from the airport). Driving in New Zealand for me sometimes took longer than google maps estimates so if you must cram it in before a flight, I recommend allowing extra time on the estimation.

The art itself is created by artists from all over the world. The brief appears to be using the land that it's one and the surrounds. They're fun and joyful works and there's a lovely sense of camaraderie with the other visitors as you all flow along the trails.

Even with my time limits and flight stress, it was a really special experience that I don't think I'll forget.

I could not recommend this more.

Practicalities:

Gibbs Farm

Kaipara

If you miss out, there is another sculpture garden nearby. I did not have time to go here.

Further Reading:

Piha Beach

Kea 

Please note this sculpture is at the gate of the other sculpture farm nearby

[Any locals, feel free to correct me and give any other pointers so I can improve the post to help travellers]

Linking with #GardenAffair