Waimakariri is brimming with creatives and educators who have a variety of workshops on offer. From painting to pottery, cheese making to tea making. Why not make a day of it and explore the district by taking part in one of these fabulous workshops? Learn more about each below.
Katie Jenssen Ceramic Artist
Take part in a pottery workshop from a private studio inside the Kaiapoi Mill, located 25 minutes from Christchurch city centre. Attend with friends or by yourself and get creative in a small group setting (max of 10 people/workshop). These are hand building workshops (not on the pottery wheel), allowing people of all levels to craft beautiful work within one session. All workshops are suitable for beginners aged 12+.
Corina Hazlett Artist Studio
With no previous painting experience necessary, Corina Hazlett will guide you through step-by-step to create your own masterpiece to take home. These one-off art education workshops make for great birthday party ideas, corporate team building days, girl weekends… the list goes on. Please allow 3-3.5 hours, minimum 6 people per booking.
Tuahiwi Botanicals
Learn how to make your own plant based, botanical skincare, herbal teas and botanical perfume at these workshops based in Tuahiwi. Most of the workshops are based around the large on-site herbal garden where you will have a full sensory experience – touching, smelling and tasting the plants.
All about Cheese
Imagine turning up to a gathering with a beautiful cheeseboard – and everything on it was made by you!
Try your hand at one of Anne’s cheesemaking workshops in Kaiapoi with friends. Whether you are serious about getting into cheese making or are just curious and want to try something different, these workshops are certainly a fun way to spend a few hours.
Paperjam.
Discover this colourful collage and craft studio located at the Kaiapoi Mill. Choose from a wide range of resources to cut and paste onto paper and let your imagination run wild! Book a workshop with family, friends, or your workmates and let Sarah facilitate and guide you into creating something truly magical.
Billie’s Kitchen Seasoning & Cooking Workshops
Perfect your cooking skills and learn about the various ways to use Lynda’s 100% natural salt and herb seasonings. These one-off workshops are designed to inspire you to create delicious meals that are easy and affordable, activating your inner chef! Email Lynda to book.
Sunflower Studio
Take part in acrylic paint pouring lessons based in Loburn, North Canterbury! These lessons include basic colour theory, paint mixing, and the recipes involved in the mixing. Gather your friends or family members and embark on a day of fun as you create your own masterpiece poured on to a 20×16″ canvas.
Fern River Pottery
Expand your artistic horizons by exploring the world of pottery, make friends with fellow art enthusiasts and connect with the earth via one of the oldest forms of art. Check out the upcoming dates online and book a class for yourself, your child or your teen in the heart of Rangiora!
Tania Miriam Designs
Tania Miriam is a creative with a love for sustainability. In 2018 when her tamariki had grown up she returned from 20 years in Australia, to Tuahiwi, where she planned to learn more about her Ngai Tahu culture. She discovered the art of raranga immediately and from there her love of harakeke began. Tania is a passionate yet patient teacher who loves to share from her kete of knowledge. Try your hand at one of her classes in weaving flowers, baskets and other practical woven items.
Oxford Gallery Workshops
There is always something happening at Oxford Gallery toi o Waimakariri. From creative catch ups on the last Friday of each month, to specialty one-off workshops, and monthly drop-in creative challenges for all ages named ‘Tūhura’. Learn more about what’s currently on offer by heading to their website.
Brown Dog Pottery
Tucked away in the heart of Ohoka and specialising in ‘paint your own pottery’ workshops, parties and corporate events is Brown Dog Pottery. This fully mobile business offers pop-up workshops throughout Canterbury. Paint cute ‘fluffy’ cups for the little ones or a new favourite coffee mug for your kitchen. And, if you really want to take it up a notch, you can even select some beautifully moulded vases or statement serving platters.
Birch Hill Flower Farm
Since 2020 Birch Hill Flower farm has been dedicated to growing beautiful sustainable locally grown flowers in Okuku, North Canterbury. They provide lush, garden-gathered florals for weddings and other special events. Each season they host over ten fun and informative workshops for flower lovers. Their beautiful farm and kind, welcoming team create the perfect environment to explore the art for floral design. Workshops are offered for all skill and interest levels and cover a diverse array of topics.
Want to add your workshop? Get in touch via email here.