Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park Auckland
A vast sculpture park north of Auckland, featuring monumental artworks by international artists amidst rolling hills and Kaipara Harbour views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited access, book ahead!
Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park Auckland
Best Time
Limited access, book ahead!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast sculpture park north of Auckland, featuring monumental artworks by international artists amidst rolling hills and Kaipara Harbour views.
"A fantastic experience with spectacular sculptures and surprising animal encounters."
🎯 Book Tickets Early
Dates are limited, often for fundraisers. Check art travel sites & book ASAP!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Anish Kapoor's 'Dismigration'
Central Sculpture Area
A monumental, reflective sculpture that plays with perception and the surrounding landscape.
Eric Orr's 'The Arch'
Hillside Overlooking Kaipara Harbour
An imposing steel arch that frames the stunning coastal and farmland vistas.
Exotic Animal Encounters
Throughout the Park
Surprise sightings of giraffes, alpacas, emus, and water buffalo add a unique, wild element to the art experience.
Planning Your Visit
Bookings Are Essential!
Prepare for a Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early
Dates are limited, often for fundraisers. Check art travel sites & book ASAP! +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view. Food trucks are sometimes available.
📸 Capture the Scale
The sculptures are massive! Use wide-angle lenses to show their grandeur.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early
Dates are limited, often for fundraisers. Check art travel sites & book ASAP! +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on varied terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view. Food trucks are sometimes available.
📸 Capture the Scale
The sculptures are massive! Use wide-angle lenses to show their grandeur.
🚗 Arrive Early
Secure closer parking before the loop sculpture trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Gibbs Farm, calling it a 'fantastic experience' and 'visually spectacular'. The combination of monumental sculptures, stunning harbour views, and unexpected exotic animals like giraffes creates a truly unique and memorable day out. While the extensive walking and limited amenities are noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-visit for art and nature lovers.
"If you ever get the chance to visit Gibbs farm-Go for it. Pack a picnic lunch and walk around the sculptures at your leisure, the view towards the Kaipara harbour and farmland are pleasing and the sculptures at different angles and distances appear to morph into something else. The exotic animals dotted around also make it more exciting, we were admiring an emu from afar, then we started back on our walk and it started to follow. Another exciting encounter, an emu was running and we were in its path, looked like it was coming straight for us when it quickly changed direction."
Healthaire Ltd
"It was a fantastic experience, sun shining enables us to walk around, seeing every spectacular giant sculptures in different angles and watching some animals running wildly around, and to enjoy a picnic sold on food trucks at place (ravioli is a must-try!).
A great art museum and zoo for family and couple trip, highly recommend."
Tinlan HUANG
"Very cool. Lots of walking, maybe like 18 holes...but visually spectacular. Giraffes are definitely out of place, along with the large and varied art sculptures and installations."
Karl West
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gibbs Farm is located about 47 kilometers north of Auckland, near Kaipara Harbour. The best way to get there is by car, as public transport options are limited. Renting a car in Auckland is recommended for flexibility.
Public transport to Gibbs Farm is very limited. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport.
The drive from Auckland CBD to Gibbs Farm typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there are parking facilities available. Arriving early is advised to secure closer parking spots, especially on busy open days.
While possible, rideshare availability might be limited in the more rural area surrounding Gibbs Farm. It's best to confirm with your chosen service beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Gibbs Farm are typically sold online through their official website or designated ticketing partners like iTICKET. Dates are limited and sell out fast, so booking in advance is crucial. +1
Gibbs Farm is a private collection and is only open to the public on a limited number of days each year, often for charity fundraising events. Check their website or art travel sites for announced dates.
Admission prices vary, as many open days are fundraisers. Check the ticketing website for current pricing for specific dates.
No, pre-booking tickets is essential. Gibbs Farm operates on a bookings-essential basis and does not allow walk-in visitors.
Discounts are not commonly advertised. However, as many dates are charity fundraisers, the ticket price often contributes to a good cause.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to explore Gibbs Farm is on foot. The park is extensive, and walking allows you to fully appreciate the scale of the sculptures and the surrounding landscape.
Expect a significant amount of walking, comparable to playing 18 holes of golf. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a few kilometers of exploration.
While there aren't typically formal guided tours, brochures are provided that offer information about each sculpture, helping you understand the artworks.
Gibbs Farm features a vast collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures by internationally renowned artists, including works by Anish Kapoor and Eric Orr.
Yes, Gibbs Farm is home to various exotic animals like giraffes, alpacas, emus, and water buffalo, which add an unexpected and exciting element to the visit. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food trucks are sometimes available on open days, offering items like ravioli. However, it's highly recommended to bring your own picnic to ensure you have food and drinks.
The primary dining option is to bring your own picnic. There are limited food trucks on select days, and only portable toilets are available.
Absolutely! Bringing a picnic mat and lunch is highly recommended to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and sculptures.
Dining options are scarce in the immediate vicinity of Gibbs Farm. It's best to plan your meals before or after your visit.
Bring a picnic lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. A picnic mat will also be very useful for comfortable dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive sculptures against the backdrop of the Kaipara Harbour and rolling hills offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss capturing the scale of works like 'Dismigration' and 'The Arch'.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the artworks themselves.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the sculptures. A zoom lens can be useful for wildlife shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at private properties and art installations. It's best to check with Gibbs Farm directly before flying a drone.
While generally permitted, be respectful of the art and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the experience for others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as food options can be limited. Ensure children wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as there's a lot of walking involved across varied terrain. The open space allows kids to move freely, but always supervise them closely, especially near the artworks and animals. Consider bringing a picnic blanket to enjoy lunch amidst the stunning scenery.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Photographers
Photographers will find Gibbs Farm a dream location. The dramatic sculptures, combined with the sweeping views of the Kaipara Harbour and rolling hills, provide endless creative possibilities. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the artworks. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day also offers dynamic shooting opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Scale: Understanding Gibbs Farm's Sculptures
Many visitors are struck by how the sculptures seem to morph and change depending on the viewing angle and distance. This dynamic quality, combined with the stunning vistas of the Kaipara Harbour and rolling farmland, creates a unique and immersive art experience. The park's design encourages exploration, with artworks strategically placed to be discovered as you wander the grounds.
Beyond the famous installations, the farm also features a diverse range of artistic expressions. The inclusion of exotic animals like giraffes and alpacas adds an unexpected layer of wonder, blurring the lines between art, nature, and wildlife. This blend makes Gibbs Farm a truly unforgettable destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Planning Your Visit: Dates, Tickets, and Logistics
Logistically, the farm is located north of Auckland, making a car the most practical mode of transport. While rideshare services might be an option, their availability in the rural area can be inconsistent. Factor in the driving time from Auckland and aim to arrive early on your chosen day to secure the best parking and maximize your time exploring the expansive grounds.
Remember that Gibbs Farm is a vast property, and comfortable footwear is essential. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, as on-site dining options are limited to occasional food trucks. This allows for a more relaxed experience, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the art and the stunning natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit