Art Adventures offers a refreshing alternative to traditional art classes. They are outdoor, nature-focused art experiences designed to reconnect you with your creativity while surrounded by the landscapes of Queenstown.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist, every session is built around inspiration, and immersion in place.

Explore Queenstown Lakes Through a Creative Lens

Each workshop takes place outdoors in carefully selected locations around Queenstown, including lakes, forests, mountains, and alpine clearings. These are spaces chosen for their natural beauty, seasonal variation, and atmosphere. You might sketch by Lake Wakatipu in the morning or paint rolling hills of golden tussock in the afternoon.

The changing light, textures, and colours of the environment are part of the process. Art Adventures embraces plein air techniques, encouraging participants to observe and respond to the moment.

A Relaxed, Guided Art Experience

Workshops are led by Raquel Carter, a local artist and experienced guide who brings a calm, welcoming energy to each session. Her style is supportive and non-intrusive. You will receive practical tips on composition, observation, and technique when you want them, but the emphasis is always on personal exploration.

There are no rigid steps to follow and no expectations to produce a finished piece. This is about slowing down, seeing differently, and enjoying the creative process in a stunning setting.

Suitable for All Skill Levels

Art Adventures is open to everyone. Whether you have not picked up a pencil since school or you are looking to deepen an existing practice, you will feel at home. Many guests are travellers looking for a meaningful Queenstown experience that blends art and nature. Others are locals seeking a new perspective on familiar landscapes.

Workshops are paced to suit the group and require only light walking. No prior art experience is needed.

Everything You Need Is Provided

The specific inclusions vary depending on your choice of tour but may include:

A complimentary Moleskine sketchbook or travel diary
High-quality drawing or watercolour materials
Portable easels for painting
Gourmet picnic lunch (on full-day tours)
Transport to key locations

All you need to bring is comfortable clothing, sun protection, and an open mind.

A Range of Unique Art Experiences

Art Adventures offers several different experiences, including:

Half-day sketching tours for those short on time
Full-day painting adventures focused on colour and immersion
Photography tours immersed in nature
Art and gallery tours visiting working artists in Queenstown
Routeburn Taster art days for those wanting a bit more adventure

Each has its own rhythm and focus, but all are grounded in the same philosophy: creativity, connection, and time well spent in nature.

Ready to join an art experience in Queenstown?

Explore available tours or contact hello@artadventures.co.nz to find the best fit for your schedule and interests. Whether you are visiting from overseas or rediscovering your own backyard, Art Adventures offers a creative way to experience the landscape, one brushstroke or pencil mark at a time.