My wife and I had come across various woodcrafts elsewhere in NZ and were told we'd find one of the best selections in Hokitika. We were particularly interested in the elegant, clean lines of the canoe-shaped cheeseboards from MZ Design, and were thrilled to find a wide range of their products in the Wilderness Gallery!Juergen and Monica are the most friendly and helpful owners you'll find, combing through their catalogues and inventory for the cheeseboard of the perfect size, shape, wood, and even grain! Easily the warmest and most sincere service of our time in New Zealand!We left with our perfect cheeseboard, a lovely pair of earrings, and a beautiful photo postcard taken by Juergen himself! Thanks guys, and hope your little girl did not have to wait too long for her swim :)
j_proudfoot
How refreshing to find this gallery, full of beautiful, well-chosen items tastefully displayed. The hand crafted wooden kitchen utensils are both functional and decorative. The jewellery is unusual and attractive. Jurgen is friendly and well-informed about the artists whose work he displays. The Wilderness Gallery was the highlight of our visit to Hokitika.
dcleghorn
We spent an enjoyable half hour in this gallery it has a quality selection of turned wood,some jade carvings and gifts. The highlight is the amazing quality of the photographic prints of the wildlife and bush and mountain scenery typical of the West Coast Everything is well laid out and a must see in Hokitika
KathyR537
On our stop in Hokitika, we explored the town and dropped into the Wildness Gallery. What a beautiful store with local artists, photographs, jewelry and more. It was classy and friendly. Don't miss it!
W9405GNjohnr
When my wife and I arrived in Hokitika it was evening and most shops were closed. Walking past Wilderness Gallery we could tell we would stop by the next day. We believe its the best shop in a must visit West Coast town. The owners have shown great care in selecting and displaying items that represent some of the best of New Zealand artistry. And if you want to buy some of Jurgen's photography he's the perfect person to help you assemble a collage of smaller pieces that fit together in a way that the sum is clearly greater than the parts.
keeweekat
Fortunately, we popped into Wildnerness Gallery by coincidence. What a beautiful place! Finally we found really good postcards, stunning photography! We also liked all the other pictures and prints and the collected art of other local artists.We especially liked our chat with Jurgen, the photographer and owner of the gallery. I was looking for something unusual (traditional Maori baskets or 'Kete') and funny enough, Jurgen had a whole bulk of them for something he wanted to make for his gallery and sold us some for a very fair price. We really liked the art and the atmosphere here. Jurgen is such a great person. Don't miss this and see his extraodinary New Zealand photographs!
RF174
Passed through Hokitika on boxing day and found this gallery with help of a super detailed brochure for the west coast from the Isite. Glad to find it open.Fantastic fotos of local scenery and wildlife in various forms and a pleasant chat with Jurgen, the owner & fotographer. Represents the best of new zealand nature in one room. If you are in NZ for nature (as most are) and passing, you should check out the gallery...You cant help but to spend time browsing and leaving with a souvenir or 2.These pictures should really also be displayed for purchase in local isites and other souvenir shops local & national...Check website out for a taste of what u'll see.All the best Jurgen..
706AndrewP
An outstanding gallery of magnificent photography, with block-mounted Giclee prints from $30 to several thousand dollars. Hokitika seems to be quite an artistic centre, with several jade galleries to visit as well, but these photographs are the highlight.
robertsJ924WC
I wandered into Wilderness Gallery by chance and was immediately struck by the power and excellence of Jurgen's photography and by the warmth of his hospitality. I would stress that these are not cheaply printed, cliched holiday snaps; Jurgen has a remarkable eye and a profound talent for capturing images that convey a deep love of the country and creatures that surround him.Hokitika has many stores selling beautiful greenstone but I would suggest that Jurgen sells even greater treasure. Go and see and I don't think you will be disappointed. He's also more than happy to ship his work so that it arrives home safe and sound.