The Frame Workshop & Gallery is Auckland’s hidden gem for art lovers. Housed in a converted industrial space, this vibrant creative haven showcases bold local artworks and handcrafted pieces, each telling its own story. Whether you’re hunting for a unique keepsake or just want to wander through an intimate, inspiring exhibition, this place feels like a warm embrace from the city’s artistic soul.













Everything you need to know about The Frame Workshop & Gallery
The Grand Millennium Auckland stands out as a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from The Frame Workshop & Gallery. This boutique hotel blends contemporary architecture with local art, featuring curated exhibitions of New Zealand artists in public spaces and guest rooms. Its prime downtown location offers easy access to galleries, cafes, and cultural venues. Complimentary shuttle services connect major attractions, making it ideal for art enthusiasts seeking both comfort and creative inspiration.
Travel from central Auckland via the City Rail to Auckland Railway Station, then transfer to the Free City Connector Bus bound for Parnell. Disembark at the Parnell stop and walk 5 minutes to reach The Frame Workshop & Gallery. This route is convenient and avoids parking hassles. Alternatively, use Lyft or Uber—a short 8-minute ride costing approximately $25–$35 NZD, ideal for visitors carrying artwork or luggage.
The The Frame Workshop & Gallery hosts regular local artist workshops in printmaking, handcrafted framing, and digital illustration. Visitors can join the "Creative Frame Day", where they design their own custom frame and display a small original piece. Weekends feature an art market showcasing over 20 independent designers offering limited-edition artworks and handmade accessories. These interactive events foster deeper engagement with New Zealand’s contemporary art scene, transforming visitors into active participants.
Staying in the vicinity of The Frame Workshop & Gallery offers immersion in a vibrant arts community with numerous small galleries and design studios within walking distance. Within 5 minutes, you'll find specialty cafés and creative boutiques perfect for relaxed exploration. Additionally, the gallery offers free guided tours daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, led by curators who provide in-depth insights into current exhibitions and artist narratives—ideal for gaining authentic understanding of New Zealand’s contemporary art landscape.
Yes, Parnell Rose Gardens, just 600 meters away, is one of Auckland’s most beautiful rose gardens and features a children’s play area and picnic lawns. Every Saturday afternoon, the garden hosts family art workshops including paint-your-own umbrella and clay sculpture activities, perfect for kids and parents to enjoy together. The open-air plaza often hosts street performers and small concerts, creating a joyful, relaxed atmosphere ideal for families seeking outdoor fun and cultural engagement.
Try the char-grilled New Zealand lamb chops with rosemary potatoes at The Parnell Kitchen, sourced from local organic farms for exceptional tenderness. Another must-order is the seaweed cream pasta at Café Aria, made with fresh seaweed harvested from Auckland Harbour, delivering a distinctive oceanic flavor. Both restaurants are within walking distance, offering elegant settings perfect for a post-gallery dinner, blending culinary excellence with artistic ambiance.
Stay at The Langham Auckland, a luxury five-star hotel just a 5-minute walk from The Frame Workshop & Gallery. This iconic property offers panoramic views of Auckland Harbour and the city skyline from its rooftop garden, perfect for capturing the city’s artistic spirit. Guests enjoy complimentary access to exclusive weekend art workshops hosted in collaboration with local galleries, immersing visitors in New Zealand’s vibrant contemporary art scene. The hotel also features curated exhibitions in public spaces, blending high-end hospitality with cultural enrichment.
The most convenient way to reach The Frame Workshop & Gallery is via the Auckland Light Rail (City Rail Link) to Aotea Station, just a 6-minute walk away. Alternatively, take bus routes 101 or 123 to the Queen Street stop, then stroll through the central business district. For tourists, the Free HopeGoo City Bus is ideal—its stops include major cultural hubs like the art precinct, allowing flexible exploration. All options provide seamless access to the heart of Auckland’s creative district and surrounding galleries.
Near The Frame Workshop & Gallery, visitors can join hands-on wood-frame crafting workshops led by local artisans, learning how traditional joinery meets modern design. Monthly exhibitions like ‘Light & Dialogue’ combine projection art with spatial installations for an immersive experience. For deeper engagement, attend midday artist talks hosted by curators discussing trends in New Zealand’s contemporary art scene. These activities transform guests into active participants within Auckland’s thriving creative ecosystem, creating unforgettable cultural moments.
The geometric glass façade of The Frame Workshop & Gallery itself is a striking photogenic feature, constantly shifting with light and shadow. Nearby, Civic Square hosts rotating public art installations and fountains, offering dynamic backdrops for candid shots of artists at work. A short 5-minute walk south leads to The Cloud observation deck, where you can capture sweeping panoramic views of the art precinct and harbor below. These locations deliver strong visual contrast between urban architecture and creative expression, making them must-visit spots for photography enthusiasts.
See what other travelers say about The Frame Workshop & Gallery

The three-bedroom room was spacious and incredibly comfortable, making it perfect for families or groups. What stood out most was the excellent value for money—this place offers so much for the price. Right across from the hotel is a serene rose garden, where I enjoyed morning coffee surrounded by blooming flowers. It's also just a short walk to the waterfront, ideal for a relaxing stroll along the shore. The only downside is that it’s a bit farther from the airport, but the local transport links are solid—public transit makes getting into the city quick and easy. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, contributing to a very pleasant experience. Overall, this is a fantastic choice if you're looking for comfort, charm, and a peaceful atmosphere without breaking the bank.

This place is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, everything felt so thoughtfully designed—clean, cozy, and full of character. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from the city center, making it super easy to explore all the local highlights. We stayed with our kids, and they absolutely loved it—perfect for families who want comfort and convenience in one package. Every detail was spot-on, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It’s rare to find such a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the action. 10 out of 10—would book again in a heartbeat.

The Quadrant Hotel & Suites offers excellent value for money and truly has everything you need. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-equipped with facilities like a kitchenette, laundry options, and comfortable seating—perfect for longer stays or self-catering. The overall environment is spotless and welcoming. However, one aspect stood out negatively: the front desk staff’s attitude during our check-out process. We had just left the room and needed to quickly return to store our luggage before heading into the city to pick up some souvenirs. There was no one else around, and we weren’t blocking anything—we were as quick and considerate as possible. Despite that, the staff reacted with clear impatience, rushing us with sharp tones and uninviting body language. It felt unnecessarily harsh, especially since we weren’t causing any disruption. A little more empathy and flexibility would have made a big difference in our experience. That said, the hotel’s comfort, location, and amenities still make it a solid choice. With better guest service, this could easily be a 10/10 stay.

We absolutely fell in love with the charm and location of this charming guest house! The historic building has such character, and being just a short walk from the city center makes it incredibly convenient. If you're after a view, rooms #5 and #9 are definitely worth requesting—those city vistas are unforgettable. The property is well-maintained and full of old-world elegance. While staff presence is minimal, it didn’t detract from our stay at all—we found it easy to navigate on our own and appreciated the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect choice for travelers who value comfort, authenticity, and a bit of quiet retreat in the heart of Auckland.

My overnight stay at Poenamo Hotel was absolutely fantastic. Located just minutes from the main arterial road and within easy reach of downtown Auckland, it’s a perfect base for exploring the city. The room was spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches—tea and coffee supplies, plus a handy toaster. It felt like a cozy home away from home. With its convenient location and excellent value, I’d highly recommend this hotel to any traveler visiting Auckland.

Staying at Ocean Breeze Hotel was a wonderful surprise. The room was incredibly spacious, offering plenty of comfort and a clean, calming atmosphere. I was especially impressed by how quiet the space was—despite being in central Auckland, there was absolutely no noise from traffic or other guests. It made for a truly restful night’s sleep. The location is excellent too—just a short walk to the train station, making it easy to explore the city, grab dinner, or hit up local shops. With its great value and peaceful vibe, this hotel is perfect for travelers who want convenience without the hassle. I’ll definitely be returning.

Staying at City Lodge Accommodation in Auckland was an absolute highlight of my trip! The location is fantastic—just a short walk from Queen Street and the waterfront, making it super convenient for exploring the city. I arrived from the international airport via the North Line train and then transferred to the NX1 bus, which took about an hour. With an AT Hop card, the fare was only around $5—great value for such a smooth journey. The room is on the smaller side, but perfectly functional with smart space utilization. What really stood out was the shared kitchen—it’s fully equipped and perfect for cooking up a storm. I even joined a group of fellow travelers to make and bake pizza together (check photos 2 and 3)—such a fun, social vibe! The area right outside the front door (photo 1) is clean, safe, and welcoming. Plus, the building is quiet at night, so sleep quality was excellent. Overall, this place offers great value, a friendly atmosphere, and unbeatable convenience. Ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking to connect and explore Auckland like a local.

We absolutely loved our stay at Royal Residency in Auckland. From the moment we arrived, everything felt seamless—easy contactless check-in through the platform made the process stress-free, and the rooms were spotlessly clean with a private ensuite in every bedroom. The location is fantastic: just a short walk from a small shopping complex and a Pak n Save, so all essentials were within reach. Despite being on a main road, the hotel was surprisingly quiet—no traffic noise at all, which was a pleasant surprise. We truly felt at home throughout our visit. The comfort, cleanliness, and convenience made it an ideal base for exploring the city. We’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Auckland.

The room was incredibly quiet and clean, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring Auckland. The location is fantastic—just a short walk to the metro station, which made getting around the city super easy. I loved how close it was to local cafes, restaurants, and attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was welcoming and relaxed. It’s clear they care about guest comfort. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Auckland—highly recommend for travelers who want a cozy, well-located base with great value.

We booked a three-bed room for our business trip, and the Kiwi International Hotel had exactly what we needed—one room with two beds and another with a single bed. The rooms were spacious and comfortable for all three of us, with no feeling of crowding. The hotel’s location is fantastic—just a short walk from the Sky Tower and close to public transit, making it super convenient for exploring Auckland. We also appreciated the free parking, which was a big plus since we drove in. Everything about the stay was top-notch: clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent value. I’d definitely stay here again on future visits to Auckland. Highly recommended!

Staying at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour was an absolute delight. Located right by the waterfront, the views from the room were stunning—especially in the morning when the sun hit the harbor. The area is bustling with great dining options, so you never have to go far for a good meal. I’m actually planning to compare it with Park Hyatt on my next trip, but this stay already left me thoroughly impressed. The service was attentive without being overbearing, the room was elegant and spacious, and the overall atmosphere felt luxurious yet welcoming. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, location, and style. If you’re visiting Auckland, this hotel is definitely worth considering—it’s not just a place to sleep, it’s an experience.

Staying at the Auckland City Hotel on Hobson Street was a fantastic experience. The layout is unique—two-story rooms with a kitchen and living area downstairs, plus two bedrooms upstairs and one bathroom located on the second floor. It’s not your typical hotel setup, but it works really well for families or groups who want more space and privacy. Being in the city center, having free parking is a huge plus—just let the front desk know when you arrive, and they’ll open the gate for you. The breakfast buffet is generous and delicious, offering a great start to the day. Plus, the location is unbeatable—walking distance to shops, restaurants, and attractions. I’d highly recommend this place if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a little bit of local charm in central Auckland.
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