The Southern Lakes Festival of Colour is held in Wanaka biennialy and it’s a celebration of the arts. With inspiring performances of theatre, dance, music and cuisine from local, national and international acts, the Festival also showcases the work of some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent writers, artists and photographers.

Wanaka has several art galleries and artists who show their work throughout the year. These include:

Gallery thirty three is located in Wanaka township – exhibiting an exciting group of contemporary New Zealand artists in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass and jewellery. Open seven days in the heart of Wanaka. They offer professional packing and shipping to anywhere in the world.

MetalWorks is owned byErnie Maluschnig who has worked in iron and steel his entire career, first as a welder and metalworker, now as a sculptor. He produces unique handcrafted products for design and manufacture.

Robin Brisker studied in San Francisco, Paris and san Miguel, Mexico. He has been living in Wanaka since 2000. His work is strongly influenced by the cubist artists from the early 1900's - Picasso, Gris, Braque as well as other artists - Matisse, Leger, Cezanne and Egon Schielle.

Gilbert van Reenen specialises in commercial editorial and illustrative assignments for advertising publications. He is a keen naturalist and is a member of the Otago Conservation Board. He has developed a portfolio of highly distinctive images and has gained over 30 merit awards in the NZIPP.