McCahon's Auckland is a unique opportunity to experience Auckland through the filter of one of our most influential artists.

Central to McCahon’s Auckland is the bus running between Auckland city and McCahon House, recreating roughly the same commuter trip that Colin McCahon himself took while working at Auckland Art Gallery and living in French Bay. This route has art historical significance, as it directly inspired the two series Towards Auckland and Towards Manukau. The bus trip also provided both space and views which informed many of his later works.

The bus trips are narrated by Sir Bob Harvey (co-patron of McCahon House and former mayor of Waitākare City).

The bus ride will stop at Te Toi Uku Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum, and Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, with the final destination of McCahon House. This is a great opportunity to visit these West Auckland destinations.

The bus departs outside The Cloud at 9am and 12:30pm on 25th and 27th February 2021.

The bus returns to The Cloud from McCahon House, 67 Otitori Bay Rd, French Bay at 11:30am and 3pm.

Bookings are essential. Prices, registration, and further details can be found below.

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Nestled deep in the coastal foothills of the Waitākere ranges, McCahon House embodies some of Auckland’s most vital historical narratives. It stands now – as it did for McCahon – as a place where art, society and the natural environment converge. The house retains the hand-tooled additions and innovations made by McCahon himself. As a vibrant example of New Zealand vernacular architecture (a bach), it’s a natural extension of his paintings. McCahon’s Auckland is a unique opportunity to experience Auckland through the filter of one of our most influential artists.

While at McCahon House you can join in on a range of free public programmes including:

- Current artist in residence Emily Karaka’s open studio from 10am – 4pm

Emily Karaka is a New Zealand artist of Māori descent Her work is recognised for "its expressive intensity, her use of high key colour, and her gritty address of political issues related to Māori land rights and the Treaty of Waitangi"

- Guided walks with Cynthia Smith and James Littlewood

These walks take visitors through the forested areas walked and painted by McCahon to Opou Reserve, with views of the Manukau harbour that inspired and informed a significant body of McCahon’s work. These one hour walks will depart daily from the letter box in front of McCahon House at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Register at McCahon House on the day.

Bus Schedule

From City to McCahon House

Depart The Cloud: 9:00am & 12:30pm

Depart Te Toi Uku: 9:30am & 1:00pm

Depart Te Uru/Titirangi Village: 9:45am & 1:15pm

Arrive McCahon House: 9:52am & 1:22pm

From McCahon House to City

Depart McCahon House: 11:30am & 3:00pm

Depart Te Uru/Titirangi Village: 11:37am & 3:07pm

Depart Te Toi Uku: 11:52am & 3:22pm

Arrive The Cloud: 12:22pm & 3:52pm

We look forward to sharing the McCahon’s Auckland bus experience with you. Prices to join the bus ride are as follows;

Locals: (Auckland rent and ratepayers) $25 per person; family (group of 4) $50

Visitors: (non-Auckland residents) $40 per person; family (group of 4) $80

Click the “Select A Date” button to book your seat on the bus.

While we’d love to see you on the bus, of course, you’re welcome to make your own way to the house to enjoy the public programmes too. McCahon House will have extended visitor hours of 9:00am to 4:00pm on the 25th and 27th of February 2021.

The full McCahon's Auckland Map and further information can be viewed here: https://mccahonhouse.org.nz/visit/mccahons-auckland