Mapua Wharf from Rabbit Island

This painting was done in 2024 when I took the ferry from Mapua to Rabbit Island with two fellow artists. We painted the view of the wharf when a weka (New Zealand flightless bird) came by and stole Jo’s art supplies. The art supplies were recovered quickly as the bird discovered that they were not eatable and dropped everything while fleeing the scene. Jenny, the other artist, placed the leg of her chair into an ants nest. Plein air painting is always full of memories…

The charming village of Mapua and its historic wharf are located at the Nelson Bays on the South Island of New Zealand. From the wharf you can take a ferry to Rabbit Island, where you have a lovely view towards the wharf and the mountains in the background.

Mapua Wharf from Rabbit Island