The 2026 Kiwi Art Trail brought a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and conservation to the South Island last week, commencing at the New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown. The Kiwi Art Trail aims to spotlight New Zealand’s national icon, the kiwi, while generating funds for conservation efforts through the auction of the sculptures.
As proud supporters of Save the Kiwi, The Moving Company was honoured to play a key logistics role in making this year’s Art Trail possible. Our team safely transported the bespoke kiwi sculptures from Auckland to Millbrook Resort, ensuring each piece arrived in perfect condition for display throughout the New Zealand Open weekend. Following the event, our work continues as we relocate the sculptures across Central Otago to eight participating wineries, where they will be showcased throughout the week.
A Celebration of Creativity & Conservation
The Kiwi Art Trail features kiwi sculptures, each uniquely transformed by talented New Zealand artists into a bespoke piece of art. More than a creative exhibition, the trail serves as a nationwide effort to raise awareness and support for kiwi conservation.
Each sculpture will be auctioned online, with proceeds going to Save the Kiwi.
Showcased at the New Zealand Open
The trail made its 2026 debut at the New Zealand Open, held at the stunning Millbrook Resort from 26 February to 2 March 2026. Visitors were invited to explore the course, admire the sculptures up close, and experience the seamless blend of art, nature, and landscape.
Behind the Scenes: Delivering the Kiwi Art Trail
Bringing the Kiwi Art Trail to life required seamless coordination and specialist handling – something The Moving Company was proud to lead. Our operations team managed end-to-end logistics, carefully packing and securing 17 kiwi sculptures into containers in the North Island, transporting them safely down to Millbrook Resort for the New Zealand Open, and then coordinating their onward delivery to eight wineries across Central Otago this week.
Each sculpture weights approximately 13 kg plus a 3 kg base plate were handled with care to ensure a safe transit and delivery in time for the New Zealand Open. Reflecting on the project, Dan shared: “This was all about meticulous planning and execution – from container loading and load plans, to ferry timing, route scheduling, and site coordination at destination. Moving the Kiwi Art Trail is a project we have been proud to be involved in supporting Save the Kiwi.”
Follow the Kiwi Art Trail
The journey doesn’t end at Millbrook. Over the coming days, visitors and locals can explore the sculptures in Bannockburn in March and in Alexandra and Clyde in April – another opportunity to enjoy these remarkable works in spectacular surroundings.
Learn more about the artists, sculptures, and auction at: www.kiwiarttrail.nz
As proud supporters of Save the Kiwi, The Moving Company was honoured to play a key logistics role in making this year’s Art Trail possible.
