The Upper Clutha doesn’t just offer scenic beauty: there is a thriving arts sector which offers beauty at a different scale, but no less impressive.

The Hoglund Art Glass Gallery, just 15 minutes from Wanaka, is an almost hidden gem offering an ever-changing gallery of handmade glass and art for the walls.

Ola and Marie Höglund, both originally from Sweden, spent 38 years in Nelson making an impact on the international art world with their handmade glass and art. 

Three years ago they wanted a change and, as they had always loved Central Otago, they found a spot on a terrace halfway between Wanaka and Cromwell, overlooking the Clutha River with a view towards the Mount St Bathans Range.

A family of glass penguins

The gallery they established there includes art glass, paintings, glass lights, jewellery and Marie’s handmade soap. A glassblowing studio is planned.

Both Ola and Marie come from rich artistic traditions. Ola’s father Erik revolutionised the art of glass in Sweden and for many Swedes, the name Höglund became synonymous with modern Swedish glass.

Three ‘Eclipse’ vases

Marie takes her inspiration from “the pure beauty and simplicity of nature”, and Ola - who says he realised early that working with glass was his destiny - is most interested in mastering forms and pure lines. 

Marie said the impact of COVID-19 has meant fewer overseas tourists visiting their Central Otago gallery, but “a huge increase in New Zealand visitors”.

Find out what is drawing them when you visit Ola and Marie’s home studio gallery, which is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Look for the sign at the gate.

Fin out more about Hoglund Art Glass in Attractions in your Wanaka App.

PHOTOS: Supplied