Two historic brick kilns under a wooden verandah

The Kilns at Te Horo

Visit this exciting place, centred around Mirek Smíšek, an internationally celebrated ceramic artist, and his hand-built bee-hive kilns.

As a consequence of the route chosen for the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, and to save them, the kilns were relocated 20 metres east of their original location; but still on the same land parcel. Potter Duncan Shearer and master brick layer Rick Meade worked together to dismantle and rebuild the kilns and flue. The kilns are now unable to be used to fire pottery, but function as a memorial to Mirek Smíšek's artistry and his life and work at Te Horo from 1969 to 1997.

As well as visiting the working-artist in residence, there is the opportunity to enjoy ecologically classified native bush.

Health & Safety

Please contact the event host for health & safety information.

Location
Jim Winiata Lane, Te Horo (off School Road)

Regions

Kāpiti Coast

Tags

Site Tour
Museum
Accessible
Self-Guided

Event times

10am-4pm Sat 9 Nov

Koha

10am-4pm Sun 10 Nov

Koha

Event hosts

The Kilns at Te Horo

Visit this Heritage NZ (Category 2) site to see the unique bee-hive kilns that were built and operated by celebrated potter Mirek Smisek between early 70's until late 90's. The kilns were relocated 20 metres to the east on the original site from where they once stood due to the Kapiti expressway. They have been meticulously rebuilt and restored. As has the heritage original Te Horo Railway station (now a residence) also on the site alongside a 100 year old cottage ( currently operating as a potters studio). Enter through protected native bush known as Cottles Bush.

Email: thekilnsattehoro@gmail.com

The Discover Kāpiti Heritage Group

The Discover Kāpiti Heritage Group is formed by the Paekākāriki Station Museum, Steam Incorporated, Wellington Tramway Museum (at Queen Elizabeth Park), Kapiti US Marines Trust (at Queen Elizabeth Park), Museum of Aviation (Kāpiti Road, Paraparaumu), Southward Car Museum (in Otaihanga), the Kāpiti Coast Museum (in Waikanae), Mahara Gallery , The Kilns at Te Horo, Ōtaki Museum and Friends of Ōtaki Rotunda. Representatives of these organisations meet regularly and each year coordinate the Kāpiti Coast Heritage Clue Hunt and facilitate Kāpiti Coast Heritage participation in the Wellington Heritage Festival.

Website: http://www.kapitiheritage.org.nz/