Huge 3D mural pops up in downtown Tauranga

Renowned local artist Shane Walker with his 'Devonport Reserve' mural in the Pop Up Park in Devonport Rd. Photo / Andrew Warner.

A huge four-panelled 3D landscape mural titled Devonport Reserve has been unveiled in Downtown Tauranga's Pop-Up Park.

The mural was hand painted by renowned local and national artist Shane Walker and commissioned by Mainstreet Tauranga in collaboration with Tauranga City Council.

The mural, which includes native bush scenes of kauri trees, natural water sources and a large weta, was created by Walker over the past few months.

Walker, 29, said the four 2.4m wide and 2.8m high sets of panels which formed the mural were part of an ongoing project to rejuvenate the Pop-Up Park.

"I wanted to create a makeshift reserve which would bring some of our beautiful nature back into the city centre and create an oasis area where people can come and spend some time to de-stress and unwind.

"I find landscapes have a very calming effect, and with all the construction going in Downtown Tauranga, I think it's the perfect place for people to come and take a break."

Mainstreet Tauranga spokeswoman Millie Newitt said the mural was a "fantastic" addition to the city centre's art experience and she hoped it would be enjoyed by many people.

"In cities across the world large-scale artworks have a place in creating unique experiences and in beautifying spaces, and Tauranga now has such a wealth of these large-scale artworks," she said.

To find out more about Walker's other artworks go to his Facebook page.