best-pottery-classes-christchurch
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I’ve Tried the 5 Best Pottery Classes in Christchurch So You Don’t Have To

Here’s what my past month looked like: I was sprawled out on the couch, watching Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in Ghosts, thinking to myself,  “Wait, pottery looks fun – maybe, it’s time to pick up a new hobby?”

However, pottery classes don’t just cost money – they also cost a lot of time, especially if you don’t have the right foundation. So, in the spirit of search (and avoiding another drama-thriller binge), I’ve tried various pottery classes to get the scoop on which ones are worth your time. 

So, sit back, relax, and let me walk you through the best pottery classes in Christchurch – because who says getting your hands dirty can’t be fun?

How much does a pottery class cost in Christchurch?

The average pottery class in Christchurch goes from $100 to $200, while the more comprehensive classes range from $200 to $300. These prices change depending on what course you pick and the materials that come with the tuition.

How we chose

Instructor Experience: We chose pottery classes with instructors who have at least 5 years of teaching experience. Additionally, instructors with a strong teaching background can effectively communicate complex concepts.
Studio Equipment: We chose studios equipped with multiple pottery wheels and kilns, and a wide range of tools and glazes. A well-equipped studio indicates a professional setup that supports varied creative processes.
Flexibility and Course Variety: We focused on selecting pottery classes that cater to diverse needs, offering flexibility with at least 10 different weekly time slots and a variety of courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Class Size and Community: We looked for classes with a small student-to-instructor ratio, ideally no more than eight students per class. Smaller class sizes foster a more personalised learning experience and a stronger sense of community. 

1. Stolen Bagel Pottery Studio

stolen-bagel-pottery-studio
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.stolenbagel.co
ADDRESS289 Ferry Road, Waltham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS

[email protected]

OPERATING HOURSMonday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Stolen Bagel Pottery Studio stands out with its student membership programs. As members, learners can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including discounts and free bookings on club days, making this a great option for those who want to save in the long run.

I joined their membership program and found it quite advantageous, thanks to the discounts I managed to get on multiple classes. If that’s not your thing, there are single-day classes and comprehensive courses for both adults and children.

It’s easy to book for either option. However, it’s important to book as early as possible as their slots tend to fill up fast. There may also be challenges in contacting students for final glazing sessions due to the high volume of participants.

On the good side, I appreciate that the studio accommodates busy schedules with flexible evening classes. I actually managed to squeeze in classes after my usual 9-to-5 with no hassle.

They also offer private bookings for students who prefer to learn pottery at home. It’s rare for pottery classes to offer this, making it a favourable advantage in our opinion.

Pros

  • Offers membership programs
  • Discounts and free booklings available to members 
  • Flexible class schedule
  • Single-day classes available 
  • Evening classes available 

Cons

  • Issues of being unable to contact students

Amazing studio and great services 

“I have taken the beginners throwing course at Stolen Bagel and fell in love immediately with pottery. I´m now a member and the membership offers some great services like renting a wheel, club days, and pop-in gaining. Stolen Bagel is an amazing Pottery studio, and a special hands-up for tutor Hannah McKay”

Charlotta Lövgren | Google Reviews

Amazing experience for beginners

“I took a beginners pottery course at Stolen Bagel taught by Hannah and it was an amazing experience! Hannah is a great teacher and led me through techniques such as centering clay, creating different shapes, attaching handles, and glazing. I now pop in and out of the studio as a member creating all sorts of fun things. Just a great time, would recommend it to a friend!”

Juliana Hodgkinson | Google Reviews

2. Risingholme Learning  

risingholme-learning
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WEBSITEhttps://www.risingholme.org.nz
ADDRESS22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS+64 3 332 7359

OPERATING HOURSMonday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

We found Risingholme interesting because it accommodates students with physical or mental challenges. Its facilities are equipped with wheelchair-accessible classrooms, adaptive equipment, and trained staff to assist students.

Their courses, both hand-building and wheel-throwing, last eight weeks and cover all the essentials, from molding the clay to glazing and firing. 

On top of that, the course fee already covers the materials that students will be using, which is great for saving money in the long run. The use of a kiln for firing is also free here – an edge they have as other places usually charge for this. 

I also appreciate their availability during evenings and weekends. However, I noticed that these time slots are limited, especially during the after-work hours. So if you want to secure the best time, you must book fast.

Another thing worth mentioning is that they don’t simply focus on pottery. They also have courses centred around art and food. This makes it a lot easier to consider other activities without looking for another school.

Pros

  • Wide-variety of art-related courses 
  • Accommodates students with physical and mental disabilities
  • Transparent prices
  • Evening and weekend classes are available 

Cons

  • Materials can be messy 

Brilliant and helpful tutors 

“The tutors are brilliant. I am learning picture framing and painting with acrylics. Both tutors know their stuff and are so helpful and most willing to help.”

Neil Willoughby | Google Reviews

Great hidden gem of a place

“Great hidden gems, I was really surprised how good this place is, we celebrated our Niuean language week and our constitution day, really good place 🥰”

Rose MakaniueMC | Google Reviews

3. Botpots Christchurch

botpots-christchurch
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WEBSITEhttps://www.botpotschristchurch.com
ADDRESS121, The Barn Shop 16/18 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS+64 22 691 1883

OPERATING HOURS

Monday : Closed

Tuesday : Closed

Wednesday : 10AM-2PM

Thursday : 10AM-2PM

Friday : 10AM-2PM

Saturday : 10AM-4PM

Sunday : Appointment Only

For students looking for a step-by-step comprehensive course in pottery, Botpots is a good place to look into. Here, students can learn different ways to do pottery, including hand building, on-wheel throwing, and off-wheel throwing.

These offerings are even better because courses are available during evenings and weekends, making them ideal for busy or still-in-school learners. 

After moulding our work, we got to use their other services, such as glazing, painting, and firing. This made the whole pottery process easier and less of a hassle for me since I didn’t need to check elsewhere for these services.

Students who wish to do more projects can also buy their materials at their online shop for easy access.

On the other hand,  I actually had to shell out a bit more for this place as classes here tend to be on the more expensive side. However, with their comprehensive course, it’s reasonable for them to cost relatively more.

Pros

  • Comprehensive approach
  • Flexible classes
  • Has online shop selling materials
  • Wide range of pottery-related services 

Cons

  • Relatively more expensive 

Accommodating and patient instructors

“This is a long overdue review. The instructor was very accommodating and patient. She took her time teaching me the arts of pottery. The class size is small, which is perfect for me. She was able to give her full attention whenever I needed her help. I was able to create interesting pottery pieces as I try to work on my creativity. Likewise with the small class size, there is adequate work space and doesn’t feel too crowded. Overall, I had a great time Botpots Christchurch Pottery Studio.”

Jay Timacdog | Google Reviews

Wonderful and enjoyable pottery class

“Went to a pottery class for the very first time in my life, I had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the couple of hours doing pottery with friends. Highly recommend!! :)”

Rose Walker | Google Reviews

4. Pottery Capital

pottery-capital
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://potterycapital.com
ADDRESS121 Brighton Mall, The Barn, New Brighton Christchurch, New Zealand 8063
CONTACT DETAILS+64 22 691 1883

[email protected]

Pottery classes for children are rare but not nonexistent, and it’s true for Pottery Capital. Their after-school program teaches children pottery using only the pinch method, without any wheel.

They also have a one-off program for children who want to try out pottery but don’t want to commit to a whole course. 

Their other pottery courses also offer flexible scheduling options. For example, the Sunday package includes both hand-building and wheel courses. 

Additionally, their wheel classes are available in both morning and evening, making them accessible for kids, students, and working individuals. 

As I’ve encountered at other places, glazing and firing costs extra. However, studio members here at Pottery Capital receive discounts on bisque firing, with free use on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

All things considered, they’re a good place to learn pottery whether you want to commit to a whole 6-week course or a one-off course. However, they are also difficult to book, so book early and fast since their slots are limited.

Pros

  • Offers memberships with benefits
  • Flexible class hours
  • Offers kids pottery classes
  • Morning and evening classes available 
  • Discounts on bisque firing for members

Cons

  • Limited slots

Classes that cater to different needs

“this place is new in New Brighton! Finally a pottery place in the area. Love that they have paint and sip and different classes that caters to different needs. They also offer day time class which is so cool. Highly recommend you to pop in and see when ever you are in New Brighton”

Rose Dimayuga | Google Reviews

Great and fun experience

“Great & fun experience, moulding and painting your own pot creation’s. Highly recommended!…”

Rose Walker | Google Reviews

5. Little Bach Pottery

little-bach-pottery
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.littlebachpottery.com
ADDRESS32 Rotten Row, Waikuku Beach 7402, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS+64 21 159 2303

[email protected]

Little Bach Pottery stands out from other pottery classes in that the tuition fee includes all necessary materials. This ensures students don’t need to search for or buy materials separately, and it makes the entire experience more hassle-free for them. 

I loved their comprehensive course, which covers throwing clay on the wheel, creating cylinders, and glazing. After my initial lesson, I was actually thinking of enrolling in more terms to progress to advanced forms like bowls, vases, and bottles.

While the $300-course fee can be considered hefty by some, they also offer a more affordable 3-hour wheel-throwing workshop focused on basic skills for $140. The finished pottery will be glazed, fired, and ready for collection a few weeks later. 

Workshop attendees looking to continue pottery at home can also conveniently purchase materials at their shop. This option also extends to students returning for a second term, although materials are provided free only during the first term.

Pros

  • Free materials for the first term
  • Comprehensive classes
  • Offers cheaper workshops than courses

Cons

  • May be expensive for students

Effective and knowledgeable teachers

“Tessa is a marvelous teacher! My partner and I attended a 3 hour beginners’ workshop and we were able to create some lovely little pieces. Tessa has extensive knowledge which she shared with clear, effective instructions, enabling us to be successful! Tessa’s good nature makes you feel like a friend and very much at home in her studio. Thank you Tessa!”

Jamie Wilson | Google Reviews

Great time doing pottery

“Had a great time doing pottery with Tessa, we all thought we were going to be professional on our first class making tea pots & vases..but our wee bowls we made were so cute..& the earthy glazes she makes herself are gorgeous..definitely want to come back for more classes 🥰 Thanks Tessa”

Mandy Carter | Google Reviews