A Very Welly Summer!
With the festive season well and truly upon us and for our final journal post of the year, I wanted to highlight some of the incredible things our city has to offer over the Summer! If you aren’t leaving the city over Xmas, it can be a great time to explore and enjoy aspects of Pōneke that really thrive over the Summer months.
Whether it’s with your whanau, young children, your partner or friends, there are so many awesome ways to celebrate in the city this year!
Enjoy Time Outside
It goes without saying, Summer is the season to really enjoy some time outside in Welly! Our city has so many pockets of nature to explore, but a couple of my top picks are:
Oriental Bay Beach Day
Oriental Bay Beach is a popular pick for many Wellingtonians over Summer, and for good reason! On a sunny day, the beach is the perfect spot to slip slop slap and enjoy some sun. With a plethora of eateries along Oriental Parade, a day at the beach is truly one of the best ways to enjoy Welly Summer.
Picnic At The Botanic Garden + Gardens Magic
Wellington Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful spots in our city to enjoy a picnic or some sunbathing surrounded by nature. Over the month of January, you can also enjoy Gardens Magic, their iconic event calendar with live concerts, light displays & kids garden trails!
Explore Wellington’s Latest Exhibitions
Our city often has some pretty cool art exhibitions, but this Summer there are two in particular that are absolute must-sees:
Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery
Designed and curated by the house of Vivienne Westwood, this touring exhibition dives into the extensive history of jewellery design and creation by the Vivienne Westwood house. Opens 17 Jan - 27 Apr 2025. Buy tickets here.
The Art Of Banksy
Running until the 20th of January 2025, Tākina Wellington Convention Centre is hosting The Art Of Banksy. This major exhibition showcases over 150 original and authenticated Banksy pieces from across his prolific career. Buy tickets here.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve In The City
New Year's Eve is of course a time for celebration, family, food and fun. If you’re planning on sticking around in the city for New Year’s Eve this year, you’re in luck! Here are a few of the awesome events taking place:
NYE Courtenay Carnival
Set to be the biggest dress up party in Aotearoa, the Courtenay Precinct Carnival is an inclusive dress up party starting with family focused performers, characters & activities, followed by live bands, DJs, circus acts, drag queens & some of New Zealand’s top music artists. There will also be plenty of delicious kai with Courtenay Place transforming into a lively strip with local businesses expanding their dining areas onto the street.
NYE Boujee Brunch at Otto
If you’re after a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s a little more lowkey, Otto Champagneria & Beer Hall at 125 Featherston Street is offering a very tempting Boujee Brunch! This includes a meal and two hours of unlimited drinks including tap lager, mimosas, sangria, sparkling margaritas and bellini's. Sounds pretty good to me! Buy tickets here.
NYE Fireworks Display at Whairepo Lagoon
It wouldn’t be a New Year’s Eve celebration without some fireworks! With free admission and perfect for the whole family, there will be live music starting at 8pm, followed by a kids’ countdown and short burst of fireworks at 9.30pm. Orchestra Wellington will be performing at 10pm, followed by a 5-minute fireworks display at midnight. There will also be a food truck court in Odlins Plaza, open from 5pm.
Support Local This Summer
Our mission to support local doesn't stop over Summer, in fact it’s the perfect time to get out and explore what our incredible hospitality industry has to offer. To help you find the best spots to visit, here are some local food & drink deals to enjoy:
Best Ugly Bagels - Happy Days combo: A bagel with any spread and a hot coffee for $12.90, Monday – Friday
The Rogue and Vagabond - $12 lunch menu Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm.
1154 - Pasta with select sauces for $12, Monday to Friday 4pm to 6pm.
Choice Bros - $25 burger and a half pint between 12 to 3pm.