Events
Welly Walks
Saturdays from 10 Dec – 22 Jan | Wellington trails | Free
This annual event showcases the many walking tracks around Pōneke, and this year’s six walks range from beginners to pro, for kids, for dogs, and there’ll also be treats to be discovered along the way.
The treats box is back and bigger than ever before, filled to the brim with goodies from local Wellington businesses, but a secret code will be needed to unlock the treasure trove.
wellington.govt.nz/wellywalks
Super Smash cricket
Saturday 24 Dec | Cello Basin Reserve
Wellington Blaze and Firebirds kick-off their Super Smash season with a Christmas Eve double header at the home of cricket.
supersmash.co.nz
New Year’s Eve
8pm–midnight, 31 Dec | Whairepo Lagoon | Free
Join us for a free, fun evening of great music to bring in the New Year in one of Wellington’s iconic locations along the waterfront. Covers band Zephyr will entertain from 8pm, followed by a kids’ countdown at 9.30pm. Orchestra Wellington will wow with a disco boogie theme from 10pm, followed by the New Year’s countdown and a blast of fireworks to bring in 2023.
wellington.govt.nz/newyear
Gardens Magic
10–29 January | Botanic Garden ki Paekākā | Free
Gardens Magic is back in 2023, with the iconic free Concert Series, daytime Kids’ Garden Trail and evening Light Display from 10–29 January in the beautiful Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.
wellington.govt.nz/gardens-magic
Summer in Te Aro Park
Throughout Jan–Feb | Te Aro Park | Free
This summer Te Aro Park will see a range of activities and small events put on by local community groups, residents and businesses to welcome people into the space and bring the park to life. Keep an eye on our social media channels to find out more.
Summer Pop-ups
Throughout January–February | Free
Keep an eye out for the roving performers delighting Wellingtonians during the summer months.
Summer Sampler
Sat 7 Jan–Sun 19 Feb weekends | Wellington Waterfront | Free
Join us on the waterfront as some of Pōneke's finest performers fill the area with vibrant delights, all to raise funds for the Wellington Free Ambulance. Last Summer Sampler saw a rollercoaster of talented swing dancers, jazz bands, fire spinners, opera singers, acrobats, and some of Aotearoa's best buskers. This time, it returns with even more surprises, offerings, and incredible artists. Gather up your loose change, stroll down to the waterfront, and see the talent Wellington has to share.
Football Ferns vs USA
18 January, 4.05pm kick-off | Sky Stadium
The Football Ferns will kick-off 2023 by taking on the FIFA Women’s World Cup champions the USA for the first time ever on home soil in January 2023.
nzfootball.co.nz
BOWLZILLA
Sat 18 Feb | Waitangi Park | Free
Bowlzilla will be the stage for some of the top skateboarders from here and around the world as they vie for top honours carving up the bowl.
bowlzilla.net
Gindulgence
Sat 28 – 29 Jan | Frank Kitts Park
Enjoy a day of New Zealand's finest craft gins at Gindulgence along Wellington’s waterfront.
Salsa@Sunset
5.30pm, Thurs 2, 9, 16, 23 Feb | Odlins Plaza, Wellington Waterfront
Learn how to Salsa in the setting sun on the waterfront with CUBA*FUSION.
Fat Boy Slim
Fri 3 Feb | Anderson Park
The iconic DJ will play an outdoor summer event at Anderson Park.
Whānau Film Night
6pm–9pm, Sun 5 Feb | Waitangi Park | Free
Pack a picnic dinner and join us for an evening of outdoor cinema. A series of short Māori and Pacific films by Mana Moana followed by our feature film, 'Whina'.
wellington.govt.nz/waitangi
Te Rā o Waitangi
12 noon–6pm, Mon 6 Feb | Waitangi Park | Free
Bring your friends and whānau and enjoy an award-winning line-up of Māori performers, food and culture.
wellington.govt.nz/waitangi
Wellington Pasifika Festival
12 noon–6pm, Sat 11 Feb | Waitangi Park | Free
Take a tour of the Pasifika Islands and sample the sounds and flavours special to each culture. Celebrate our tight-knit Pacific communities, arts and culture.
wellington.govt.nz/pasifika
Dragon Boat Harbour Fun Day
Saturday 11 Feb | Whairepo Lagoon | Frank Kitts Park
A fun race day to give competitors and the public a taste of what’s to come in the March festival.
Wellington Dragon Boat Festival
Wellington Round the Bays 2023
Sun 19 Feb | Waitangi Park
Wellington Round the Bays is the largest mass participation event in the lower North Island. It's open to everyone, with options for all the family.
roundthebays.co.nz/wellington
The Performance Arcade 2023
Weds 22 – Sun 26 Feb | Wellington Waterfront and City | Free
The Performance Arcade is an annual exhibition and festival programme of events located on Wellington Waterfront.
theperformancearcade.com
Fringe Festival
17 February - 11 March
Dive into a kaleidoscope of awesome with the 2023 New Zealand Fringe Festival returning to the city this summer.
Be a part of the Birthplace of Brilliance as Fringe takes over Pōneke for 23 days of ground-breaking art this Summer.
fringe.co.nz
U R Here
Fri 25 Feb 4-6pm, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Feb 3pm - 6pm
Martin Luckie Park, Lavaud Street, Berhampore
Barbarian Productions bring their radical theatre magic to the great outdoors, transforming a little-known park into an open-world adventure full of weirdness and wonder. Are you ready to play?
barbarian.co.nz
BLACKCAPS v England Test
Fri 24–Tues 28 Feb | Cello Basin Reserve
Following an away series in June, the BLACKCAPS will be looking to draw on home support to take the final match of the series.
Community Christmas Events
There’s also a number of community events on for those who may not have somewhere to go for a Christmas meal this year – all are welcome, and volunteers and donations appreciated too.
Public transport
Don’t forget, Metlink is also offering free travel to all passengers travelling on bus and train services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Holiday hours
Some of Council’s facilities and services have reduced opening hours during holiday periods. Check our holiday hours page, or for more information you can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year on 04 499 4444.