Explore Wellington

Wellington Jazz Festival is back with a powerhouse programme of internationally acclaimed artists making their Aotearoa debuts, leading homegrown musicians, and fresh new music. Highlights include GRAMMY Award winners Gregory Porter (USA) and Samara Joy (USA), plus Bumpy (AUS), Myele Manzanza and lvdf, the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra debut, and Rodger Fox Big Band's Ray Charles tribute.

A free, interactive art installation blending science, dance, and digital technology. Visitors step inside a 4-metre digital monolith where their movements shape ocean-inspired visuals and soundscapes, revealing the vital connections between people, atmosphere, and the Southern Ocean. Opens with live performances by Atamira Dance Company on 11 October.

High Tide is back and bigger than ever. The genre-bending, multi-stage music festival is heading to Waitangi Park on 8 November. There are limited tickets remaining so get in quick. Your Summer starts here.

Wellington City Council is celebrating Christmas with four free whānau-friendly events, in four different parts of the city. Kids, come and make Christmas crafts on Sat 22 Nov in Midland Park. Enjoy Christmas music and performances on Sat 29 Nov in Glover Park. Check out circus acts under the sails at Queens Wharf on Sat 6 Dec, and meet Santa at Waitangi Park on Sat 13 Dec.

For the first time in New Zealand, experience over 50 full-scale reproductions of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes — including life-size versions of The Genesis and The Last Judgment. Visitors will see these masterpieces up close, just metres away.

Join the NZ String Quartet and friends as they delve into the chamber music of Shostakovich. Alongside Orchestra Wellington, Antipodes Quartet, Ghost Trio and Jian Liu, they’ll delve into the raw emotional power of this legendary composer, 50 years after his death. From duos to quartets, a full chamber symphony to the last piece he ever wrote, this series is a must-see for any classical music fan.

5 & 6 February 2026 | TSB Arena, Wellington
Presented in association with Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds bring their most celebrated live production to date The Wild God Tour exclusively to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The two-and-a-half-hour set will feature music from their latest album Wild God, alongside iconic songs spanning over four decades.

Step back in time and discover Wellington’s unique transport system that has carried people between the harbour and the hills for over a century. Open daily 9.30am – 5pm the museum is in the original winding house at the top of the cable car system, Kelburn.

City Gallery Wellington is the capital’s public contemporary art gallery showcasing artists from Aotearoa and around the world. Temporarily away from home, the gallery continues to bring art to Wellington from new locations across the region. Free entry.

Immerse yourself in three of New Zealand’s constitutional documents - He Whakaputanga, The Treaty of Waitangi and the Women's Suffrage Petition. Based at The National Library, take a free guided tour or discover our nations treasures on your own with an Audio Tour.

Nōku te Ao Capital E is a vibrant space where young people can unleash their imaginations and explore endless creative possibilities. Open Mon – Sat 9.30am – 3.30pm with free entry. You'll find Nōku te Ao Capital E on Queens Wharf.

From epic sports fixtures and internationally renowned concerts to community celebrations, Sky Stadium is here for more than just events, but to create unforgettable experiences for Wellington and its visitors. Check out what’s on and make Sky Stadium part of your Wellington plans.

Staglands offers a unique and exciting opportunity to connect with nature in a beautiful, natural environment. Don’t forget to pack your togs and a picnic so you can make the most of the scenic picnic spots & delicious swimming holes.

This is the place to learn about planets, stars, constellations, and galaxies. Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi | Space Place shares the stories of New Zealand’s skies and our contribution to space exploration through multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and the digital, full-dome planetarium.

New Zealand’s national museum and art gallery is known for its cutting-edge, interactive approach to telling the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Take a guided tour or explore the interactive exhibitions at your own pace.

Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho | Wellington Museum celebrates the people and the events that have shaped the character and soul of our capital and region. Located at the heart of Wellington’s waterfront the museum is open daily 10am-5pm with free entry.

Experience the hidden charm of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington with a 5-minute ride from the heart of the city centre on the Wellington Cable Car. Journey up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn to the lookout perched high above the city for the best view in the city.

Have a wild day out packed with learning and fun at Wellington Zoo. With 500+ animals of all shapes and sizes to check out, you’ll leave with a sense of wonder and be empowered to make a difference to protect our wildlife and their wild homes.

A must-see for film buffs and lovers of cool stuff is Wētā Cave. Buy authentic Wētā Workshop designed collectables, prop replicas, books, jewellery, art prints, gifts, apparel, movie memorabilia and more.

Discover how incredible, imaginary worlds are brought to life through movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood at Wētā Workshop. You might recognise some of the props, weapons or costumes - especially if you're a fan of Middle-earth. 

The world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore the valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to pre-human state. Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife—all thriving wild in a world-first protected sanctuary.