🌞 WellyBuzz – Friday, January 17, 2025

Good Morning Wellington! ✨

Can you feel that summer vibe in the air? Wellington Anniversary weekend is nearly here, and for once, the weather gods are smiling on us! With four straight days of sunshine forecast (yes, you read that right), it's time to dust off those sunhats and plan an epic long weekend in our stunning capital.

Whether you're a longtime local or new to our windy paradise, we've packed this week's WellyBuzz with everything you need to make the most of this extended weekend. From the magical Gardens Night series lighting up our Botanic Gardens to Toast Martinborough's sun-soaked festivities, and even vintage steam trains in Whanganui for history buffs - there's something for everyone.

So gather your whānau and friends, and let's dive into what's happening around our beautiful harbour city this weekend...

📍 In This Week's WellyBuzz:

🏛️ Time Machine: The glamorous transformation from banking hall to shopping heaven - discover the Old Bank Arcade's story

🛍️ Hidden Gems: Two local spots that'll make you feel like a Wellington insider

💝 Community Corner: Supporting the amazing mahi of Rei Kōtuku

🎪 Weekend Wonderland: Your ultimate guide to Anniversary Weekend events

🌤️ Weather Watch: (Spoiler alert: actual sunshine!)

📅 Time Machine: From Bank Vaults to Boutiques

Ever wondered about the history of the Old Bank Arcade while grabbing a coffee? Opened in 1863 as the Bank of New Zealand, it was a bustling financial hub with stunning neoclassical architecture. Fast forward 160+ years, and it’s now a beloved shopping destination, still holding onto the charm of its Victorian-era roots. Next time you visit, look up at the beautiful glass ceiling and imagine the generations who’ve passed through before you.

🌟 Local Legends: Wellington's Hidden Gems

☕ Pour and Twist: Where Coffee Meets Mindfulness.

Forget everything you know about grab-and-go coffee culture. At Wellington's first fully manual brew bar, every cup is a mini meditation session. Think single-origin beans treated with the respect they deserve, and matcha that's whisked with the precision of a tea master. It's like your daily coffee ritual got a zen upgrade!

👻 Fear Factory Wellington: Ghost Ship Shenanigans.

Ever fancied exploring a haunted ship without actually setting sail? Fear Factory's HMS Wayfarer experience is serving spooks with a side of harbour views. Choose your own adventure: full Horror Show (with actual humans jumping out at you - sorry, no refunds for spilled drinks), chill Haunted Tour, or dive into their VR Submarine experience. Because nothing says "Wellington weekend" quite like screaming your head off on a ghost ship!

💝 EXTRA SPRINKLES: Rei Kōtuku - Local Heroes Making a Difference

This week we’re shining a spotlight on Rei Kōtuku. These local legends provide specialized care for tamariki with life-limiting illnesses across the lower and central North Island. Their incredible team brings expert medical care, emotional support, and a whole lot of aroha right to families' homes. 💖

Think of them as healthcare's equivalent of a warm hug - professional, compassionate, and absolutely free for families who need them. Want to help? Every donation helps them continue their vital mahi. 💛

🎉 ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND EVENTS EXTRAVAGANZA!

Here's your day-by-day guide to making the most of our long weekend. Pro tip: Many events run multiple days, so why not mix and match to create your perfect Wellington weekend!

🎉 Friday, January 17, 2025 🎉

🎵 Gardens Magic Concert Series
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden as part of the Gardens Magic series. 🎤🌸
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM

✨ Gardens Magic Light Display
Once the concert’s finished, take a stroll through stunning light displays at the Wellington Botanic Garden. A truly magical experience! 🌟🌳
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM

Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery (17 January – 27 April)
Dive into the iconic fashion and jewellery history of Vivienne Westwood. This global touring exhibition showcases over five decades of jewellery design and creation, from Westwood’s early days in Portobello Road markets to today. Explore a curated journey through distinct decades, iconic pairings of jewellery, garments, and accessories.

Adult: $30 | Concession: $23 | Child (15 & under): $10 | Under 5s: Free
Location: Toi Art, Level 4, Te Papa

🎻 Toast Weekend Opening Night Gala Dinner with the NZSO
The Runholder is celebrating the opening of Toast Martinborough Weekend in style with an evening of fine food and music in collaboration with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Dinner and concert: $130.00 each
Location: The Runholder, Martinborough, 89 Martins Rd, Martinborough
Time: 6:00pm - 9:30pm

🎭 Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat - Live on Stage!
Bring the whole family to the Worlds Number 1 ‘The Cat in the Hat’ show for an experience they’ll never forget.
Location: Southward Theatre, Otaihanga Rd, Otaihanga, Paraparaumu
Time: 10:30am and 1:00pm

🌻 Pick Your Own Sunflowers
Visit Stolte Ag Dairy Farm and enjoy a beautiful day picking your own sunflowers. Perfect for families! 🌻💛 All proceeds go to Hōkai Tahi / Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support Service
Location: Stolte Ag Dairy Farm, 153 Wiltons Rd, Carterton
Time: From 10:00 AM

🎪 Summer Concert Series
Grab a picnic, put on your dancing shoes and head on down to Adventure Park, Whitby, for the ever popular Summer Concert Series over Wellington Anniversary weekend. 🌆👟
Location: Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua - Mana
Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm

🍹 Cool As Challenge 2025
Hospitality operators in Lower Hutt go to head-to-head to create their own limited edition signature summer refresher drinks for people to enjoy in the Cool As Challenge ™
Location: Southend of High Street, 92-215 High Street, Lower Hutt

🎯 Let's Play! Aotea Lagoon
Free tākaro (play) events in Porirua this summer! There’ll be play equipment, music, and prizes available. Bring your whānau and friends for some fun in the sun.
Location: Aotea Lagoon, Papakowhai Rd, Papakowhai, Porirua - Mana
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

💦 Worser Bay Waterworld
Waterworld is back at the super popular Worser Bay in Wellington as part of their 2024-25 Epic Summer Tour - Order your tickets now! Price: $25.
Location: Worser Bay
Time: From 10:00 AM

🚂 Whanganui Vintage Steam Trains
Embark on a vintage steam train journey from Whanganui. Fares from $49.

🔍 Escape Rooms Wellington – Summer School Holiday
Put your problem-solving skills to the test with exciting escape rooms. Great for family fun! 🔍🧩
Location: Escape Rooms Wellington
Time: 9:00 AM onwards

👩‍🍳 Indian Cooking Classes
Learn to cook delicious traditional Indian dishes at Sheila's Indian Kitchen. 🍽️🇮🇳
Location: Sheila's Indian Kitchen, Wellington
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🏎️ New Zealand Stockcar Championships
Over 200 cars descend on the capital to try to take home the coveted 1NZ number. The monstrous field will be going head-to-head over 8 groups on Friday night with a repechage Saturday night to sort out the final field.

Location: Wellington Speedway, SH1, Upper Hutt
Time: From 6:00 PM

🎉 Saturday, January 18, 2025 🎉

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series and 💡 Gardens Magic Light Display

🍺 Hops in the Vines
Get ready for a laid-back weekend getaway like no other as Brewtown teams up with their good mates at Matahiwi Estate, loading up the truck with kegs, lawn games, and retro furniture, and bringing those classic Brewtown vibes to their picturesque vineyard.
Location: Matahiwi Estate, 254 Paierau Rd, Masterton
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM

🌻 Pick Your Own Sunflowers
Head to Stolte Ag Dairy Farm for a peaceful afternoon picking your own sunflowers. Perfect outdoor fun! 🌻🌾
Location: Stolte Ag Dairy Farm, Carterton
Time: From 10:00 AM

🚗 #HARDPARK_X – The 10^th Anniversary Event
Location: Trentham Memorial Park, Barton Rd, Upper Hutt
Time: 2pm to 5:30pm

🚂 Whanganui Vintage Steam Trains
Embark on a vintage steam train journey in Whanganui. Fares from $49.

🐎 NZCIS Wellington Cup Day
Get ready for a day of exhilarating racing as we present the most iconic events of the season! There's thrilling racing, fashion, hospitality, and epic entertainment from international super act, Peking Duk! 🎶
Location: 10 Racecourse Rd, Trentham, Upper Hutt

Time: From 12:00 PM

🎪 Whanganui Vintage Weekend
A spectacular four-day extravaganza over the Wellington Anniversary Weekend that will transport you to a bygone era filled with vintage charm, classic cars, retro fashion, and nostalgic entertainment. Over 30 vintage-themed events and attractions taking place in and around beautiful Whanganui.

💦 Worser Bay Waterworld
Waterworld is back at the super popular Worser Bay in Wellington as part of their 2024-25 Epic Summer Tour - Book your tickets now! Price: $25.
Location: Worser Bay
Time: From 10:00 AM

🎪 Summer Concert Series
Grab a picnic, put on your dancing shoes and head on down to Adventure Park, Whitby, for the ever popular Summer Concert Series over Wellington Anniversary weekend. 🌆👟
Location: Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua - Mana
Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm

🎡 Horowhenua AP & I Show
Bring the family along for the best country fun, including rides, animal nursery, live entertainment and competitions, food trucks and more! Ticket prices are $15 Adults, $5 Children up to 15 and Free for Preschool.

Location: Levin Show Grounds, Victoria Street, LEVIN

🍹 Cool As Challenge 2025
Hospitality operators in Lower Hutt go to head-to-head to create their own limited edition signature summer refresher drinks for people to enjoy in the Cool As Challenge ™
Location: Southend of High Street, 92-215 High Street, Lower Hutt

🏎️ New Zealand Stockcar Championships
Over 200 cars descend on the capital to try take home the coveted 1NZ number. The monstrous field will be going head-to-head over 8 groups on Friday night with a repechage Saturday night to sort out the final field.

Location: Wellington Speedway, SH1, Upper Hutt
Time: From 6:00 PM

🧺 Picnic in the Park Family Day
A Family fun picnic day in our fabulous park-like grounds and gardens. Entry by Koha. BYO picnic or enjoy berries & ice cream, sizzling sausages, ham sliders, tea, coffee, and refreshments for the kids. 🎸🎶
Location: 169 Main Street, Greytown
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

💜 Pick Your Own Lavender
Head to Lavender Abbey in Carterton for a peaceful lavender-picking experience. 🪴💜
Location: Lavender Abbey, Carterton
Time: From 10:00 AM

👩‍🍳 Indian Cooking Classes
Learn to cook delicious traditional Indian dishes at Sheila's Indian Kitchen. 🍽️🇮🇳
Location: Sheila's Indian Kitchen, Wellington
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🎉 Sunday, January 19, 2025 🎉

🗿 Stones Trek – Daytime Self-Guided Tour
Enjoy a self-guided exploration of Stonehenge Aotearoa, a must-visit for history and astronomy enthusiasts! 🌍🕰️
Location: Stonehenge Aotearoa, Carterton
Time: From 10:00 AM

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series and 💡 Gardens Magic Light Display

🌿 Gardens Magic Kids' Garden Trail
A fun and interactive garden trail for kids at Wellington Botanic Garden. A great way to get them involved with nature! 🌱🌿
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: From 9:00 AM

🎪 Summer Concert Series
Grab a picnic, put on your dancing shoes and head on down to Adventure Park, Whitby, for the ever popular Summer Concert Series over Wellington Anniversary weekend. 🌆👟
Location: Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua - Mana
Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm

🎡 Horowhenua AP & I Show
Bring the family along for the best country fun, including rides, animal nursery, live entertainment and competitions, food trucks and more! Ticket prices are $15 Adults, $5 Children up to 15 and Free for Preschool.

Location: Levin Show Grounds, Victoria Street, LEVIN

✈️ Whanganui Aero Day
Whanganui Aero Day 2025 brings you a day of epic aviation. Bigger and better than ever before, with over 50 aircraft expected to be there. $10 Adults, kids free. 

Location: Airport Road, Whanganui, New Zealand
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🍷 Toast Martinborough
Toast Martinborough makes its much-anticipated return.
Location: Toast Martinborough, 51 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

🎪 Whanganui Vintage Weekend
A spectacular four-day extravaganza over the Wellington Anniversary Weekend that will transport you to a bygone era filled with vintage charm, classic cars, retro fashion, and nostalgic entertainment. Over 30 vintage-themed events and attractions taking place in and around beautiful Whanganui.

💜 Pick Your Own Lavender 2025
Head to Lavender Abbey in Carterton for a peaceful lavender-picking experience in a serene setting. 🌾💜
Location: Lavender Abbey, Carterton
Time: From 10:00 AM

💜 Ninja A-League - Wellington Phoenix V Newcastle Jets
Phoenix Rising! The Phoenix women are set to soar against the Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park!
Location: Trust Porirua Park, Mungavin Avenue, Cannons Creek, Porirua
Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm

🏪 Greytown Country Market
Outdoor Market in local park adjacent to the Greytown Shopping precinct. Fresh produce, artisan products, upcycled, recycled, art and craft food, coffee and a great BBQ sausage sizzle.
Location: Stella Bull Park, Main Street, Greytown
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

🗓️ Monday, January 20, 2025 🗓️

🏛️ Stones Trek – Daytime Self-Guided Tour
Explore Stonehenge Aotearoa at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Perfect for history, nature, and astronomy enthusiasts! 🌍🕰️
Location: Stonehenge Aotearoa, Carterton
Time: From 10:00 AM

💡 Gardens Magic Light Display
Immerse yourself in the spectacular light displays at Wellington Botanic Garden. 🌟🌿
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: From 9:00 PM

🌿 Gardens Magic Kids' Garden Trail
Let the kids explore an interactive garden trail at the Wellington Botanic Garden. An educational adventure for the little ones! 🌳🌱
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: From 9:00 AM

💦 Worser Bay Waterworld
Waterworld is back at the super popular Worser Bay in Wellington as part of their 2024-25 Epic Summer Tour - Book your tickets now! Price: $25.
Location: Worser Bay
Time: From 10:00 AM

🎪 Summer Concert Series
Grab a picnic, put on your dancing shoes and head on down to Adventure Park, Whitby, for the ever popular Summer Concert Series over Wellington Anniversary weekend. 🌆👟
Location: Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua - Mana
Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm

🎪 Whanganui Vintage Weekend
A spectacular four-day extravaganza over the Wellington Anniversary Weekend that will transport you to a bygone era filled with vintage charm, classic cars, retro fashion, and nostalgic entertainment. Over 30 vintage-themed events and attractions taking place in and around beautiful Whanganui.

🎧 George FM Summer Tour: Wellington Ft. Ben Gerrans
Over 35 of your favourite George DJs and some internationals, hitting 13 Summer Hotspots and bringing the vibes this Summer.
Location: Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro

Time: 2:00pm–10:00pm

🌡️ WELLY WEATHER WATCH: What's Mother Nature Got Planned?

(And for once, she's being kind to us!)

Friday 17 Jan: 21°C ☀️ Clear skies and gentle southeasterlies. Actually warm enough for that beach day!

Saturday 18 Jan: 22°C 🌞 Even warmer! Perfect for Toast Martinborough or the races.

Sunday 19 Jan: 21°C 🌤️ Partly cloudy but still gorgeous. Pack the sunscreen!

Monday 20 Jan: 21°C 🌅 Holiday Monday looking mint!

Tuesday 21 Jan: 22°C 😎 For those who might be "working from the beach"...

🌟 Share the Buzz and Get Rewarded! 🌟

Do you know someone who loves Wellington and all the hidden gems it offers? Share WellyBuzz with your friends and unlock our FREE guide to 100+ things to do in Wellington! 🎉

That's your Wellington Anniversary Weekend sorted! Remember to tag us in your adventures using #WellyBuzz - we love seeing how you're making the most of our incredible city! 🌟

Ngā mihi nui,

Kirstie & Steve

Your local buzz-keepers 🐝

P.S. Want the full scoop? Follow us below for real-time updates:

📘 Facebook, 🐦 Twitter (@EverydayKndness) / X), 📸 Instagram (WellyBuzz), and 💼 LinkedIn (Welly Buzz | LinkedIn)