🐝 WellyBuzz: School Hols, Autumn Vibes & Weekend Adventures

Kia ora Welly whānau! 🌞

School holidays are kicking off, the sun's still shining, and there's no better time to get out and explore. We've been digging deep to bring you the capital's coolest happenings — from time-travelling tales and crafty gems to tasty bites and epic family fun. So grab a snack (or steal the kids’ Easter chocolate), get comfy, and let’s get buzzing!

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend:

• 🎸 Supergroove — Kiwi funk-rock legends bring the noise

• 🛍️ Wellington Women's Lifestyle Expo - Beauty, wellness, and more

• 🎶 Pinnacle — Respighi & Rachmaninov at the Michael Fowler Centre

• 🎭 The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents Dazzlehands at St James Theatre

🔥 In This Week's Buzz:

• ⏰ Welly’s Time Machine – Newtown: From Trams to Traffic Lights

• 🌟 Local Legends – Two small biz gems worth your support

• 🍽️ Food & Drink – Four delicious spots to try

• 🎉 Events – What’s on in Wellington this weekend

• ☁️ Welly Weather Watch – Sunshine with a chance of wind

⏰ Welly’s Time Machine: Newtown – Then & Now 🏙️

Welcome to the crossroads of the past and present — the corner of Riddiford and Rintoul Streets in Newtown. In 1910, this bustling junction was home to trams, bowler hats, and the iconic Junction Bazaar (complete with a sign for "Star Pictures"). The grand corner building stood tall then, and remarkably, it's still there today — a little brighter, a little busier, and now surrounded by cars instead of clanging streetcars.

🌟 Local Legends – Meet Two Wellington Wonders! ✨

🛋️ Small Acorns – Corner Blair & Wakefield Streets

A lifestyle and interiors store that feels like stepping into your favourite design magazine. For 25 years, Small Acorns has delighted Wellingtonians with its curated collection of textiles, homewares, and one-of-a-kind treasures — all handpicked with timeless style in mind. Whether you’re after a velvet cushion, vintage vase, or just inspiration, this boutique is full of soul and stories.

🛋️ Tea Pea – 1 Grey St and 22 Ganges Road

Next, we have Tea Pea.  This charming independent homewares store is a treasure trove of colourful textiles and delightful objects. Owned by Meg and Scott McMillan, they curate a wonderful collection of unique items from New Zealand and around the world.  Customers rave about their outstanding service and the joy their products bring.  It's the kind of place where you can always find a special gift or something lovely for your own home.

Make sure to pop in and support these local legends – they're what makes Wellington so special!

🍽️ Food & Drink: 4 Must-Try Spots This Week

Ready to treat your taste buds to some Wellington delights? We've scouted out four fantastic spots that are sure to hit the spot this weekend!

🍝 1154 Pastaria – 132 Cuba Street

Step inside and you’re greeted with the comforting scent of garlic, olive oil, and simmering tomato sauce. 1154 Pastaria is where handmade pasta takes centre stage — silky, twirly, perfectly al dente, and crafted fresh every day. From classic spaghetti pomodoro to rich beef ragu, every dish here feels like a warm Italian hug. Great for romantic dinners, friend catch-ups, or just treating yourself because, let’s be real — you deserve pasta.

🫖 Fred's Sandwiches – 149 Cuba Street

This isn’t your average lunchtime pit stop. Fred’s has perfected the art of the sandwich — crusty breads, juicy fillings, and flavour combos that hit just right. Whether you’re after slow-roasted meats, crunchy pickles, or melt-in-your-mouth cheese, Fred’s delivers every time. It’s the kind of place where one sandwich leads to two... and maybe a sweet treat on the side too. Go hungry, leave happy.

🍳 Loretta – 181 Cuba Street

For a cozy and stylish cafe experience, Loretta on Cuba Street is a must-visit. With its elegant yet simple interiors, it's a lovely spot to enjoy a delicious brunch or dinner. Their menu features fresh and seasonal ingredients, and their Loretta Waffles with lemon macerated strawberries and chantilly cream are a real treat!

🍢 Kisa – 195 Cuba St

Finally, for a taste of something truly special, consider Kisa. This restaurant blends the enchanting flavours of Turkey and the Middle East, offering a delightful array of mezze plates and hearty dishes. Using only the best local ingredients, Kisa promises a flavourful and quality dining experience that's sure to impress.

Go on, treat yourself to some of Wellington's finest this weekend!

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup of Fun! 🗓️

Friday, April 11

🎸 Supergroove – The Phenomenon Tour
The iconic Kiwi funk-rockers return for a high-energy night. 📍 The Opera House | 🕒 8:00pm

🎻 NZSO: Respighi & Rachmaninov
An evening of orchestral powerhouses. 📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕒 6:30pm | 🎟️ From $26

🎬 Mystery Movie Night – Petone Playscape
Bring a picnic dinner and get cosy for a family-friendly film — free popcorn included!
📍 72 Cuba St, Petone | 🕒 5:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🏉 Hurricanes vs Crusaders – Super Rugby Showdown
The Canes take on southern rivals the Crusaders under the lights at Sky Stadium. Wear yellow, bring the noise, and help light the night!
📍 Sky Stadium | 🕒 7:05pm

🏛️ Introducing Parliament Tour
Peek behind the curtain of NZ's democracy. 📍 Parliament Buildings | 🕒 various times | 🎟️ Free

🎉 Experimental Beer Fest @ Otto
Welly’s first-ever experimental beer fest is here — sample bold new brews, vote for your favourite, and enjoy food, games, and good vibes all evening long. 📍 Otto, 125 Featherston St | 🎟️ Free Entry

💃 Femme n Bass: Double Trouble
A bass-heavy celebration of Femme n Bass’ 5th birthday with back-to-back DJs, powered by the mighty Bigbada BOOM soundsystem. Expect techno, house, and all-night groove. 📍 Moon 1, 167 Riddiford St | 🕒 9:00pm–2:00am | 🎟️ From $15

🎶 BBQ & DJ Fridays at The Cambridge
Free BBQ, epic DJ tunes, and unbeatable drink deals — the ultimate Friday night vibe.
📍 Cambridge Hotel, 28 Cambridge Terrace | 🕒 Fri 7:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

💃 Salsa x Bachata Social
Two rooms, two DJs, and triple the heat — dance the night away with bachata in Studio 1 and salsa in Studio 2.
📍 Dancetopia, 11 Torrens Terrace | 🕒 Fri 9:00pm–12:00am | 🎟️ $12

🌌 Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tours
Explore the magical world of New Zealand glow worms on this guided night-time walk through Wellington Botanic Garden. Bring a torch, dress warm, and prepare to be enchanted.
📍 Founders’ Entrance, Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕒 Fri 7:00pm & 8:00pm | 🎟️ Adults $10, Kids Free

🟩 Minecraft Scavenger Hunt & Build Comp
Find hidden Creepers on Jackson Street & build iconic Petone landmarks for prizes.
📍 Jackson Street, Petone | 🕒 Daily 10am–5pm till Sun 27 Apr | 🎟️ Free

🎤 DARTZ – Moving to Melbourne
Wellington punk rockers DARTZ play a home farewell gig before heading to Aus. With support from Dateline.
📍 San Fran, Cuba St | 🕒 Fri 8:30pm | 🎟️ From $25

💍 Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery Exhibition
Explore five decades of daring, rebellious jewellery and fashion from one of the world’s most iconic designers.
📍 Te Papa, Level 4 | 🕒 Daily until 27 Apr | 🎟️ Adults $30

 🧱 LEGO® Builders' Session
Kids 5+ can test their imagination and build themed masterpieces at this fun after-school session.
📍 Johnsonville Library | 🕒 Fri 3:30–4:30pm | 🎟️ Free

🧪 Discovery Time – STEAM Fun for Kids
Tamariki aged 3–7 can dive into experiments, crafts, and tech play in this hands-on session.
📍 Mervyn Kemp Library, Tawa | 🕒 Fri 3:30–4:30pm | 🎟️ Free

Saturday, April 12

🎀 Wellington Women's Lifestyle Expo
Beauty, wellness, and treats galore. 📍 TSB Arena | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm

🌹 Te Rose Garden Market
Browse handmade crafts among the blooms as cruise season brings the buzz to the Botanic Garden.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕒 11:00am–3:00pm

🎉 Plimmerton Easter Market
Support local makers, browse unique crafts, and grab a bite from the food trucks in a new seaside venue.
📍 Plimmerton Boating Club, 66 Moana Rd | 🕒 Sat 3:00pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🧑‍🎨 Stay Creative Market Vol. 2
Vintage threads, vinyl, jewellery, art, donuts & more at this buzzing Aro Valley market.
📍 Garage Project, 68 Aro St | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm

🎸 Supergroove – The Phenomenon Tour
Missed Friday? Catch this iconic Kiwi band live for a second night of pure funk-rock energy.
📍 The Opera House | 🕒 8:00pm

🍂 Whānau Day: Ngahuru at Te Papa
Celebrate autumn with family-friendly fun including composting, worm talks, fabric printing, and face painting. All free!
📍 Te Papa Museum | 🕒 Saturday 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎶 One-Day Choir Festival
Join community choirs for a fun day of singing and wrap up with a public concert — all in support of Wellington City Mission.
📍 Queen Margaret College | 🕒 Saturday 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free to attend (donations welcome)

🎨 Junior Leatherwork Workshops @ Wētā Workshop
Recommended for kids aged 6–11, this hands-on school holiday workshop lets tamariki create their very own leather keepsake using real techniques from Wētā’s legendary film costume crew. Creative, fun, and proudly made in Miramar!
📍 Wētā Workshop, Miramar | 🎟️ $30 (or $50 with tour)

⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs. Melbourne Victory
Massive Round 26 clash at Sky Stadium — wear yellow, bring the noise, and back your Nix as the finals loom!
📍 Sky Stadium | 🕒 5:00pm

🎵 One NZ Summer Series Finale
Live music, sausage sizzle, skate vibes, and epic giveaways including Sony headphones and speakers.
📍 Masterton Skatepark | 🕒 12:00pm–1:30pm | 🎟️ Free

🪩 Atomic – All Vinyl Club Night
Wellington’s longest-running club night returns! Expect New Wave, Synth Pop, and pure nostalgia — all on vinyl.
📍 San Fran | 🕒 Saturday 8:00pm–4:00am | 🎟️ $15 door sales only

🔥 Full Moon Drumming – Princess Bay
Join the circle for drumming, dancing, and firelight under the full moon — all ages, all welcome (no alcohol, no waste).
📍 Princess Bay | 🕒 Sat 6:30pm–2:00am | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎶 Tunog Pinoy 2025
A night of Filipino bands, authentic food, and community spirit — all for a good cause.
📍 Lower Hutt Little Theatre | 🕒 Sat 5:00pm | 🎟️ From $15–$20

🎶 TAYLAH – The Tilt Tour
Neo-soul artist TAYLAH brings rich vocals and soul-stirring stories to the stage in celebration of her debut EP.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett St | 🕒 Sat 9:00pm | 🎟️ $20 GA | R18

🎉 Staglands Treasure Hunt
Channel your inner explorer and hunt for clues at Staglands — every correct entry wins a prize!
📍 Staglands Wildlife Reserve | 🕒 Sat & Sun 9:30am–5:00pm | 🎟️ $12 kids / $27 adults

🎶 Wairarapa Farmers' Market
Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, crafts, and enjoy live music under the trees.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕒 Sat 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎣 Kapiti Big Fish Surfcasting Competition
Fish Otaki Beach for big snapper and kahawai, with prizes, giveaways & ocean vibes all weekend.
📍 Ōtaki Beach | 🕒 Sat 7am–2pm & Sun 8am–2pm | 🎟️ $50 Adults / $10 Juniors

🎶 Sacred Harmonies
Choral works spanning Renaissance to modern, performed by Nota Bene with organist Heather Easting.
📍 St Mary of the Angels, 17 Boulcott St | 🕒 Sat 7:30pm–9:00pm

🍏 Pick Your Own Apples – Molewood Orchard
Wander tree-lined rows and pick your own apples and pears fresh from the source — perfect for a wholesome weekend outing in Greytown.
📍 Molewood Orchard, Greytown | 🕒 Sat & Sun 9:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎪 Crop Up – Greytown’s Freshest Pop-Up
Fresh produce, backyard-grown goods, breakfast bites, and hot coffee. A perfect community catch-up spot.
📍 Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St | 🕒 Sat 9am–11am | 🎟️ Free Entry

🧶 Fortune Exhibition
Explore a knitted yum cha banquet by artist Bev Moon. 📍 Wellington Museum | 🎟️ Free for NZ residents

🩰 RNZB presents Dazzlehands
Grace, rhythm, and dazzling dance from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. 📍 St James Theatre | 🕒 Various times

🎉 Garage Sale – Hospice Wairarapa
Support a great cause while scoring secondhand gems. Fresh stock weekly, from books to homeware.
📍 59 Renall St, Masterton | 🕒 Sat 8am–11am | 🎟️ Free Entry

🧵 Fabric-a-brac Wellington
Score vintage fabrics, haberdashery, and sewing treasures.
All in support of Mary Potter Hospice. 📍 22 Emmett Street | 🕒 10:00am–1:00pm

🎶 Hilltop Concert – Shan: Journeys
Enjoy an intimate night of lyrical originals and covers from Shan & Giacomo in a cosy Kelburn home gig.
📍 Hilltop House Concerts, Kelburn | 🕒 Sat 7:30–9:30pm | 💸 Suggested donation: $20

🧙‍♀️ Badjelly the Witch
A delightfully silly, interactive Spike Milligan stage show perfect for the school hols.
📍 Tararua Tramping Club, Mt Vic | 🕒 Sat 10:00–10:50am

🎨 Disney: The Magic of Animation
Step inside the world of Disney’s animated classics. 📍 Tākina Convention Centre

🎭 Blithe Spirit @ Circa Theatre
Spirited comedy and ghostly giggles on stage. 📍 Circa Theatre

🥾 WWI Memorial Walk
A self-guided remembrance trail through Bolton Street Cemetery. 📍 Bolton Street Cemetery | 🕒 All day Sat and Sun

🖼️ Site Seeing Artists’ Talk
Celebrate the opening of Site Seeing with artists Conor Clarke & Bridget Reweti, in conversation with curator Dr Kirsty Baker.
📍 National Library of NZ | 🕒 Sat 11:00am–12:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🎼 Orchestra Wellington: 1 Prodigy
Symphonic splendour with a youthful twist. 📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕒 7:30pm

Sunday, April 13

🧺 Ōtaki Easter Market
A colourful community market packed with crafts, plants, vintage finds, and foodie treats like hangi, waffles, and seafood chowder.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway | 🕒 Sun 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎶 Supergroove – The Phenomenon Tour (Sunday Show)
Due to overwhelming demand, Supergroove adds a third Wellington show! Catch the Kiwi legends bringing the funk-rock party to an intimate setting for one final night.
📍 Meow Nui, 92 Vivian St | 🕒 Sun 8:00pm

🎶 Bailamos Bachata
Free Latin dance party with a beginner bachata lesson, followed by two rooms of social dancing — sensual bachata in one, sizzling salsa in the other.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar, Abel Smith St | 🕒 Sun 6:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ Free (support by buying food or drink)

🧵 Artisan Craft Market
High-quality handmade goods from local creatives at this waterfront favourite. Support local and soak up the harbour vibes.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Pōneke | 🕒 Sun 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🏍️ Wellington Ride of Respect
Join the annual motorcycle ride honouring veterans, with a group ride from Pukeahu to Lower Hutt RSA plus raffles, food, and community vibes.
📍 Pukeahu National War Memorial Park | 🕒 From 8:30am (ride departs 10am) | 🎟️ $30 reg fee

🚂 Miniature Railway Family Day
Drive a model train, explore steam and electric locomotives, and learn about the world of miniature railways — fun for all ages!
📍 Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt | 🕒 Sun 1:00pm | 🎟️ Rides $2 (cash only)

🧺 Waikanae Beach Indoor Easter Market
Handmade crafts, garden art, local produce, and treasures galore — perfect for a chilled Sunday wander.
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall | 🕒 Sun 10:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎷 Sunday Jazz Club at Parrotdog
Live jazz, chilled vibes, and local talent every second Sunday. Come as you are.
📍 Parrotdog Bar, Lyall Bay | 🕒 Sun 3:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🌿 Heritage Walk: Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
Nature, history, and fresh air in one go. 📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush | 🕒 2:00pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ Free

🎉 Easter Egg Hunt at Chipmunks Tawa
Face painting, balloon bunnies, tunes, treats, and a visit from Charlie Chipmunk — plus epic prizes hidden in golden eggs!
📍 Chipmunks Playland Tawa | 🕒 Sun 5:00pm–8:00pm

🎼 Orpheus Choir Wellington: Colossal Chorale
Uplifting choral performance in Carterton. 📍 Carterton Events Centre | 🕒 2:00pm

☁️ Welly Weather Watch

🌤️ Fri: Mostly fine, brief shower possible. Northerlies. High 18°C
☀️ Sat: Sunny and settled. Light northwesterlies. High 19°C
🌤️ Sun: Partly Cloudy. Northerlies developing. High 20°C

Perfect weather for school holiday exploring!

📲 Want Even More Welly Goodness?

Follow @wellybuzz on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes fun, bonus events, and last-minute scoops.

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Local Charities Doing Good

🐾 HUHA (Helping You Help Animals)

HUHA is Aotearoa’s leading no-kill shelter and animal advocacy charity, rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals of all kinds. From pups to pigs, they’ve got big hearts for our furry (and feathered) friends.

Thanks for buzzing with us — support local, stay curious, and say "kia ora" to someone new this weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

📩 Want your biz in WellyBuzz? Email us: [email protected]

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