🐝 WellyBuzz: Summer Fun in the Capital (Even without much sun!)

Kia ora Wellington whānau! ☔

Is anyone else still waiting for summer to properly arrive? While we're all dreaming of those perfect beach days (come on, weather gods!), our wonderful city is still buzzing with activities to keep us entertained – rain or shine! This week's lineup might just make you forget about those persistent southerlies.

In This Week's WellyBuzz:

• 🎶 Top Events for this weekend – Live music, theatre, and more!

• ⏳ Wellington in History – A look back at the Wonderland Theme Park at Miramar

• 💛 Community Corner - the Wellington City Mission has been helping those in need for 120+ years. Find out how you can make a difference!

• 🌦️ Weather Watch – What’s in store for your weekend?

🎵 This Weekend's Highlights

Got visitors in town? Or just looking to shake up your routine? Here are some gems you won't want to miss:

Friday Night Vibes (Jan 10)

• 🎶Can't miss: Further Sound ft. Tubby Isiah at Valhalla (from 9 PM) – perfect for dub and roots lovers

• 🎹For the artsy souls: Hip-hop Paint & Sip in Porirua – because everything's better with good music and wine 🎨

• 😍Dance the night away with Sally C’s DJ set, featuring Benny Balance at San Fran.

• 🤣Looking for laughs? Paul Smith's "Pablo" at Michael Fowler Centre will sort you out 😂

Saturday's Best (Jan 11)

• ⚽ Phoenix vs Adelaide United (4 PM) – let's pack Sky Stadium!

• 🌟 Gardens Magic continues with stunning light displays and live music

• 🎸 Have a relaxing day taking in the Wairarapa Music in the Country Festival

• 🎭 "Sleeping Beauty" at Circa Theatre – perfect for the whole family

• 🍷 Wine lovers: Don't miss the Hawke's Bay vs Martinborough showdown at Karahui

Sunday Funday (Jan 12)

• 🛍️Start your morning at the Waikanae Beach New Year Market

• 🍷Head to Margrain Vineyard in Martinborough for the Summer Sunday Sessions featuring live music and local wines.

• 🎺Catch some smooth tunes at Sunday Jazz (The Undercurrent, 3:30 PM)

• 🌹Visit the Lady Norwood Rose Garden for the popular Rose Garden Market in Wellington.

• 🤣End your weekend with Sarah Millican's "Late Bloomer" comedy show

📅 Looking Ahead

Check our full Wellington events list here, including more Gardens Magic concerts, comedy nights, and outdoor adventures. We've got detailed listings right through to Thursday if you're planning ahead!

🌟 Wellington in History

Did you know Wellington once had its own amusement park? Back in 1907, Wonderland in Miramar was the place to be, complete with a toboggan and waterslide! While it only lasted until 1911, it's fun to imagine our great-grandparents zooming down those slides.

🎪 Ongoing Summer Treats

• 🎸Gardens Magic is lighting up the Botanic Gardens every night (honestly, it's magical even in the drizzle!)

• 🌻Pick your own sunflowers at Stolte Ag Dairy Farm in Carterton. All funds raised go to the Hōkai Tahi / Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support Service

• 💐Lavender picking at various spots in Martinborough (the perfect rainy day activity – it smells amazing!)

EXTRA SPRINKLES: 💛 Community Corner

A huge shoutout to Wellington City Mission celebrating 120+ years of supporting our community. If you're looking to make a difference this year, they're always welcoming volunteers and donations.

🌦️ Weekend Weather Watch

Look, I won't sugar-coat it – we're looking at typical Wellington summer weather:

• Friday: Fine with southerlies (max 17°C)

• Saturday: Partly cloudy, fresh southerlies (max 17°C)

• Sunday: Some showers, strong southerlies (max 15°C)

Pack a light jacket and maybe an umbrella – you know the drill!

🤝 Let's Stay Connected!

Know someone who'd love our weekly buzz? Share WellyBuzz and help them discover the best of Welly! Plus, you'll get our guide to 100+ Wellington activities as a thank you.

Ka kite anō,

Kirstie & Steve x Your local buzz-keepers 🐝

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

Facebook: A guide to the best events, local news, and things to do in Wellington.

🐦 Twitter (@EverydayKndness) / X): Daily event highlights

📸 Instagram (WellyBuzz): Behind-the-scenes peeks and event photo dumps

💼 LinkedIn (Welly Buzz | LinkedIn): Weekly events