Skip to main content
Wellington City Council Wellington City Council
News | 12 May 2023
Share on social

Friday Five: Wellington ways to celebrate Mother’s Day

Wondering what to do in the capital this Mother’s Day? We have you sorted. Here’s five ways to celebrate mum – with and without the kids!

Two young women and one older woman all sitting and smiling in front of 7 meerkats at Wellington Zoo.

1. Take mum to see the meerkats

Make Mother’s Day extra special this year by treating her to an Animal Experience at Wellington Zoo. Every Animal Experience helps the Zoo to care for the animals and supports their work to save wildlife and wild places. Check out their range of Close Encounters and Behind the Scenes Experiences on the Zoo's website.

2. Give the gift of time! 

Drop the kids off to enjoy a day at one of our rec centres, pools, or skateparks, so mum can go get pampered or indulge in some retail therapy. 

Yakitori sticks being cooked over a grill for Wellington On a Plate event.

3. Dine out and treat mum with WOAP

It’s that time of year again! Visa Wellington On a Plate has returned. This culinary celebration showcases the incredible range of talent and produce that the Wellington region has to offer. Check out more than 130 Dine and Cocktail Wellington creations on the WOAP website.

A tree made of glitter.
Reuben Paterson: The Only Dream Left, City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi, 2023.

4. Spend some quality time together

Why not come up with a day of activities for you and mum? You could head out on a wintery walk and then treat her at one of the city’s cosy bars afterwards. Check out this list of our Top 20 Welly Walks and this list of cosy bars by WellingtonNZ.

Or, why not check out some of the awesome exhibitions and shows in town like Reuben Paterson's exhibition The Only Dream Left at the City Gallery or one of the many stand-up shows at the NZ International Comedy Festival.

Harbourside Market vege stalls.

5. Make the day all about food

Food is the key to a lot of people’s hearts. Take your mum to the oldest market in Wellington and enjoy the fresh culinary delights and beautiful locally grown produce. Find out more on the Harbourside Market website and then treat mum to a night out at one of Wellington’s amazing eateries.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.   

Read more

A young female photographer holding her Canon camera as she looks past her blond wavy hair, as the city lights reflect onto glass behind her.

10 May 2023

Through the lens: The rewarding life of a city photographer

Nadine McGrath had no idea how her world would be enriched as the Wellington city photographer. She explains why she loves working for Wellington.
Snow leopard in outdoor habitat at Melbourne Zoo

11 April 2023

Snow Leopard sisters touch down in Wellington

Pōneke, get ready to say ‘Kia ora’ to Snow Leopard sisters, Asha and Manju as Wellington Zoo’s brand-new Snow Leopard habitat opens to visitors.
Image of bright fresh fruit and vegetables at the Harbourside Market on Wellington waterfront, with Te Papa in the background.

24 April 2023

Behind the stalls at the Harbourside Market

We're looking at stories about the colourful characters who help make the Harbourside Markets a unique place.