Both Saturday night events have sold out meaning an influx of visitors into the city, an anticipated crowd surge for hospitality outlets and a busy time for the capital’s hotels.
WellingtonNZ Events and Experience General Manager Heidi Morton estimates more than 60,000 people will attend events in the city from Thursday through to Monday.
“That means it will be super busy with lots of locals and visitors out and about – we advise booking restaurants in advance and getting to venues early or just coming into town to experience the city buzz.”
The mega weekend includes:
- World of WearableArt, TSB Arena – Saturday sold out, Friday and Sunday selling fast
- All Blacks v Australia Bledisloe Cup, Saturday, Sky Stadium (ticket holders travel free on public transport)
- Doctor Who, Worlds of Wonder, Tākina
- Michael Jackson – The Legacy Tour, The Opera House
- The Beths, the Great Hall
- Orchestra Wellington, Michael Fowler Centre
- World Press Photo Exhibition, Asteron Centre ground floor
In addition, the city is dressed to impress with Light Pou on the waterfront celebrating te reo Māori, buildings lit up in WOW Dream Awake theme colours, and matched by the WOW sign near Te Papa.
The WOW Hub is also operating again in Queen’s Wharf Square and includes garment displays, merchandise, selfie moments and themed lighting and projection.
WOW is on for three weeks until October 13. Last year the season provided a gross benefit of $30.3 million with almost 30,000 visitors spending more than $19 million.
Heidi Morton says WOW’s world-class status makes is a huge boost for the capital, cementing the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
“And the good times are set to continue right through to Christmas with a huge variety of events on that we would love to see as many people as possible supporting.”