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News | 26 May 2025
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What’s on over King’s Birthday weekend in Wellington

Wanting some inspiration on what to do in the capital over the King’s Birthday long weekend? Here are some activities and events you can check out.

Group of hurricanes fans smiling in the stands wearing hurricanes merchandise.

Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika

Saturday 31 May 2025 | 7.05pm |  Sky Stadium, Wellington
Super Rugby is back for 2025, and Wellington’s own team, the Hurricanes, are bringing the storm to every home game. Also known as Hau Āwhiowhio, the Hurricanes will unite and excite a home crowd this Saturday 31 May. Expect non-stop action and unforgettable moments as the season progresses. Get your tickets now.

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: Masterworks - Mozart, Beethoven, and Grieg

Friday 31 May | Michael Fowler Centre

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) offers an outstanding programme for 2025. Hear works from the classical canon to contemporary Kiwi artists, from international stars to emerging talent, starting with Masterworks - Mozart, Beethoven, and Grieg. You'll get an exciting selection of masterworks, such as Beethoven’s famous Symphony No.6 (Pastoral) and Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, to make for a magical evening.  Book your tickets through Ticketmaster.

A look inside the Disney exhibition with lanterns dangling overhead.

Disney: The Magic of Animation

Until Sunday 13 July | Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre

See 100 years of your favourite characters and films and experience the magic of Disney Animation at this Wellington-exclusive exhibition at Tākina. From the first Mickey Mouse talkie 'Steamboat Willie' in (1928) to 'Moana 2' (2024), the exhibition features more than 600 exceptional art pieces of Walt Disney Animation Studios artwork. Get your tickets now.

Kia Mau

Starting Friday 30 May – Saturday 14 June | Various locations
Kia Mau is a biennial, contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana & Indigenous arts festival. Returning to Te Upoko o te ika a Māui, Aotearoa New Zealand this month, Kia Mau bring together local, national, and international artists in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Kia Mau finds the intersection where our stories intertwine, creating an experience that is uniquely ‘local’ yet unparalleled in Pōneke throughout the year.

 Nau mai, haramai! Nau mai, hoki mai ki te hui ahurei a Kia Mau! Tickets available at kiamaufestival.org. 

Glimpse inside the NZ Art Show exhibition in Wellington.
Image from The NZ Art Show.

NZ Art Show

30 May – 1 June 2025 | TSB Arena and Shed 6
Experience the vibrancy of New Zealand’s art scene at the NZ Art Show, Aotearoa’s premier annual art event. This year you can expect an exciting lineup, featuring a fresh selection of emerging and established artists alongside beloved show favourites. The TSB Arena will impress with a diverse array of works, while Shed 6 shines a spotlight on emerging talent and an inspiring sculptural showcase. 

K-Culture Festival

Sunday 1 June 2025 | 1pm - 5.30pm | Michael Fowler Centre
Get a taste of Korea by checking out the 2025 K-Culture Festival at the Michael Fowler Centre this weekend. The event will showcase the rich and vibrant traditions of Korea, including music, dance and authentic cuisine. This year’s edition also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Details here.

Take note of changes to services and facilities over the long weekend

Our services and facilities change slightly on public holidays, so just a reminder that: 

  • Collections will happen as per normal on Monday 2 June.
  • On street metered parking is free around Wellington on public holidays.
  • Buses replace trains from Saturday 30 May to Monday 2 June while KiwiRail attacks some big maintenance projects around the Wellington network, including bridge repairs, sections of track replacement, and level crossing safety upgrades. Passengers are encouraged to check the Metlink site for alerts when trains come back into service Tuesday morning.
  • Metlink has put on extra buses for the Hurricanes game and has information on their website to help people plan their trip.  
  • Some facilities and services may have reduced hours or may be closed, you can find these out on our holiday hours webpage.  
 

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