What’s on this winter in Wellington

Matariki Ahi Kā & Mana Moana Pōneke

THURSDAY 19 - SUNDAY 22 JUNE | 6PM – 9PM | WELLINGTON WATERFRONT
Celebrate the Māori New Year in a uniquely Wellington way. Enjoy Matariki Ahi Kā, a free, whānau-friendly walk-through experience including fire, projections, performances, and a ceremony each evening to honour those who have passed away, and to express hopes for the future.

Share kai at our food courts while listening to live performances, and enjoy Mana Moana Pōneke, a series of indigenous short films about our ocean, projected on a water screen in Whairepo Lagoon.

Find out more on this webpage.

Mills Albert Wellington Saints 2025 Season

The Wellington Saints ball hard and bring the action in another electric season of the National Basketball League. Join the game court-side and put your lungs to the test as you cheer on your favourite Wellington side.

• Wellington Saints vs Tauranga Whai - Saturday 21 June at TSB Arena. Book now.
• Wellington Saints vs Canterbury Rams - Tuesday 1 July at TSB Arena. Book now.

Lōemis

UNTIL 21 JUNE
A creative midwinter arts festival will warm up your spirits and your imagination. The annual festival, Lōemis, is back and ready to warm up your Wellington winter. Relying largely on local creatives, the festival provides a rich mix of art, music, performance, interactive experiences, and food.

NZ Opera — La bohème

SUNDAY 22 JUNE | ST JAMES THEATRE
New Zealand Opera presents ‘La bohème’ at the St James Theatre. Since its debut in 1896, the music of ‘La bohème’ has moved the hearts of generations. The story of the tragic romance created a blueprint for countless works to follow. Get your tickets on ticketmaster.

Magic After Hours with Disney

THURSDAY 26 JUNE | 5PM - 7PM | TĀKINA
Take an after-hours opportunity to explore Disney: The Magic of Animation. Meet up with friends after work or take your favourite person out for date night. Tickets include entry to the exhibition plus a complimentary drink and shared grazing platters on arrival. Listen out for the playlist of your favourite Disney songs, too. You must be over 18 to attend. Get your tickets through Ticketmaster.

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse Netball Season 2025

What’s tough, fast, and physical? Wellington’s netball team, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse. The Pulse hopes to dominate the ANZ Premiership this year. Their campaign kicked off in May and continues through to July.

• Pulse vs Steel - 23 June 2025 at TSB Arena. Get tickets now.
• Pulse vs Tactics - 29 June 2025 at TSB Arena. Get tickets now.
• Pulse vs Stars - 5 July 2025 at TSB Arena. Get tickets now.

Pōneke Festival of Contemporary Dance

MONDAY 30 JUNE - SATURDAY 5 JULY
The Pōneke Festival of Contemporary Dance is here to ensure a vibrant future for Pōneke's dance scene, fostering a passionate community around this captivating art form.

Black Ferns and All Blacks Double-Header

SATURDAY 12 JULY | SKY STADIUM
The international rugby season begins in style this winter for Wellington. Rivalries are reignited on the field in July with two huge international games at Sky Stadium.

First up in women’s rugby, the Black Ferns face Australia in the O’Reilly Cup. This will be the last opportunity for Kiwis to cheer on the Black Ferns before they head off to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. That match is closely followed by the men’s game. In the July Series, the All Blacks take on old foes France. They aim to protect a proud unbeaten record against the Tri-Colours in Wellington that stretches back seven Tests to 1961. Find out more on WellingtonNZ.

Be Our Guest — Magic Dance Party

SATURDAY 5 JULY | 6PM - 9PM | TĀKINA
Boogie the night away at a special Disney-inspired dance party. Revisit some of Disney’s most popular songs at this enchanted night. Dress up as your most beloved Disney character and be in to win some wonderful spot prizes. There will also be face painting and balloon twisters for some extra entertainment. Each ticket to this event includes entry to the exhibition. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Book your tickets now through ticketmaster.

Make sure you see Disney: The Magic of Animation before it finishes up on 13 July. 

Wellington Ice Rink

UNTIL SUNDAY 13 JULY | 10AM – 10PM | QUEEN’S WHARF, WATERFRONT
Wellington is a whole lot cooler this winter! From student nights and date nights to groovy Friday nights and family fun – the Wellington Ice Rink brings winter vibes to the heart of the CBD! Get your tickets now.

DARKFIELD

FRIDAY 4 JULY - SUNDAY 27 JULY | ODLIN'S PLAZA, WELLINGTON WATERFRONT
Following a widely successful extended season in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Realscape Productions are thrilled to present DARKFIELD, the internationally acclaimed ground-breaking immersive audio experiences. DARKFIELD is a collection of multi-sensory audio experiences that unfold entirely in the dark. Using 360° binaural sound, sensory effects, and theatrical design, these works immerse audiences in strange worlds that sit just outside reality. Find out more on their website.

Zero Waste Winter Market

SATURDAY 12 JULY | 11AM - 3PM | TE ARO ZERO WASTE
Looking for secondhand treasures, handmade goods, or just a reason to get out and explore the city? Join us for a cosy mid-winter edition of our reuse-focused Winter Market at Te Aro Zero Waste.

Wrexham Down Under

SATURDAY 19 JULY | SKY STADIUM
Be amongst the action when internationally-beloved football team Wrexham AFC face off with Wellington’s own Phoenix at this New Zealand-exclusive. Find out more on WellingtonNZ.

Visa Wellington On a Plate 2025

FRIDAY 1 - SUNDAY 31 AUGUST | VARIOUS LOCATIONS

This year’s Visa Wellington On a Plate (VWOAP) celebrates the theme ‘Food is Love’ – a tribute to the joy of connecting over kai and the capital’s vibrant, resilient hospitality scene.

The 2025 programme serves up over 100 love-themed events and more than 200 burgers for the ever-popular Burger Wellington. Check out the programme on their website or find out more about event on Our Wellington.

Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival

THURSDAY 14 - SUNDAY 24 AUGUST | VARIOUS CINEMAS

Lights, camera, action — the largest film festival in the country is back. Celebrating 57 years, the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival is gearing up for 10 action-packed days in August. The annual festival presents over 150 feature films, short films, and documentaries. Find out more on the NZIFF website.