Trans-tasman travel has well and truly kicked off, with Aussies more excited than ever to explore the best New Zealand has to offer. Home to world-class performances, renowned culinary experts and stunning views, Wellington cannot be missed.
Immerse yourself in the World of WearableArt Awards Show, escape to Blossom Valley, be inspired at Semi Permanent, and taste top quality wines at Toast Martinborough.
Todd Barberel from WellingtonNZ says, “we’re thrilled to welcome Aussies back to Wellington. The capital is home to some outstanding events, and we’re so excited to bring them back after two years. Whether you’re looking for creative inspiration, a nature escape, or a great drop of wine, we have something for everyone.”
If you are travelling through the creative capital in the next few months, be sure to check out these epic events.
World of WearableArt Awards Show
29 September – 16 October 2022, TSB Arena
Aotearoa’s largest theatrical production featuring over 100 performers, the World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show in Wellington is a not-to-be-missed annual event. Each night the stage comes alive with incredible works of wearable art, dancers, aerialists and music that sings to your soul. At the heart of this theatrical spectacular is the world’s leading wearable art competition for designers from across the world. These designers work in radical and innovative ways in the mediums of fashion, art, design and costume.
Blossom Valley
15 September – 9 October 2022, Aston Norwood Gardens
Located in a picturesque rural setting just 45 minutes from Wellington, Aston Norwood Gardens is a hidden gem of the Wellington region. The 14-acre private garden has hundreds of flowering cherry blossom trees that are 25 years old. Each spring, these trees erupt into blossom, filling the valley with a canopy of pink and white flowers – making this festival the idyllic background for your spring selfie. Grab a picnic or some food from the Aston Norwood Café and enjoy an hour or two under the blooms.
Semi Permanent
19-21 October 2022, St James Theatre
Semi Permanent is an artistic showcase that has taken cities worldwide by storm. In 2022, the global design and creativity platform is celebrating its 20th anniversary, an important milestone and moment of reflection, and kicking off in a new home in Wellington.
The festival has an extensive programme of talks, interviews, conversations, and presentations from international artists and icons of every background and style. Over three days at the historic St James Theatre, attendees are invited to explore different expressions, ideas, art, and new perspectives.
Semi Permanent Aotearoa 2022 features a diverse mix of visionary talent in creativity, technology, and design, including: Yah-Leng Yu and Arthur Chin from Foreign Policy Design Group, the most acclaimed brand and design bureau in Southeast Asia, and Leta Sobierajski and Wade Jeffree from Wade and Leta, New York.
Toast Martinborough
20 November 2022, Various locations, Martinborough
Whether you’re a rosé lover, a Riesling fiend, or team Pinot, sample some of New Zealand’s best wines at Toast Martinborough. Add scrumptious food and new music, and it sounds like the best Sunday ever.
Just an hour north of Wellington, Martinborough has more than 25 cellar doors in the local area, making it the perfect location for this multi-site wine and food event. The line-up showcases smaller wineries alongside international faves that have put Martinborough on the map as one of New Zealand’s top wine destinations.
For more information on Wellington including the listed events, visit WellingtonNZ.com
