With Wellington’s World of Wearable Art™ Awards showcasing 128 awe-inspiring garments from some of the world’s most creative designers, there’s never been a better excuse for a long weekend in the capital of cool.
Here are our top things to do while you’re visiting Wellington this WOW® season:
1. Shop
Start your weekend in the capital off with some retail therapy. From boutiques stocking local and international designers, to quirky gift stores, Wellington is a treasure trove of beautiful new things.
Make sure you check out the street markets for fresh local produce and wares, Cuba Street’s vintage and second-hand shops for retro threads and Hannah’s Laneway to pick up culinary delights from the likes of Wellington Chocolate Factory and Fix & Fogg. Wellington’s easily walkable central city makes a day’s shopping super simple.
2. Indulge
You’ll need to refuel after pounding the pavement, so take the chance to swing by some of the new eateries in town. Egmont Street Eatery, Jano Bistro and The Bresolin are all hitting the mark big time with their mouth-watering cuisine. For a pick-me-up cuppa, head to one of our many cafes for a local roast – you’re never far from a perfect coffee in this caffeinated city.

The City Gallery. Photo: Nicola Edmonds
3. Culture
There’s plenty to ignite your imagination here in New Zealand’s cultural capital. Take a stroll around the city and encounter sculptures on the streets, poetry along the waterfront, and a gallery around every other corner. Fiona Pardington’s exhibition at the City Gallery, Te Papa’s Nga Toi and Max Patté’s inaugural Wellington exhibition are all well worth a visit.
4. WOW
Each year WOW® creates a new theatrical world for each garment to come to life in during a two-hour stage spectacular. Over 100 garments from 130 international designers are transformed and showcased on stage in a distinctive dramatic extravaganza, with stunning sets, soundscapes, dance, lighting and world-class choreography.
5. Night cap
Get together over a nightcap to re-live your night at WOW®. No doubt you’ll need a while so, lucky for you, the capital has countless cosy cocktail bars to accommodate. The Library and Motel have impressive lists to choose from. Both are cosy hideouts tucked away from the hustle and bustle of entertainment hotspot Courtenay Place.

The Library
Too much to do, too little time?
To help visitors get the most out of their WOW® visit, Positively Wellington Tourism has designed a pre-packaged WOW Weekender itinerary available via its new online experience planner covering all the essentials – brunch, pre-and post-show drinks, art galleries, shopping, and high tea.
The 2015 season of WOW® runs from 24 September to 11 October 2015. More information on WOW® can be found at WellingtonNZ.com/WOW.