Wellington Spring Is On
The winter thaw is in progress. As the clouds part across Wellington Harbour, the city comes out of hibernation. The spring event calendar has plenty to reward those who venture into the city. From spectacular creative productions to major art exhibitions, and international musicians — it’s all here.
Alternatively, strap on some sturdy boots and try some of the nearly 300 kilometres of walking, horse riding, and mountain biking tracks. Doesn’t matter if your visit is short or long, the city has plenty to keep you amused.
As winter fades, Wellington turns up the energy. Spring brings longer days, blooming gardens, world-class performances, live music and plenty of reasons to head into the capital. From jazz-filled nights and spectacular wearable art to cherry blossoms, waterfront festivals and international cricket, there’s something happening around almost every corner. Whether you’re chasing culture, entertainment, food or simply a great day out,Wellington is the place to be this spring.
The 2026 Wellington Jazz Festival runs from 14 to 18 October. You can match fine dining with fine musicwhen the city swings to international and local jazz acts. Bars, restaurants and venues across the capital host scores of gigs across the festival’s five days so follow the sound of saxophones to find a spot to park up for the night.
Victoria Street is only a block away from Wellington’s magnificent waterfront. It’s home to promenades, parks, and major visitor attractions like Te Papa Tongarewa (the national museum), The New Zealand Portrait Gallery, and Wellington Museum. It’s also home to one of the city’s largest event venues – the TSB Arena. From September 17 to October 4, TSB Arena is home to a dazzling fusion of art and performance.
The World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: GLO! is an internationally acclaimed annual event that features an electrifying combination of live music, circus, dance, and wearable art. At the heart of WOW is a world’s premier wearable art competition. Every garment on stage is a finalist. This year, the inspiration for WOW is GLO! Expect the imagination to run riot across six wearable art sections of pure, unfiltered, high-voltage entertainment.
After the high-voltage buzz of WOW you might need a breather. The calming influence of Blossom Valley at the Aston Norwood Gardens in Upper Hutt will do the trick. Each year, with spring’s arrival, the garden shows off its 350 sakura trees – all in spectacular blossom. Running from 10 to 28 September it’s the largest collection of mature cherry blossom trees in Aotearoa. In Japan, Hanami, or ‘flower viewing’, festivals bring joy and optimism after a long winter.
Back on Wellington’s waterfront, get ready for a multi-genre music festival with a strong international flavour. High Tide Festival brings drum & bass, house, grime, and hip-hop to Waitangi Park on 7 November. As spring winds down to summer there’ll be a party that celebrates music, culture and connection. If you want the party atmosphere of a big crowd but from a seated position, then the 2026-27 New Zealand Cricket: Summer Season is worth looking into.
Wellington has scored six major opportunities to see the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS in action. Games are split between Hnry Stadium and Cello Basin Reserve, both of which are great venues to celebrate with friends and a beverage in hand.
And if you want to celebrate a New Zealand win at the cricket? After the match don’t head home – head out to Courtenay Place. The bars around the city’s famous entertainment hub are many and varied. Wellington packs in a huge range of activities and attractions to enjoy. It is an ever-changing, creative, and fascinating place to visit and re-visit. It doesn’t matter that you won’t be able to fit it all in. You can always
revisit.
