Wellington Rises in Celebration of 20 Years of WOW in the Capital

In celebration of 20 years of the World of WearableArt Show (WOW) in the city, WellingtonNZ has launched an exclusive hop-on, hop-off minibus service for WOW ticket holders, unveiled a new WOW Sign coloured by Resene on the waterfront, and is promoting limited-time offers across more than 80 local businesses during the show season.

Shining in the show’s 2025 RISE theme colours of yellow, orange, and pink, the WOW Wanderer minibus will be operating every WOW show day from Wednesday 17 September to Sunday 5 October, between 9:30am and 4pm.

The WOW Wanderer will follow a 30-minute loop route, stopping at key shopping, culture, and hospitality areas around the city to help people enjoy more of what the capital has to offer. While on board, riders will hear fun trivia about Wellington, as well as information on limited time offers provided by the city’s retail and hospitality businesses.

To hop on the WOW Wanderer, people must present a valid WOW 2025 show ticket to the driver.

More than 80 Wellington businesses across retail, fashion, hospitality, health & beauty, and experiences are providing special offers during the show season, inspired by the ’20 years of WOW in Wellington’ and RISE show theme. Participating businesses are listed on the WellingtonNZ WOW page, and are featuring in-window decals so it’s easy for people to know which businesses are taking part. Offers range from 20% off, save $20 for every $200 spent, to the first 20 people instore to receive a free gift, and more. WellingtonNZ Events & Experiences general manager, Heidi Morton, says that WOW is part of Wellington’s DNA, and the city truly rises every show season — which aptly fits this year’s show theme, RISE.

“Every WOW show season, the nation’s creative heart beats a little stronger. People flock from all over the country to see the country’s largest arena spectacle and be part of the unique energy and sense of community created here in Wellington.”

Heidi says that the WOW Wanderer will help to connect people with the highlights of the central city, encouraging them to explore all corners of the CBD and easily access the shopping precincts, hospitality venues, visitor attractions and more.

“While Wellington is a walkable and compact city, the WOW Wanderer will enhance accessibility and help people get around town quicker, so they can enjoy even more of Wellington’s vibrant attractions during their time here,” says Heidi.

Along the waterfront near Frank Kitts Park, there’s also the newly painted WOW Sign, coloured by Resene in this year’s RISE colour theme, with the harbour as the backdrop.

The economic benefit of WOW to Wellington is significant. Data released earlier this year revealed the estimated cumulative visitor spend that WOW has brought to the city over time is $323m — which has directly boosted businesses across retail, hospitality, accommodation and more.

The decision to move WOW from Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre to Wellington’s TSB Arena in 2005 stemmed from the need to facilitate both creative and audience growth for the show, which in its first year in the capital saw a 60% surge in audience size, reaching 28,000. Now, 20 years later, this year’s expected audience is 60,000.

Meg Williams, CEO of WOW, says the city has a special energy during WOW show season. "We love seeing the wonder that WOW brings to people, and for many, getting out and about in Wellington is a big part of the WOW experience. From soaking up the city's waterfront to enjoying the shopping and eateries, it's terrific to see people making the most of the capital when they are here for the show, and celebrating 20 years of WOW in Wellington makes it extra special."

The 2025 WOW Show: RISE runs from 18 September to 5 October at TSB Arena, with tickets still available on the WOW website.

For more information about WellingtonNZ’s events programme, visit the WellingtonNZ website.

Date published: 15 September 2025