Cruise tourism keeps capital buzzing as season sails in early
Wellington’s 2025–26 cruise season begins early, bringing 71 ships and 120k+ visitors. A strong outlook promises major benefits for businesses across the city.
Brickman
A galaxy far, far away has officially arrived in Aotearoa, with LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition now open at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Bringing together iconic Star Wars moments, large-scale LEGO® artistry and interactive fan experiences, the exhibition invites visitors of all ages to journey through the beloved cinematic universe brick by brick. Wellington is the first stop on the popular exhibition’s international tour.
Created by Ryan “Brickman” McNaught and his team of LEGO® artisans, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition features the largest known collection of life-sized LEGO Star Wars models ever assembled, built from more than 8 million LEGO bricks and crafted over 25,000 hours.
He says bringing the exhibition to Wellington marks an exciting new chapter for the experience.
“LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition is a celebration of imagination on a truly enormous scale. We wanted people to feel as if they were stepping into the Star Wars galaxy through LEGO bricks - whether that’s reliving childhood memories, introducing the next generation to these stories, or simply being blown away by the scale and detail of the builds.
“Seeing it open in Wellington is incredibly special, and we can’t wait for New Zealand audiences to experience it for themselves.”
From towering starfighters and unforgettable battle scenes, to beloved characters, all recreated in astonishing detail, the exhibition transforms one of the world’s most enduring stories into an immersive experience filled with creativity, nostalgia and imagination.
Visitors can explore interactive build zones, help construct massive LEGO Star Wars landscapes, create and battle digital starfighters, and step inside spectacular recreations inspired by iconic scenes from across the Star Wars saga.
Wellington Mayor, Andrew Little, says being the first international city to host the exhibition further strengthens Wellington’s reputation as a capital of creativity, storytelling and major cultural experiences.
“Wellington has long been connected to the world of film, imagination and storytelling, so it feels fitting that LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition has landed here at Tākina. This is the kind of experience that brings generations together - from lifelong Star Wars fans to families discovering these characters and worlds for the very first time.
“We’re proud to welcome visitors from across New Zealand and beyond to experience it here in the capital - and if you miss it, the Empire will definitely strike back.”
The Government is investing in LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition through the Events Attraction Package that targets high-profile, showstopper events such as exhibitions, international sports and concerts, attracting visitors from around the world and generating widespread economic benefits.
“It’s fantastic to see an experience of this scale and creativity arriving in Wellington. Exhibitions like this don’t just delight visitors of all ages, they fill our motels and cafés, support local businesses, and create a vibrant buzz throughout the capital,” says Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
With interactive activities, cinematic-scale LEGO builds and fan-favourite moments from across the Star Wars galaxy, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition offers visitors the chance to build, battle and explore their way through one of popular culture’s most beloved universes.
The exhibition is open from 27 June 2026 until February 2027. More information and tickets are available via Ticketek.
Date published: 25 June 2026
Wellington’s 2025–26 cruise season begins early, bringing 71 ships and 120k+ visitors. A strong outlook promises major benefits for businesses across the city.
The World of WearableArt (WOW) Show has delivered its biggest economic benefit ever to the creative capital.
WellingtonNZ welcomes the second tranche of the Government’s Events Boost Fund, announced today. The announcement confirms a significant investment across four Wellington events: Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, World of WearableArt (WOW) and Lōemis.
New Zealand’s world-leading coach development systems have helped secure the ICCE Global Coach Conference for Wellington in 2027.
WellingtonNZ has signed a partnership with Tech New Zealand to bring three of its tech-specific conferences to New Zealand’s capital city for the next three years or editions.
ULTRA Worldwide Music Festival is set to come to New Zealand for the first time ever in 2026 and will be hosted exclusively in Wellington.
Locals and visitors are invited to discover over 50 deals across Wellington cafés, restaurants, retail stores, events and experiences throughout December and January.
WellingtonNZ’s calendar of major and regional events continues to make a positive impact — driving visitation, boosting the economy, and strengthening local pride across the region.
Major drivers of economic impact for the capital city and surrounding region include events, tourism, business development and creative technology.
Wellington has successfully hosted the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Business Workshop from 12–14 February - the first time the event has been held in the Asia-Pacific region - delivering opportunity for the capital and the wider business events sector in New Zealand.