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The WOW Wanderer hop-on and hop-off bus.
As the World of WearableArt (WOW) Show returns to Wellington this spring, the capital is preparing to roll out the red carpet for tens of thousands of visitors with a stellar programme of special offers and experiences, designed to extend the WOW magic beyond the TSB Arena.
WellingtonNZ has unveiled its 2026 WOW city activation, featuring 120 special offers from businesses across the city and a refreshed WOW Wanderer hop-on, hop-off bus service that will make it easier than ever for people to explore Wellington's retail, hospitality, arts, culture and visitor attractions.
The WOW Wanderer – unmissable in its 2026 WOW Show: GLO! colours – will operate on every show day throughout the show season, connecting key city precincts and attractions on a loop to create a seamless visitor experience. It is an exclusive service and free to ride for WOW ticket holders – they simply need to show their ticket upon boarding.
The CBD loop takes approximately 30 minutes and will begin at 9:30am starting from Jervois Quay by Whairepo Lagoon, stopping at seven stops for guests to hop-on and hop-off to explore the city. The last run commences at 3:30pm.
While exploring the city, people can check out this year's special offers and WOW-inspired experiences. Some are exclusive to ticket holders, while others are available for the general public.
WellingtonNZ GM Events & Experiences, Heidi Morton, says the city comes alive during WOW season. "WOW is one of Wellington's signature major events, and every year we see tens of thousands of visitors immerse themselves in everything the capital has to offer alongside the show.
"The popularity of the WOW Wanderer last year was undeniable – so this year we've made it even easier for people to discover the city, with a refreshed WOW Wanderer route and a fantastic special offers programme. Whether you're here for the show, staying for the weekend or simply looking for a reason to enjoy your own city, there's something for everyone.
"The WOW Wanderer helps people make the most of their time here, while our participating city businesses are showcasing the creativity, hospitality and energy Wellington is known for."
Meg Williams, CEO of WOW, adds: "We're proud that WOW delivers significant economic value for Wellington each year, bringing audiences into the city and generating activity across accommodation, hospitality and retail.
"That impact also comes from the incredible businesses that help turn a night at WOW into a much bigger Wellington experience. We’re enormously grateful to the retailers, restaurants, bars and hospitality teams who welcome our audiences so warmly and help make WOW season something the whole city can share in.”
Businesses participating in the programme will be marked with WOW decals, making them easy to spot throughout the city, and a full list of offers are now available at 2026 WOW Show: GLO! for those who want to plan ahead.
In celebration, the city is also dressed for WOW with street flags, GLO! themed lighting along the waterfront, the WOW Sign on Wellington waterfront and unique displays at Wellington Airport.
The 2026 World of WearableArt Show: GLO! runs from 17 September – 4 October 2026 at TSB Arena, with tickets still available: World of WearableArt.
Date published: 15 September 2026
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