WellingtonEvents
A person on stage with a microphone reads a book to a packed audience at the Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington.

Word on the street is — the festival celebrating the written word is back, and it’s better than ever.

Welcome in spring with a literary bonanza at Wellington’s iconic readers and writers’ festival. Verb has supported and nurtured Wellington’s arts community since its founding, and its annual festival has become a highlight of the literary calendar. Over three days, writers from across Aotearoa and several from around the world will share their ideas and stories with curious readers. Verb 2026 will be jam-packed with writers’ talks, workshops and panel discussions. 

Taking place from 11 to 13 September, Verb is a celebration of the written word and the community that surrounds it. See their website for a full list of the festival and special events.  

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Jacinda Ardern.

Jacinda Ardern — A Different Kind of Power

15 April 2026St James Theatre

Two people browse through books outside Pegasus Books in Left Bank off Cuba Street. Pegasus Books is an older wooden building with shelves of eclectic books outside.

Wellington’s independent bookstores

Bookworms will be in heaven in Wellington, where independent bookstores are around every corner.

Patrons enjoying food and coffee inside Midnight Espresso, a popular café on Cuba Street in Wellington.

Capital classics: Long-lasting restaurants

Wellington is fortunate to have a batch of fantastic restaurants that have stood the test of time.

Two people look at the art on display at Te Whanganui a Tara exhibition, Wellington Museum.

What to do on a rainy day in Wellington

When it’s wet outside, the capital provides plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Head to these Wellington attractions to stay warm, dry, and entertained.

A vinyl record player with a pair of headphones laying on top at Xreeps Record Parlour, a record store in Petone, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

For the record: Where to buy vinyl in Wellington

Help keep independent music alive with this list of where to get your wax or find your favourite artists.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

Two people enjoy a flight of coffee at The Hangar.

Your essential guide to coffee

Wellington takes its coffee seriously. Whether you’re after a creamy flat white, a jet-fuelled long black, or something in between, there are plenty of places to keep you caffeinated.

A croissant is picked up with a pair of tongs by a baker wearing a yellow teeshirt and dark grey apron.

Your knead to know list of Wellington bakeries

Rise and shine for your daily dose of carbs at these Wellington bakeries. From pillowy doughnuts and flaky croissants, to crunchy, chewy loaves of bread, the proof here is in the pastry.

Two customers clink their wine glasses and enjoy their food at Graze Wine bar.

Wine not? A full-bodied list of Wellington wine bars

Part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wellington is the perfect place to sample a local drop (or two).

A person holds a tool applying smoke to the top of a pint of red and yellow beer at Beervana 2023, a beer and food festival in Wellington New Zealand.

Beervana

August 2026Hnry Stadium