WellingtonEvents
Inside a theatre at Embassy Cinemas, located in Te Aro, Wellington. There are vaulted ceilings, pillars and most of the seats are occupied by audience members. 'Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festiva' is projected on the large screen.

The largest film festival in the country is back.

It’s the ultimate cinematic experience. Your winter just got a whole lot warmer with a selection of over 150 feature films, short films, and documentaries — all courtesy of the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF). 

It’s all lights, camera, and action when the annual NZIFF present 10 action-packed days of film in August. Artistic Director Paolo Bertolin and his team of film curators have scoured the world for independent, quirky, and award-winning movies. For 2026, this includes coming-of-age drama, a Mexican erotic thriller, campy animation, a Japanese exploration of grief, and a Kiwi mockumentary.

Now celebrating 58 years, the festival never fails to deliver a huge smorgasbord of films to choose from. Catch it at multiple venues across Wellington.

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A close-up shows a person holding a bowl of noodles and lifting a forkful to eat, with greens and slices of meat visible in the dish.

Visa Wellington On a Plate

1 – 31 August 2026

The exterior of Roxy Cinema.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

Wellington is a film lover’s dream destination and home to many independent movie theatres. You can sit back and enjoy a movie in style at one of these cinemas.

People seated at a bar, holding drinks and talking with a bartender, with records displayed on the wall behind.

New and notable places in Wellington

Treat your tastebuds and find a new place to eat at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.

3 people outside Wētā workshops, poking swords at a hill troll from Lord of the Rings.

Wētā Workshop Experiences & Wētā Cave

Wellington’s Wētā Workshop crafts special effects and props for films and TV shows. Visit and take a tour that goes behind the scenes of movie-making magic.

Follow the stars: Your guide to Michelin in Wellington

Discover Wellington’s Michelin-recognised restaurants, from One-Michelin-Star gems Jano Bistro, Logan Brown and Ortega Fish Shack to Bib Gourmand favourites and other standout dining destinations.

Sir Richard Taylor, founder of Wētā Workshop talks with another person. They are in a warehouse surrounded by metal helmets hanging from metal racks.

Sir Richard Taylor: a local guide to cinema

Wētā Workshop founder Sir Richard Taylor is a long time Wellington resident. His vast experience in the film industry makes him a perfect local guide to having a cinematic time in the city.

Two friends enjoy a meal at Rita. The small restaurant has dim amber lighting and staff working in the background.

From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinner

Whether you’re looking for first-date inspiration, a new spot for date night, or something for a special occasion dinner, here’s where to book in Wellington.

A couple watches a film in a cinema.

Wellington’s Film Festival lineup

From the New Zealand International Film Festival to Māoriland, Doc Edge, and Terror-fi. Wellington has an amazing selection of film festivals. Every movie fan and film fanatic is catered for.

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

21 – 22 August 2026Hnry Stadium