Wellington

Your guide to spring in Wellington

Spring in Wellington is a bit like the city itself — lively, unpredictable, and full of surprises. As the days grow longer and the city bursts into bloom, you’ll find pockets of sunshine, crisp sea breezes, and the occasional gust. Pack sunglasses and a raincoat and get ready to shake off the winter chill.

As spring arrives in Wellington, so too does a sense of renewal. Gardens blossom, café tables spill onto footpaths, and the city begins to stretch toward summer. 

Waitstaff sets down two wine glasses in front of customers in the outside patio of Ascot.

Set into the hills of the city-fringe suburb of Newtown, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is a top pick for a sunny day. It‘s the world’s first carboNZero-certified zoo. It features accessible, well-kept pathways that wind through 13 hectares of enclosures. Watch chimpanzees enjoying their hilltop city views, spot cheeky native kea in the walk-through aviary, and walk beside free-roaming kangaroos in the Australian precinct. 

Bursting into life on the other side of town is the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. It hosts an incredible range of beautiful botanical plant species from around the world. There are also large collections of Aotearoa’s own unique flora and a top-notch playground. 

For anyone curious to explore the home of democracy in Aotearoa, New Zealand Parliament is a short stroll down the hill. Roam the grounds where shady pōhutukawa make for excellent picnic spots. For those wanting a closer look, a variety of guided tours are available seven days a week. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of New Zealand’s political system. 

Whether day or night, the capital has a great selection of alfresco wining and dining options. Glover Park, between Ghuznee and Garrett Streets, is a fantastic inner-city suntrap. Popular bar The Rogue & Vagabond opens onto the park and provides beanbags for a relaxed vibe. There’s a large craft beer selection, along with a menu of classic burgers and pizzas. Live music plays most weekends, so it’s a popular spot. Around the corner, laidback rooftop bar Ascot is open to the sky. Its high walls shelter you from the weather. Down by the waterfront, Foxglove blends 1930s glamour with West Hollywood lounge style. Spacious yet intimate, it offers sweeping harbour views, open fireplaces, and one of the largest living green walls in the country. 

Not to be missed for spring visitors to the capital is the World of WearableArt (WOW) Show, New Zealand’s largest arena spectacle. WOW fuses theatre, music, aerial performance, and design in an event like no other. At its heart is an international competition that invites artists from around the globe to take art off the wall and bring it to life on the human form. 

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, culture, or a great sunset cocktail, spring in Wellington delivers — unpredictably, unapologetically, and with style.

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A person wears The Golden Chakra design from World of WearableArt. The background is a mix of purple, yellow, and orange graphics.

World of WearableArt Show

18 September – 5 October 2025TSB Arena

An adult and child walk alongside a fountain at the Wellington Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā. Pink and red roses surround them.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā

You’ll find manicured rose gardens, winding pathways and spectacular views over more than 25 hectares.

Two smiling people sit on a wooden bench petting a lemur during a Close Encounter experience at Wellington Zoo.

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

The first carboNZero-certified zoo in the world, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo puts conservation at the centre of everything it does.

Three friends enjoy food and drinks al fresco at St Johns Bar on Wellington's Waterfront.

Alfresco in the city

There’s a reason why they say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. When it’s one of those days, the capital has a great selection of outside dining options.

The exterior of the New Zealand Parliament building at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea in Wellington at sunset with pink-coloured clouds in the sky above.

New Zealand Parliament Tours

Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.

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.

View of Courtenay place from Dirty Little Secret rooftop bar.

Get a taste of Courtenay Place

A hotspot for all things fun and entertainment, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds on one of Wellington’s buzziest streets — Courtenay Place.

Two people stroll along Oriental Bay Parade in Wellington holding hands on a sunny day.

Your guide to summer in Wellington

Visit an island, scream in a stadium, or indulge in ice cream. Here's how to enjoy some of Wellington's best summer days.

Five Asian-fusion dishes, a pink cocktail, dishes and utensils on a table at a restaurant.

Beyond the central city, great food awaits

The quality of Wellington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars is not confined to the inner city. There’s a raft of great options hidden away in neighbourhoods and suburbs beyond the city lights.

Two people sit in tall grass and admire a scenic vista with Kapiti Island in the background.

24 hours in the Kāpiti Coast

If you only have a day to spend in the Kāpiti Coast then you’ll need to get cracking. The sunny coast has a great selection of things to see, do, and eat.