Your leisure list for a long Labour Weekend

Watch the world’s women’s rugby superstars in action when they take the field in Wellington over Labour Weekend. The inaugural WXV Tournament is an exciting addition to the women’s rugby calendar. The first Friday night test between Australia and England will kick off at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on 20 October. The following day there’s a doubleheader — Wales faces Canada in the afternoon and New Zealand plays France in the evening.

With their tight harmonies, flamboyant costumes, and quirky dance moves, Bjorn Again will transport you back to the 70s faster than you can say ‘Dancing Queen’. Grab your platform shoes and glitter jumpsuits and get ready for a night of non-stop ABBA madness at Wellington’s Opera House. The world’s most successful tribute band has played over 7,000 concerts in 120 countries.

Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā is one of the oldest gardens in Aotearoa. It encompasses 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, colourful botanical displays, a protected native forest, and views over Wellington City. If you’re visiting from out of town or a local and haven’t been for a while it is worth visiting. Spring time offers abundant blooms and plenty of opportunity for a picnic.

Get ready for a night of non-stop rock anthems live on stage with big sound, big screens, wild lighting, and outlandish costumes at ‘Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic’. The Queen tribute act has been a hit internationally and is back by popular demand at Wellington’s Opera House. Rock on to famous anthems like ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘We Are the Champions’, ‘Radio GaGa’, ‘I Want to Break Free’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, and plenty more.

In a quiet Miramar street, a short drive from Wellington’s city centre lies a cinema-world gem. Wētā Workshop crafts special effects and props for some of the world’s most renowned films and TV shows. Regular tours explore different sorts of prop-making, costumes, and special effects that go into making movie magic.

Known for his genuine connection with audiences, Ziggy Alberts has been compared to the likes of early Ben Howard or Jack Johnson. His performances are a mixture of vulnerability and spirited energy. With five albums behind him and sold-out tours abroad, the 25-year-old Australian has achieved a lot since picking up a guitar at the age of 16. He’s also an environmental enthusiast who uses his music to explore his relationship with the planet.

Spring has sprung, and so have an abundance of new places to eat, drink, and soak up the sun. Treat your taste buds at one of these new cafés, restaurants, and bars in Wellington.