🐝 Easter Fairs, Armageddon & Balloons

Kia ora Wellington!

This Easter weekend is shaping up to be one of those “how do we fit it all in” ones 👀

Sunrise balloons, massive Easter fairs, Armageddon taking over the city, and events right across the region.

Quick heads up - trains are out Friday to Monday, with buses replacing most lines (except Melling) and running on weekend timetables. Worth planning ahead:
https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/projects-timeline/planned-rail-closures

Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday

👇 If you only do a few things this weekend, start here:

🔥 9 Quick Picks for Easter Weekend

🐣 Titahi Bay Easter Fair (Fri) - Big family day out with 180+ stalls, food, rides and live entertainment.
🎈 Wairarapa Balloon Festival (Fri–Mon) - Sunrise hot air balloons lighting up the Wairarapa skies across the long weekend.
🦸‍♂️ Wellington Armageddon Expo (Fri-Sun) - Cosplay, gaming, anime and pop culture with celebrity guests and merch.
🏏 White Ferns v South Africa – ODI (Sat) - Live international cricket at the Basin with big hits and relaxed vibes.
🍎 Greytown Apple Harvest Festival (Sat) - Pick-your-own apples, live music and classic Wairarapa food trucks.
🃏 Capital City Comics & Collectibles Fair (Sat) - Comics, cards, vintage toys and retro finds for collectors and fans.
🐣 Easter Valley Egg Hunt at Aston Norwood (Sat) - Scenic garden egg hunt with tokens, treats and bunny-themed fun.
🥚 Battle Hill Easter Egg Hunt (Sun) - Quick-fire kids hunt with plenty of running around and Easter treats.
🎬 Outdoor Easter Movie - Peter Rabbit (Sun) - Free outdoor movie with picnic vibes, food trucks and family fun.

Going to any of these? Hit reply and tell us your weekend plans - we love hearing what WellyBuzz readers are getting up to 👀

🕰️ Time Machine: Russell Terrace, Newtown - 1908

🍽️ Food & Drink – Mother Goose Bar & Kitchen

Wairarapa just quietly keeps delivering, and Mother Goose is one of those places that feels like a proper find. Set in a beautifully restored heritage space, it blends relaxed country charm with a genuinely elevated food and drink offering that’s well worth the drive over the hill.

We tried their Gin High Tea (part of the Greytown Cocktail Festival) and it absolutely delivers - sweet and savoury tiers, delicate elderflower infusions, and standout pours from Greytown Distilling Company that tie it all together. It’s generous, beautifully presented, and one of those experiences that feels a little bit special without being over the top.

At $40 per person (minimum two), the high tea is great value for something that feels like a proper occasion, and the kind of thing that turns a casual Wairarapa trip into a full-day outing.

But it’s not just about the high tea - the broader menu is stacked with crowd-pleasers (think pork belly bites, sticky ribs, fresh fish and chips, and proper classic desserts), so you can easily turn it into a long lunch or settle in for the afternoon.

📍 1512 State Highway 2, Tauwharenīkau, Wairarapa
https://www.theroyalhotel.co.nz/mothergoose/

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday, April 3:

🐣 Titahi Bay Easter Fair
Head out for a big day of stalls, food, rides and live entertainment with over 180 vendors and plenty to keep the whole family busy.
📍 Te Rauparaha Park, Lyttelton Ave, Porirua | 🕢 Fri 10am–3pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🐣 Go Zone Easter Bonanza Week
Packed with Easter-themed fun - think scavenger hunts, crafts, games and plenty to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.
📍 Go Zone, 45A Norman Ave, Waingawa, Masterton | 🕢 Fri 10am–4pm | 💰 Free (with general admission) | 🎟 All Ages

🎭 Thirty-Six
A sharp, funny and slightly risqué rom-com exploring love, connection and vulnerability through one unforgettable Tinder date.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 7:30pm–9:00pm | 💰 $30–$49 | 🎟 R16

🌕 April Full Moon Song & Sound Ceremony
Ease into a calming evening of meditation, chanting and sound healing, all set around the powerful energy of the full moon.
📍 Paraparaumu Memorial Hall, Aorangi St, Paraparaumu | 🕢 Fri 6:30pm–9:00pm | 💰 $59–$77 | 🎟 All Ages

🪓 Easter Axe Activities
Test your aim and try something a little different this Easter with axe throwing sessions that mix friendly competition with plenty of laughs.
📍 Sweet Axe Throwing Co., 60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 12pm–6pm | 💰 $25 | 🎟 All Ages

🦤 Meet A Moa!
Step into a playful prehistoric encounter and meet a giant moa puppet up close, with interactive fun for the whole whānau.
📍 ZEALANDIA Eco-Sanctuary, Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 10:30am–1:00pm | 💰 Free (sanctuary entry applies) | 🎟 All Ages

🎈 Wairarapa Balloon Festival
Catch a magical sunrise as hot air balloons lift off across the Wairarapa, filling the sky with colour over the Easter weekend.
📍 Fri – Carrington Park, Carterton (7am–8:30am) | Sat – Location TBC, Masterton (7am–8:30am) | Sun – Molewood Orchard, Greytown (7am–8:30am) | Mon – Farewell Flight (location TBC, sunrise) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🐰 Easter Trail
Explore the Easter story through a fun, hands-on trail with pony rides, crafts and activities spread across multiple local venues.
📍 The Anchor Church, 1 Joseph Banks Drive, Whitby, Porirua | 🕢 Fri 2pm–4:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🐣 The BIG Easter Weekend
Head along for a full day of family fun with egg hunts, face painting, wildlife encounters and plenty of Easter surprises throughout the reserve.
📍 Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, 74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road, Waikanae | 🕢 Fri 10am–5pm | 💰 $8–$17 | 🎟 All Ages

🎨 Junior Intro to Sculpting Workshop
Let the kids get hands-on creating their own creature, learning sculpting basics in a fun, creative session led by the Wētā Workshop team.
📍 Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 12:45pm–1:45pm | 💰 $32 | 🎟 Ages 6–14

📸 Our City – A Wider Lens
Explore Wellington through fresh perspectives as local photographers showcase powerful, intimate and creative takes on the region.
📍 Thistle Hall Gallery, 293 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 12pm–6pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🦸‍♂️ Wellington Armageddon Expo
Dive into a huge weekend of cosplay, gaming, anime and pop culture with celebrity guests, competitions and plenty of geeky merch.
📍 Hnry Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 10am–4pm (also runs Sat and Sun) | 💰 $14–$69 | 🎟 All Ages

🎮 Game Review hosted by Wellington Armageddon Expo
Try out a range of locally developed games, meet the creators and help shape upcoming releases with your feedback.
📍 Hnry Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Wellington | 🕢 From Fri 10am (runs through to 4pm Sun) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🗺️ Easter Treasure Hunt Weekend
Head along for a relaxed community event with crafts, face painting, games and a self-guided treasure hunt to enjoy over the Easter weekend.
📍 57 Halswater Drive, Churton Park, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 10am–1pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

Saturday, April 4:

🏏 WHITE FERNS v South Africa – ODI
Live international cricket at the Basin - a great day out with big hits, sharp bowling and a relaxed Wellington crowd.
📍 Basin Reserve, Sussex Street, Mt Cook, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 11am | 💰 $5–$15 | 🎟 All Ages

🎸 Battle of the Bands 2026 – WLG Semi-Final 2
Live, loud and a little chaotic - catch Wellington bands battle it out on stage for a shot at the national finals.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 8pm–11:45pm | 💰 $17.60 | 🎟 R18

💃 Drag Double Feature: Part 3
High-energy, show-stopping drag with some of Wellington’s best performers bringing two killer routines each - expect big looks, big laughs and a packed house.
📍 Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 9:30pm | 💰 $10.25–$34.05 | 🎟 R18

🔥 Easter Pole Show: Let There Be Light
A cheeky, high-energy mix of pole, burlesque and circus-style performances - expect big talent, bold routines and a very different kind of Easter celebration.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 7:30pm–9:30pm | 💰 $33.30 | 🎟 R18

🌸 Lavender Magic Flower Farm PYO Dahlias
Pick your own dahlias, wander the gardens and soak up peaceful Wairarapa views - an easy, feel-good escape just out of the city.
📍 Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Road, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton | 🕢 Sat 10am–4pm | 💰 $5.12 | 🎟 All Ages

🌿 The Garden is a ‘Pharmacy’ – Guided Walk
This relaxed guided walk through the Botanic Garden will explore how plants have been used for medicine - from everyday remedies to fascinating natural treatments.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 1:30pm–2:45pm | 💰 $0–$10.25 | 🎟 All Ages

🛍️ Martinborough Community Easter Market
A classic Easter market packed with handmade goods, vintage finds, sweet treats and family-friendly fun - including an egg hunt and cosy tearooms.
📍 Waihinga Martinborough Community Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough | 🕢 Sat 10am–3pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Mark William Lewis
Dreamy, genre-blending indie with poetic lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes - a rare chance to catch one of the most talked-about new artists live.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 8pm | 💰 $60 | 🎟 R18

🍎 Greytown Apple Harvest Festival 2026
Pick your own apples, enjoy live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities - a classic Wairarapa day out celebrating all things apple.
📍 Molewood Orchard, 17 Mole Street, Greytown | 🕢 Sat 10am–3pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🤡 Mr Fungus
An entertaining silly mix of mime, juggling and comedy from “New Zealand’s loudest mime” - perfect for kids and anyone up for a good laugh.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton | 🕢 Sat 11am | 💰 $16 | 🎟 All Ages

🧸 Korikori Nohinohi Ngake and Whātaitai
Little ones can jump straight into this playful, interactive story of Wellington Harbour’s taniwha - designed especially for ages 0–5.
📍 Nōku te Ao Capital E, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | 🕢 Sat 10am–10:30am | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🐰 Easter Family Fun at Kai Tahi
Kick off Easter Saturday morning with scavenger hunts, bubble shows, crafts and plenty of chocolatey prizes for the kids.
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua | 🕢 Sat 10am–1pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🪶 The Boy With Wings
Step into a charming puppet-filled adventure with live music and storytelling - a heartfelt show for both kids and adults.
📍 Tararua Tramping Club Clubrooms, 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 10am–10:40am | 💰 $7–$15 | 🎟 All Ages

🌿 Greytown Country Market
If you're heading over the Remutakas, this relaxed park-side market is an easy stop for coffee, crafts and local goodies.
📍 Stella Bull Park, Main Street, Greytown | 🕢 Sat 10am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🃏 Capital City Comics and Collectibles Fair
A treasure trove of comics, trading cards, vintage toys and retro collectibles - perfect for a nostalgic browse or serious collectors.
📍 Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 10am–4pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎻 Kroměříž: From the Archive
Hear rare classical works brought back to life, some not performed for over 300 years.
📍 Harbourside Function Venue, 6 Taranaki Street, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 2pm | 💰 $15–$40 | 🎟 All Ages

🎸 Start Today Fest
Get amongst 11 bands bringing hardcore, punk and serious live energy, plus markets, tattoos and merch throughout the day.
📍 Newtown Community Centre, 7 Colombo Street, Newtown, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 12pm–10:30pm | 💰 Ticketed | 🎟 All Ages

🐣 Easter Valley Egg Hunt at Aston Norwood
Wander through stunning autumn gardens while hunting for Easter surprises, with bunny-themed fun along the way.
📍 Aston Norwood Gardens, 1747 Main Road North, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt | 🕢 Sat 8:45am–5:30pm | 💰 Free–$35 | 🎟 All Ages

Sunday, April 5:

🥚 Battle Hill Easter Egg Hunt
A quick burst of Easter fun for kids - run around, hunt for treats and get in early before they’re gone.
📍 Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Paekākāriki Hill Road, Porirua | 🕢 Sun 2:30pm–2:45pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎬 Outdoor Easter Movie - Peter Rabbit
Pack a picnic and settle in for a free outdoor screening of Peter Rabbit with food trucks and family vibes.
📍 Aotea Lagoon, Papakowhai Road, Porirua | 🕢 Sun 2pm–4:35pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🐰 The BIG Easter Weekend
Head along for a full day of Easter fun with egg hunts, face painting, wildlife encounters and plenty of prizes.
📍 Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, 74 Ngā Manu Reserve Road, Waikanae | 🕢 Sun 10am–5pm | 💰 $8–$37 | 🎟 All Ages

🔥 Caburlesque 75th Show
Celebrate 75 shows with a bold, high-energy burlesque lineup packed with attitude and big performances.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington | 🕢 Sun 8pm–10:30pm | 💰 $34.05–$44.30 | 🎟 R18

🐣 Children’s Easter Scavenger Hunt
Follow clues, play games and join the bunny parade in this fun Easter adventure for little ones.
📍 Cobblestones Museum & Early Settlers Village, 169 Main Street, Greytown | 🕢 Sun 9am–11am | 💰 $5.12 | 🎟 All Ages

🐰 Ōtaki Easter Market 2026
Browse food trucks, crafts and local stalls at this lively Easter Sunday market up the coast.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 🕢 Sun 10am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🚗 Cars & Coffee at Cars Inc
Kick off your Sunday with classic cars, good coffee and a cruisy café atmosphere.
📍 Cars Inc Café & Museum, 6 George Daniels Drive, Trentham, Upper Hutt | 🕢 Sun 8am–10:30am | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

Monday, April 6:

🎺 Exhibition - Wellington Brass Band
Enjoy a powerful evening of live brass music featuring some of Wellington’s top local talent.
📍 St Peter’s on Willis, 211 Willis Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Mon 7pm–9pm | 💰 $23.25+ | 🎟 All Ages

🥚 Easter Hunt
Take the kids along for a day of Easter fun with egg hunts and family-friendly activities.
📍 Strike Entertainment Centre, 399 Hutt Road, Lower Hutt | 🕢 Mon 10am–5pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

😂 Raw Meat Monday - Live Stand Up Comedy
Watch first-timers and seasoned comics take the stage - anything could happen.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington | 🕢 Mon 8pm–9:45pm | 💰 $8.71+ | 🎟 R18

🤘 Kraanium – Australia & Aotearoa Tour
Brace yourself for a heavy night as Kraanium bring their brutal slam death metal set to Wellington.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Mon from 7pm | 💰 $60+ | 🎟 R18

🧶 Stitch N B*tch
Bring your knitting or crochet, have a yarn and settle in for a cosy evening at the pub.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Mon 6:30pm–8:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎨 KidLab Holiday Edition
Drop in for free school holiday fun with face painting, slime labs and balloon twisting.
📍 Johnsonville Shopping Centre, 34 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville | 🕢 Mon 11am–1pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

⛅ Welly Weather Watch for Easter Weekend

⛅ Friday: Mainly fine, chance of a shower at night. High 19°C, low 16°C
⛅ Saturday: Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. High 19°C, low 13°C
🌧 Sunday: Occasional rain. Southerlies. High 17°C, low 13°C
⛅ Monday: Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. High 19°C, low 13°C

💝 Extra Sprinkles: 🍽️ Student Chefs Take Over for a Great Cause

Next week, students from Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand are hosting two special lunch experiences in central Pōneke - all to raise funds for Kaibosh Food Rescue and Everybody Eats. Expect creative menus, standout flavours, and a chance to support the next generation of culinary talent.

🍜 Asian Street Food Lunch - Tue 8 April (12–1pm)
A casual but seriously good spread inspired by Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Korea and Sri Lanka.
💰 $50 per person

🥗 Silk Road Journey - Wed 9 April (11:30am–1pm)
A three-course vegetarian lunch celebrating the flavours and stories of the Silk Road.
💰 $65 per person

Both events are hosted at Everybody Eats in the central city - perfect for a midweek work lunch, client catch-up, or something a bit different.

👉 Book your seat here: https://linktr.ee/kaiboshfoodrescue

Whether you’re heading over the hill for balloons, chasing Easter eggs with the kids, or just finding a good spot for a long lunch - there’s plenty to get stuck into this weekend.

Whatever you end up doing - enjoy it. This is a good one.

Kirstie & Steve 🐝