🐝 WellyBuzz: Gardens Magic, Lavender Nights & Coffee + Cars

👋 Wellington - summer is officially switched on.

This weekend is pure “get out of the house” energy: free Gardens Magic concerts and night-time light trails, lavender fields in full bloom (with stargazing if you want to level it up), big-top circus thrills, festivals and markets over the hill, and a few proper local gems - from taiko drumming to puppets at ZEALANDIA.

Whether you’re easing into January gently or you’re keen for a full-blown roadie, here’s your line-up for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 🐝

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup

Friday 9 January:

🎶✨ Gardens Magic Concert Series
A classic Wellington summer night: free live music at the Botanic Gardens Soundshell, kicking off at 7pm with Matiu Te Huki (soulful Aotearoa roots), followed by 8pm Kāhui (hip hop storytelling) - then stick around for the glowing light display from 9pm.
📍 Botanic Garden Soundshell, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 7:00pm–9:15pm 

✨🌙 Gardens Magic Light Display
After dark, the Botanic Gardens switch into full magic mode with a glowing nightly light trail - perfect for a post-dinner stroll (or a wind down after the concert).
📍 Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00pm–10:30pm

🦋🌿 Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
A free, self-led butterfly adventure through the Botanic Gardens - grab an activity sheet, hunt for the hidden golden butterflies, and pop your completed sheet in to go in the prize draw.
📍 Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00am–5:00pm

🏏 Wellington vs Otago - Double Header
A full day of summer cricket at the Basin with women’s and men’s matches back-to-back. Gates open at 11:40am, first ball at 12:40pm, with the NZ Cricket Museum open during play.
📍 Basin Reserve | 🕖 12:40pm–7:30pm | 💰 $20 adult / $5 child (4–14) | 🎟 All ages

💜🌿 Lavender Magic Flower Farm – Pick Your Own Lavender
Wander the rows, snap the dreamy summer pics, and pick your own lavender (plus seasonal blooms when available) with those Tararua views doing the most.
📍 Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Rd, Mt Holdsworth (Carterton) | 💰 $5 entry (13+; kids 12 & under free) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

💜🧺 Pick Your Own Lavender – Summer at Lavender Abbey
A fragrant summer escape: wander the lavender rows, build your own bunch, and settle in for a picnic among the blooms (pups welcome on a leash).
📍 Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Rd (Carterton) | 💰 $5 entry (+ $5 per bunch) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

🏹🎭 Robin Hood – The Pantomime
A cheeky, high-energy Circa panto packed with archery, sword fights, big dance numbers - and a very Wellington take on the Sheriff vs the people.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 6:30pm–8:30pm

🐦🌿 The Early Bird Catches the Worm… (Staglands)
Get your Staglands entry sorted before 10am and score a FREE return ticket - perfect excuse for an early adventure with the animals (and a second visit on the house).
📍 Staglands Wildlife Reserve, 2362 Akatarawa Rd (Upper Hutt) | 💰 $12–$29 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:30am–10:00am

🎺 Newtown Rocksteady – St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki
Massive horns + rocksteady/ska/reggae energy - bring the dancing shoes and expect a proper “whole room moving” kind of night.
📍 St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 💰 $30 + $1.75 booking fee | 🕖 8:00pm

🌌💜 Martinborough Lavender Sky Experience – Exclusive
An ultra-special summer night: sunset over the lavender fields, pick your own bunch, then stargaze with expert astronomy guides (only 20 tickets per night).
📍 Ranui Essentials, 284c Dry River Rd (Martinborough) | 💰 $50–$80 (+ booking fee) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00pm–11:00pm

🎶🌞 Wairarapa Music in the Country 2026
A proper summer festival escape just over an hour from Wellington - 25 acts across the weekend, riverside vibes, food trucks, line dancing, and optional camping at Tauherenikau Racecourse.
📍 Tauherenikau Racecourse, 1498 SH2 (Featherston) | 💰 $44.30–$64.80 (day pass) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 1:00pm–10:00pm

🎸🚀 A Joe Satriani Tribute – Surfing With The Alien
Guitar-nerd heaven: Cam Blokland (The Superjesus) and band rip through Surfing With The Alien in full, plus the big Satch hits - loud, fast, and seriously fun.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward St (Te Aro) | 💰 $37.13 | 🎟 R18 | 🕖 8:00pm

🌙🍷 Friday Night Markets
Sunset wines + lawn vibes at Luna Estate - wander the artisan stalls, grab a bite from Eclipse, and settle in for a laid-back summer evening (doggos welcome).
📍 Luna Estate, Puruatanga Rd (Martinborough) | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 4:00pm–8:00pm

🎶 Kirtan Experience Summer Tour (Mantra Band) - Wellington
A guided, heart-opening night of mantra + meditation that builds from calm, soothing vibes into joyful movement (yes, dancing is welcomed). Free tickets but limited spots.
📍 Public Trust Hall (Old Public Trust Building), 131–135 Lambton Quay | 💰 Free (optional koha) | 🕖 Doors 6:30pm (arrive by 6:45pm), starts 7:00pm, wraps 9:00pm.

🎷 Alex Trask Quartet - Broadway & Beyond (Live Jazz)
A late-night lounge set of Broadway-inspired gems + standards, featuring Alex Trask’s quartet (with the Cable Top trio). Perfect “one more drink?” vibe.
📍 The Library - Lounge Bar, 44 Tory St | 🕖 9:00pm

🎪💥 Weber Bros “The Circus”
Opening night under the big top - from ringside thrills to family-friendly laughs, expect a full two-hour spectacle with a short intermission.
📍 Avalon Park, Taita Drive (Lower Hutt) | 💰 $35–$85+ (VIP up to $200) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 7:30pm

📸🌌 Astrophotography Masterclass: Capture the Southern Sky
A premium, hands-on night under Wairarapa dark skies - learn the settings, focus tricks, composition, and workflow to shoot the Milky Way and southern star fields (even if you’re a total beginner).
📍 Star Safari Observatory, 1169 Ponatahi Rd (Carterton) | 💰 $185 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm

Saturday 10 January:

🎸 Wairarapa Music in the Country 2026
Three days of live music, sunshine, and river-side festival vibes at Tauherenikau - bring a picnic blanket (or the whole motorhome) and settle in for a proper summer roadie.
📍 Tauherenikau Racecourse, Featherston | 💰 $44.30–$64.80 (day pass) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–10:00pm

⚽ Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City FC
The Phoenix wāhine open 2026 at home with a big test against Melbourne City - expect family-friendly vibes, black-and-yellow pride, and plenty of passion at Porirua Park.
📍 Porirua Park | 💰 $20 adults / $10 kids / $50 family | 🕖 4:00pm | 🎟 All ages

💜🌿 Lavender Magic Flower Farm – Pick Your Own Lavender
A peak-summer day trip: stroll the lavender rows, pick a fragrant bunch to take home, and soak up those Tararua views with a picnic stop if you’re feeling fancy.
📍 Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Rd, Mt Holdsworth (Carterton) | 💰 $5 entry (13+; kids 12 & under free) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–5:00pm

💜🧺 Pick Your Own Lavender – Summer at Lavender Abbey
Picnic among the blooms, pick your own bunch, and stock up on handmade lavender goodies at the on-site “Big Box of Lavender” shop (pups welcome on a leash).
📍 Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Rd (Carterton) | 💰 $5 entry (+ $5 per bunch) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

🏹🎭 Robin Hood – The Pantomime
A classic Circa panto with a very Wellington twist - expect cheeky laughs, big dance numbers, and plenty of “boo the Sheriff!” energy.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 6:30pm–8:30pm

🦜🌿 Have a Pūkaha Summer
A brilliant family day out: treasure hunts (with free ice blocks), forest trails, the Kākā Café, and the chance to meet Prince Tūī Teka (yes, the viral talking tūī) - plus their new kiwi.
📍 Pūkaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, SH2 (Mount Bruce, Masterton) | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00am–5:00pm

🎶✨ Gardens Magic Concert Series
Free live music at the Botanic Gardens Soundshell - arrive early with a picnic, catch the warm-up from 7pm with Jessamy Cottis (folk, country, pop, acoustic), then settle in for the main act at 8pm with Hihi & The Stitchbirds (indie folk) before wandering the light display afterwards.
📍 Botanic Garden Soundshell, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 7:00pm–9:15pm

✨🌙 Gardens Magic Light Display
Post-sunset magic: the Botanic Gardens glow up with a dreamy light show - perfect for a late stroll after dinner (or as your “one more thing” after the concert).
📍 Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00pm–10:30pm

🦋🌿 Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
A free, self-led butterfly adventure for the little legends - grab an activity sheet, hunt for the hidden golden butterflies, then drop it off to go in the draw for a prize pack.
📍 Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00am–5:00pm

🌻 Pick Your Own Sunflowers – Fundraiser for Hōkai Tahi
A wholesome summer mission: wander the sunflower field, snap a few golden photos, and take home a bunch of blooms - with koha supporting Hōkai Tahi’s free perinatal support for Wairarapa whānau.
📍 Stolte Ag Dairy Farm, 153 Wiltons Rd (Carterton) | 💰 Free entry (koha welcome) + $2/stem | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–4:00pm (Sat 10 Jan)

🎪 Weber Bros ‘The Circus’
Big-top chaos in the best way - Globe of Death, human cannon, aerialists, and proper family-friendly “HOW did they just do that?!” moments.
📍 Avalon Park, Taita Drive, Lower Hutt | 💰 From $35 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 2:00pm or 7:30pm

🖊️ The New Zealand Stationery Festival
New Zealand’s first-ever stationery festival - premium pen + paper brands, local makers, and a whole day of journaling/creative workshops (aka: heaven for notebook people).
📍 Greytown Town Hall, 89 Main St, Greytown | 💰 $33.20 / Door sales $35 (11am–2pm) / Free entry 2–4pm (capacity permitting) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–4:00pm

🌿 West Way Wander – Guided Walk
A relaxed 60–75 min stroll with the Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden (easy pace, no steep climbs) - perfect if you want a “do something” Saturday without sweating for it.
📍 Meet at the Duck Pond, Wellington Botanic Garden | 💰 $10 / Free for Friends | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 1:30pm–2:45pm

🔥🎺 Newtown Rocksteady – Wellington
Big horns, deep grooves, and that proper vintage reggae/rocksteady “house of sound” energy - plus mystery special guests (aka you’ll want to be there when they’re revealed).
📍 The Rogue & Vagabond | 💰 $15 early bird / $20 GA | 🎟 All Ages (licensed) | 🕖 9:00pm

🥕 Newtown Fruit & Vege Market
Early-bird market vibes at Newtown School - grab fresh fruit & veg (and a coffee on the side) before the city properly wakes up.
📍 Newtown School, 61 Mein St | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 7:00am

🥁 Taiko Taster (Open Session) – Narukami Taiko
Try something loud, joyful, and weirdly addictive: learn the basics of Japanese taiko drumming, play a short song together, then watch a mini performance. No experience needed - beginners + all ages welcome (bring hearing protection for little ones).
📍 Hutt Central School, 6 Railway Ave, Alicetown, Lower Hutt | 💰 Donation entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 4:00pm

💜🌿 Martinborough Lavender Picking
A dreamy Wairarapa day out: wander the fields, pick your own bunch, then reward yourself with lavender ice cream + a lavender latte (yes please). Kids are free - perfect “we should get out of Wellington” mission.
📍 Ranui Essentials, 284c Dry River Rd, Martinborough | 💰 $10 adult (door sales) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

🧡 Family Saturdays at Kai Tahi
Porirua summer wholesome-ness: free kids’ craft + woodworking workshops, plus you can grab something tasty and make a day of it. Book ahead (spots are limited).
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana St, Porirua | 💰 Free activities | 🎟 Family-friendly | 🕖 10:00am–4:00pm

🥕☕️ Crop Up Greytown
The kind of wholesome Saturday reset you wish Wellington had every weekend - ultra-fresh local produce, coffee, breakfast, flowers… and a proper “hang at the picnic tables” vibe.
📍 Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00am–11:00am

🧺🌿 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
A proper Wairarapa classic: artisan produce, fresh fruit + veg, and local makers - plus coffee and live music in a park-like setting under the giant Redwood tree.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00am–1:00pm

🔭✨ Telescope Mastery
Got a telescope gathering dust? Bring it along (or use one of theirs) and get hands-on with setup, collimation, eyepieces, and all the “why isn’t this working?!” stuff - taught by Sam, their resident astrophysicist.
📍 Star Safari Observatory, 1169 Ponatahi Rd, Carterton | 💰 $150 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 11:00am–2:30pm

🌌🧭 Star Sense: Find Your Way by the Stars
Learn celestial navigation under Wairarapa’s dark skies - how to find south, spot key summer constellations, track the Milky Way, and tell planets from stars, guided by Hari Mogoșanu (Ngā Tohunga Whakatere).
📍 Star Safari Observatory, 1169 Ponatahi Rd, Carterton | 💰 $135 | 🎟 All Ages (recommended 10+) | 🕖 6:00pm–8:30pm

Sunday 11 January:

🚗 Coffee & Cars – Southward Car Museum
Kapiti’s most wholesome Sunday morning ritual: roll in with your pride & joy (anything goes - classics, JDM, muscle, daily drivers), grab a coffee, wander the lineup, and support the BBQ fundraiser + local clubs if you can. Weather dependent, so check the event page on the day.
📍 Southward Car Museum (250 Otaihanga Rd, Paraparaumu) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 10:00am–1:00pm

⚽ Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United
The Phoenix kick off the new year at home with a high-energy A-League clash - expect drums, chants, and full Ring of Fire vibes at Sky Stadium.
📍 Sky Stadium | 💰 From $35 | 🕖 3:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🏏 Wellington vs Northern Districts Cricket - Double Header
Another classic Basin double-header with women’s and men’s fixtures from midday through early evening. Gates open at 11:40am, with first ball at 12:40pm.
📍 Basin Reserve | 🕖 12:40pm–7:30pm | 💰 $20 adult / $5 child (4–14) | 🎟 All ages

💜📸 Lavender Magic Flower Farm – Pick your own Lavender
A dreamy Wairarapa summer mission - wander the rows, pick your own lavender (and whatever seasonal flowers are blooming), then chill with a picnic + mountain views.
📍 Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Rd (Mt Holdsworth), Carterton | 💰 $5 entry (13+), kids 12 and under free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–5:00pm

🪨✨ Self-Guided Tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa
A proper “we’re doing something different” day trip - grab the map + short AV intro, then wander the henge at your own pace (and yes… try the acoustics 👀).
📍 Stonehenge Aotearoa, 51 Ahiaruhe Rd, Carterton | 💰 Adult $18 (+ fees), Senior $15, Secondary $10, Primary $5 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–4:00pm

💜🌿 Pick your own Lavender – Summer at Lavender Abbey
A dreamy little Wairarapa reset: wander the lavender rows, pack a picnic, and leave smelling like summer (plus there’s a full-on lavender goodies shop on-site).
📍 Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Road, Carterton | 💰 $5 entry (door sales only) + $5 per bunch picked | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

🏹🎭 Robin Hood – The Pantomime
Big, cheeky Wellington panto energy: swordfights, dance numbers, and a battle with the Evil Sheriff - perfect for a fun Sunday arvo at Circa.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 💰 $25–$60 (Child $25, Concession $40, Under 30 $30, Adult $60) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 4:00pm–6:00pm

🎶✨ Gardens Magic Concert Series
Pack a picnic rug and claim a spot at the Soundshell - free live music in the Botanic Garden, with a warm-up set from 7pm by Choreboy! (ambient indie folk) followed by the main act at 8pm with The Bitter Brothers (alt-country, alt-folk), then stick around for the light display afterwards.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden (Soundshell), 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 7:00pm–9:15pm

🦋🌿 Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
A free self-guided butterfly adventure through the Botanic Garden - grab an activity sheet (Soundshell/Treehouse/main entrance/Cable Car office), hunt for the hidden golden butterflies, then drop your completed sheet back to go in the draw for a prize pack.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00am–5:00pm

✨🌙 Gardens Magic Light Display
After dark, the Botanic Garden turns into a glowing wonderland - stroll the paths and soak up the magical light installations by MJF Lighting (perfect for an easy summer night wander).
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 9:00pm–10:30pm

🎸☀️ Wairarapa Music in the Country 2026
A proper sunshine-and-live-music weekend in one of the prettiest festival settings around - riverside lawns, food trucks, line dancing, and a huge lineup across three days (easy road trip from Wellington).
📍 Tauherenikau Racecourse, 1498 SH2, Featherston | 💰 $23.25 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–2:00pm

🪁 Makar Sankranti - Kite Flying Morning – Wellington Indian Association
A wholesome summer session at Kilbirnie Park: kites provided, breezy vibes guaranteed - bring a picnic and make a proper morning of it.
📍 Kilbirnie Park | 💰 Free (kites provided) | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 9:30am–11:30am

💃 Bailamos Bachata – Social Dance Night
Wellington’s monthly bachata fix - pure social dancing all night (plus a little salsa/kizomba/zouk). Free entry, but the deal is: support Southern Cross by grabbing a drink or bite from the bar.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith St | 💰 Free entry (please buy food/drinks) | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 6:00pm–9:00pm

🎪🤹‍♂️ Weber Bros ‘The Circus’
Big-top chaos in the best way - Globe of Death thrills, a human cannon (!!), aerialists, and proper family-friendly laughs for a full 2-hour show.
📍 Avalon Park, Taita Drive, Avalon (Lower Hutt) | 💰 $35–$85+ (VIP up to $200) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 12:00pm or 4:00pm

💜🌿 Martinborough Lavender Picking
A proper summer reset: wander the lavender + sunflower fields, pick your own bunch to take home, then post up with a picnic and try the lavender ice cream + lavender latte.
📍 Ranui Essentials, 284c Dry River Road, Martinborough | 💰 $10 adults (kids free) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

🪦⚔️ Hickety Pips & Others: Military Matters in Colonial Wellington
New tour launch! A fascinating wander through early Wellington (1845–1860) stories of soldiers, settlers, and the families who helped shape the city - easy walking through the lower cemetery and some of the oldest burials.
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery (meet at the Cemetery Museum, lower Bolton St) | 💰 $10 (kids under 12 free) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 2:00pm–3:30pm

🌕🪡 String Bean Puppets: Once In a Full Moon
A gorgeous school-holiday puppet show at ZEALANDIA - a lonely kiwi thinks the full moon is a giant egg (iconic). Sweet, magical, and packed with native-creature charm.
📍 ZEALANDIA Visitor Centre Foyer (Karori) | 💰 Free show (normal sanctuary entry applies) | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 1:00pm–1:45pm

🧘‍♀️🌿 Bodybalance at the Lagoon
Free outdoor BodyBalance at Aotea Lagoon - bring a mat/towel, sunscreen, and a drink bottle for a chill Sunday stretch session by the water. (Wet weather? Check Porirua City Council’s Facebook for updates.)
📍 Aotea Lagoon (southern entry), Papakowhai | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages (open to 16+) | 🕖 4:00pm–4:45pm

🧵🛍️ Artisan Craft Market
A proper “wander + treat yourself” waterfront market - premium handmade goodies from local makers, all in one spot (perfect for gifts… or accidental self-gifts).
📍 Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Taranaki St Wharf | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm

🏊‍♂️ TriWellington Free Coached Session @ Scorching Bay
Start 2026 strong with a fun, beginner-friendly tri skills session - swim drills, buoy turns, fast entries/exits, and optional swim-to-bike transition practice (bring the bike if you’re keen).
📍 Scorching Bay Beach (Karaka Bays) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All levels welcome | 🕖 9:00am–10:00am

🎒 Planning Ahead: School Holiday Picks

🧘 Mindful Kids Summer Holiday Programme
A screen-free, small-group holiday programme where kids build calm, confidence, and mindfulness through yoga, cooking, crafts, music, and nature - led by a local NZ qualified primary school teacher.
📍 Bhakti Lounge, Te Aro | 💰 $50 per child per day ($135 for all 3 days) which includes lunch and snacks | 🕖 8:30am–3:30pm | 🎟 Ages 5–12
🗓 Fri 16 Jan, Fri 23 Jan & Fri 30 Jan (limited to 8 kids per day)

That’s the weekend sorted - music under the trees, lavender in your arms, stars overhead, and something fun in every direction.

Have the best one, Wellington - and if you spot something buzzing, hit reply and tell us (we love a good tip).

Nga mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝