🐝 WellyBuzz: Midwinter Magic, Marathon Vibes & Ziggy’s Dance Moves

👋 Kia ora Wellington!
We’re rolling into the last weekend of June with winter in full swing – frosty mornings, cozy evenings, and even a touch of midyear Christmas magic in the air. Matariki has wrapped up, but Pōneke’s still buzzing for the start of the school holidays – from music showdowns and feel-good food to fake snow falling in Greytown. Rug up, charge your phone, and get ready for a jam-packed weekend.

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

• Greytown Festival of Christmas – Let It Snow – get your midwinter Christmas fix with regular “snow” falls plus markets and lights galore in the Wairarapa

• Ladi6 – Le Vā Album Tour – Wellington’s neo-soul queen debuts her powerful new album live at San Fran

• Gazley Wellington Marathon – Pound the pavement (or cheer from the sidelines) at the capital’s biggest race event

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week – Ziggy brings the dance moves and protective charm
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – When The Beatles came to town
🌟 Local Legends – Planty cafés + vintage boutiques
🍽️ Food & Drink – Fush ‘n’ chups + some of the best sweet treats in town
🎉 Events – 50+ fresh listings across Fri, Sat & Sun
🌧️ Showers, rain, and fresh breezes this weekend - stay cozy Welly!
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Rotary x Life Flight saving tiny lives

🐾 Pet of the Week – Ziggy

Ziggy’s a feisty, noisy bird who loves dancing to table beats and guarding his spot - even on your lap! He’s a beautiful rascal bringing joy and mischief to his family.

Got a pet that steals the show? 🐾 Nominate your furry, feathery, or scaly friend for Pet of the Week by emailing a photo and blurb to [email protected]!

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – When The Beatles came to town

In June 1964, The Beatles touched down in Wellington for a whirlwind two-day visit that sent the capital into full-blown Beatlemania. Crowds swarmed the airport and their hotel, fans fainted at the Wellington Town Hall concert, and John Lennon reportedly quipped that Wellington's wind was louder than their screaming fans. For two chaotic days, the Fab Four turned our quiet capital into the centre of the pop universe.

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gems to Check Out:

The Elephant Ear – 330 Jackson St, Petone

Owner Kaysey has created a calming, leafy oasis where you can nibble a house-baked treat while browsing gorgeous potted plants and locally made ceramics. Whether you’re a green-thumb pro or just love a pretty space to relax, The Elephant Ear is the perfect blend of coffee and botanicals – one flat white among the fiddle-leaf figs and you’ll forget it’s winter outside.

Madison Rose Boutique (131 Jackson St, Petone)

Part designer consignment store, part curated gift shop, Madison Rose is a lifestyle boutique bringing new flair to historic Jackson Street. Established in 2010 by owner Deb, this gorgeous shop offers “a curated collection of new and preloved women’s fashion with beautiful gifts and homeware to inspire.” It’s the ultimate haven for fashionistas and homeware aficionados alike.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Huckle & Co – 31A Dundas St, Seatoun

Old-school fish and chips done right. Crispy tarakihi, hand-cut chips, fish burgers, and a salty breeze right across the road.

Uncle Leo’s Bakery – 305 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai

A charming bakery serving up an irresistible range of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and sweet treats that bring a touch of Parisian flair to Hataitai. Get in early to snag their freshest treats before they disappear!

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 27 June:

🎄 Big Switch Opening Night – Greytown Festival of Christmas
Snowfall, food trucks, projection lights, and street performers light up Main Street for a festive season kickoff.
📍 Greytown Town Hall & Main Street | 🕒 Fri 3:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌟 The Tīwhas: A Matariki Spectacular
A dazzling cabaret dinner show celebrating Matariki with kai, waiata, and fierce mana takatāpui energy.
📍 Circa Theatre | 🕒 Fri–Sun (times vary) | 🎟️ From $85 (includes dinner) | All ages

🎭 The Heiress
A moody 1840s drama set in Manhattan – love, inheritance, and heartbreak collide in this classic tale of wealth and suspicion.
📍 Gryphon Theatre | 🕒 Fri & Sat (7:30pm-9:40pm) | 🎟️ From $15 | All ages

🧺 Matariki Māori Business Showcase
A vibrant pop-up at Te Papa celebrating Māori makers, food, art and storytelling – come meet the talent behind the mahi.
📍 Te Papa Store | 🕒 Fri–Sun 9:00am–6:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🐤 Ngā Tūrua Kiwi Play Space
Crawl, climb, and explore like a kiwi in this immersive nature-themed play space designed for under-5s.
📍 Capital E, Queens Wharf | 🕒 Fri & Sat 9:30am–3:30pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌌 Ōtari Glow Worm Tour
Explore the bush by night on a guided walk to see glowworms lighting up the forest. BYO torch!
📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush | 🕒 7:00pm–8:15pm | 🎟️ check for ticket availability | All ages

🎸 Battle of the Bands NZ Final – Night 1
Top rock acts from across the country go head-to-head for glory in this high-energy grand final showdown.
📍 Valhalla | 🕒 7:30pm–1:00am | 🎟️ $28.30 | R18

🩰 Matariki/Pleiades – Contemporary Dance
A poetic fusion of Māori and Greek storytelling through dance, music, and movement.
📍 Memorial Theatre, Vic Uni | 🕒 Fri 7:30pm | 🎟️ From $12.30 | All ages

💿 Masterton Record Fair
Dig through crates of vinyl, CDs, and tapes from vendors all over NZ – jazz, punk, showtunes, and solid gold hits.
📍 Senior Citizens Hall, Masterton | 🕒 4:00pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

⛸️ Wellington Ice Rink
Skate under the stars with disco lights, themed nights, and wintry vibes for all ages.
📍 Queen’s Wharf | 🕒 10:00am–10:00pm | 🎟️ From $16.58 | All ages

🎶 Lake South Album Release – with hara & Menzies
Electro-folk, cinematic pop, and heartfelt anthems from Pōneke’s own Lake South, joined by hara and Menzies (solo).
📍 Meow | 🕒 8:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ $15–$25 | All ages

🛍️ Greytown Country Market
A festive afternoon market with arts, crafts, artisan goods, and more – part of the Festival of Christmas.
📍 McMaster Street, Greytown | 🕒 2:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🥁 Sam Manzanza’s Afrobeat Band
High-energy tribal rhythms and Afro-rock guaranteed to get you dancing – positive vibes only.
📍 Rogue & Vagabond | 🕒 9:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | R18

🎭 Fool House – Cabaret Fundraiser
A jackpot of drag, music, burlesque, and comedy hosted by Booth the Clown & Jak Darling – fundraising for their Melbourne Fringe dreams.
📍 Fringe Bar | 🕒 7:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ From $20 | R18

🎸 James Kerr Live
Aussie-based entertainer James Kerr returns to Masterton for a one-night-only show. All welcome – dinner available from 5:30pm.
📍 Club Wairarapa | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $5 (non-members) | All ages licensed

❄️ Winter Solstice Family Night
Celebrate with food, entertainment, giveaways, and torchlight fun for all ages at Shorland Park. Rain or shine!
📍 Shorland Park, 17 Reef St | 🕒 5:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

⚡️ World Chase Tag Casual Games Night
Join this fun, social tag session at Kilbirnie Rec Centre playing Ultimate Tag, Flight Club, Chase-Off, and more - no scores, just laughs and action.
📍 Kilbirnie Rec Centre | 🕒 7:30pm-8:30pm | 🎟️ $4.50 | All ages welcome

🌴 Pacific Night Market
A vibrant evening market with delicious food, handmade goods, and warm Pacific hospitality.
📍 Cook Islands Hall, Cannons Creek | 🕒 Fri 5:30pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎄 Snowfall On Main (part of Greytown Festival of Christmas)
Magical snowfall with lights, music, food trucks, and festive pups outside Greytown Town Hall.
📍 Greytown Town Hall | 🕒 Fri 6:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🍔 Food Truck Central (part of Greytown Festival of Christmas)
Tacos, sushi bowls, slow-cooked meats, sweet treats, and glow-in-the-dark candyfloss – it’s foodie heaven under the lights.
📍 Main St, Greytown | 🕒 4:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🐶 Hari the Dancing Pup – Interactive Display (part of Greytown Festival of Christmas)
Make Greytown’s cheekiest pup boogie with just your phone! A magical digital display lighting up the Town Hall – fun for all ages.
📍 Greytown Town Hall | 🕒 from 3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🍄 Fungal Action: Earth to Sky – Lunchtime Talk
Explore the hidden world of fungi in this fascinating and free session by Botanic Garden experts.
📍 Treehouse, Botanic Garden | 🕒 12:15pm | 🎟️ Free

Saturday 28 June:

🍫 Sweet As' Hot Chocolate Challenge – 10 Year Edition
20 Lower Hutt cafés compete with their best-ever hot choccies – sip, judge, and vote for the ultimate winner!
📍 92 - 215 High St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 Sat 28 Jun – Sun 13 Jul | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🧶 Pōhutukawa Memory Bracelets
Drop into this free Matariki craft session where kids can braid a bracelet to honour a loved one – and learn the story behind the star Pōhutukawa.
📍 Wellington Museum | 🕒 10:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | Ages 5+

🧺 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Fresh produce, live music, giant jenga, and handmade treats at this family- and pet-friendly market set at the scenic Solway Showgrounds.
📍 Masterton | 🕒 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🛍️ Stallkeepers Greytown Market
Boutique vibes in the Greytown Library Hall with handmade gifts, artisanal goodies, fashion, and more. A cozy winter wander for crafty souls.
📍 Greytown | 🕒 Sat & Sun 9:30am–3:00pm (Sat until 8:00pm) | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🦙 Walking with Alpacas
Stroll the Kapiti hills with an alpaca by your side in this unforgettable meet-and-greet experience, complete with cuddles, hand feeding, and epic views.
📍 105 Waterfall Rd, Paraparaumu | 🕒 2:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ From $46 | All ages

🎤 Saturday Laughs: Hayley Sproull & Neil Thornton
Big laughs in Masterton as top Kiwi comics hit the stage – including ZM’s Hayley Sproull and international funny guy Neil Thornton.
📍 Copthorne Solway Park, Masterton | 🕗 8:00pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ From $31.49 | R18

👗 Clothes Swap
Clear out your wardrobe and refresh your style! Swap clean, good-condition clothes for tokens to spend on new-to-you finds.
📍 2 Todman St, Brooklyn | 🕒 From 10am | 🎟️ $10 entry + 5-item minimum drop-off

🎨 Junior Intro to Sculpting Workshop
Kids unleash their creativity sculpting creatures in this fun, hands-on Wētā Workshop session - perfect for a screen-free school holiday treat!
📍 Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Rd, Wellington | 🕒 Sat & Sun 10:15am–11:15am | 🎟️ $30 (Junior Tour and Sculpting Workshop Combo $50) | Ideal for ages 6–11 (parents and guardians are free)

🎭 I'm Not Okay: An Emo Drag Show
Black eyeliner, heartbreak anthems, and drag mayhem collide in this glitter-soaked emo throwback party. Expect Paramore, My Chemical Romance, and serious feels.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret | 🕗 8:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ From $23.25 | R18

🎸 Smokefreerockquest Wellington Final
Support the region’s best teen bands as they battle it out live in this iconic youth music comp.
📍 Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt | 🕖 7:00pm | 🎟️ From $16.58 | All ages

🎸 Battle of the Bands NZ Final – Night 2
The championship continues with more epic showdowns as top bands compete for national glory.
📍 Valhalla | 🕒 7:30pm–1:00am | 🎟️ $28.30 | R18

🎤 Best In Class: NZ Comedy School Show
Alumni from NZ Comedy School deliver big laughs in this fundraiser for their Diversity Scholarship fund.
📍 The Fringe Bar | 🕒 8:00pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ From $16.58 | R18

🎼 An Afternoon of Mozart
Warm up your Saturday with a sublime selection of Mozart’s choral masterpieces, performed live in a stunning central city venue.
📍 St Andrews on the Terrace | 🕒 2:30pm–3:45pm | 🎟️ $25 | All ages

🔥 Mad for Marshmallows
Toast fluffy marshmallows around the campfire and enjoy delicious treats during the school holidays at Staglands Wildlife Reserve.
📍 Staglands, Upper Hutt | 🕒 Daily 9:30am–5:00pm (28 Jun–13 Jul) | 🎟️ Child $12 Adult $27 | All ages

🔪 Late Night Knife Fight
Three improv teams enter. Only one walks away victorious (with glory… not actual knives). This monthly battle of wit and chaos is part theatre, part gladiator pit, and all hilarity.
📍 BATS Theatre | 🕒 8:00pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $15 - $25 | All ages

🐱 Birman Specialty Cat Show
Fluffy royalty alert! See beautiful Birmans strut their stuff at this specialty show, alongside a companion cat category, raffles, and a kids’ colouring table.
📍 Indian Cultural Hall, Petone | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Adults $10, Kids/Seniors $5 | All ages

🪩 Mixtape: 90s Dance Party
Break out the blue eyeshadow and jelly sandals – it’s a full-on 90s throwback with DJ MIXX BLAGGER spinning the best bangers of the decade. Optional bus ride from across Wairarapa.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Carterton | 🕒 7:00pm | 🎟️ From $22.50 | Adults only

🤣 Tofiga Fepulea’i: Shuuush Your Mouf
The legendary Laughing Samoan is back with a new stand-up show full of tales on family, aging, and Samoan life at 50+. Expect laughs, heart, and a few surprises.
📍 The Opera House | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $55 | All ages

🎶 Songwriters' Saturday
A free evening of heartfelt original music from local talents including Rachel Hird, Robyn-Lynn and the TGs, Alan Downes, and the Haewai Collective. Piano, guitar, folk, and community vibes.
📍 The Realm, Hataitai | 🕒 6:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🦪 Oyster Saloon with Martin Bosley
Greytown’s favourite seafood soirée returns! Join chef Martin Bosley in the Aperitif courtyard for freshly shucked oysters, Champagne, mulled wine, and live tunes.
📍 Aperitif Wine Bar, Greytown | 🕒 3:00pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🎶 LADI6 – Le Vā Album Release Tour
Wellington’s soul queen returns with a powerful, personal new album and live show at San Fran.
📍 San Fran | 🕒 8:30pm | 🎟️ Door sales + online | R18

🎪 Heidi and Sean Show
A family-friendly circus blend of juggling, clowning, balancing, and a tall unicycle finale – interactive fun for all ages.
📍 Tararua Tramping Clubrooms, Mt Victoria | 🕒 10:00am–10:45am | 🎟️ $7 preview price | All ages

🎶 Carterton Record Fair
Vinyl, CDs, tapes, and rare music treasures from local and visiting vendors – a perfect midwinter hunt for music lovers.
📍 Club Carterton | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

♻️ Echo Tech NZ Electronic Recycling Drive-Thru
Drop off your unwanted electronics safely and conveniently at Upper Hutt College. Staff unload for you. Donations support Variety Children’s Charity.
📍 Upper Hutt College Carpark | 🕒 9:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free drop-off (fees apply for some items)

💃 Balfolk Wellington
An afternoon of European-inspired folk music and social dancing with called dances—beginners welcome! Join the casual tune session or dance the afternoon away.
📍 Paekākāriki Memorial Hall | 🕒 1:30pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ see website | All ages

🕷️ Creepy Cute Market
A gothic treasure trove of eerie art, spooky crafts, and macabre merch – this quirky Kāpiti market celebrates all things darkly delightful.
📍 Paraparaumu Memorial Hall | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🐱 Neko Ngeru Cat Cafe & Rescue Meet-Up
Meet Wellington’s local cat rescues, chat about fostering and volunteering, and support with fundraising goods - all while spending time with adorable café cats!
📍 Neko Ngeru Cat Cafe, Lower Hutt | 🕒 5:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry | All ages

Sunday 29 June:

🏃 Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon
Join 4,000+ runners and walkers on a scenic waterfront route at Sky Stadium’s iconic marathon event, with distances for all ages and abilities.
📍 Sky Stadium | 🕒 7:30am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Register online | All ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz at The Undercurrent
Swing into Sunday afternoons with smooth jazz classics performed live by Wellington’s finest, featuring The Daniel Yeabsley Trio this week.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St | 🕒 3:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | All ages

🪦 Tiptoe Through the Tombstones
Take a gentle 1.5-hour guided walk through Wellington’s oldest cemetery, uncovering fascinating stories from early settlers. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome!
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery | 🕒 11:00am–12:30pm | 🎟️ $10.25 | All ages

🎵 A Vinyl Affair
Wellington’s OG record fair returns to Abandoned Taproom Petone with vendors, DJs, drinks, and great vibes. Free entry, cash-only vinyl sales.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕒 11:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | RP18

🏐 Central Pulse vs Mainland Tactix
Get ready for some high-energy netball action as the Central Pulse face off against the Mainland Tactix at TSB Arena! Don’t miss the thrilling plays and fierce competition live.
📍 TSB Arena, 4 Queens Wharf | 🕒 4:00pm | 🎟️ From $24.75 | All ages

🎻 Flinders Quartet with Michael Houstoun (Piano)
Australia’s acclaimed Flinders Quartet joins NZ legends Wilma Smith and Michael Houstoun for a stunning programme including Beethoven, Dvorak, and a NZ premiere by Deborah Cheetham Fraillon.
📍 Waikanae Memorial Hall | 🕒 2:30pm | 🎟️ $10 - $50 | All ages

🎵 Play My Way – Celebrating Musicians With Disabilities
An inspiring afternoon of live performances showcasing talented musicians with disabilities, highlighting creativity and resilience. Family-friendly and fully accessible.
📍 Newtown Community Centre | 🕒 2:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz – Fire Waltz
Kick back with soulful, funky jazz featuring Fire Waltz, a local group known for their wild, exploratory sound and smooth grooves.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond | 🕒 5:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry | All ages

🎸 IAS Cushion Concerts presents PLANET
An intimate gig mixing bagpipes, post-punk riffs, and vaudeville vibes. A wild blend of world music and indie rock in historic Inverlochy House.
📍 Inverlochy Art School | 🕒 5:00pm–6:00pm | 🎟️ $10 | All ages (free for kids)

🎬 Homesport
Catch the best of the Banff Mountain Film Festival’s world tour with inspiring action, culture, and adventure films – a celebration of mountain life and thrills.
📍 Copthorne Hotel, Masterton | 🕒 9:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🎨 Live Art @ Toi MAHARA
A month-long festival of art talks, music, workshops, and family-friendly creativity in Waikanae’s vibrant district gallery.
📍 Toi MAHARA, Waikanae | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🎉 Wētā Cave Turns 17
Celebrate 17 magical years with live art, cake, giveaways, autographs, and exclusive deals at Wētā Cave’s fun-filled birthday bash.
📍 Wētā Cave, Miramar | 🕒 1:00pm–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🚗 Mangatainoka Motors V8 Day
Show off your V8 ride at Tui Brewery! Enjoy live music, food, prizes, and a fun day with fellow car lovers.
📍 Tui Brewery | 🕒 9am–4pm | 🎟️ $10 pre-register or pay on arrival

🌧 Welly Weather Watch

🌧 Friday: A few showers, turning to rain. High 16°C, low 9°C
🌧 Saturday: Occasional rain. Fresh northerlies. High 12°C, low 8°C
🌦️ Sunday: Occasional rain, clearing. Fresh southerlies, easing. High 12°C, low 7°C

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Rotary x Life Flight

Each week, around 30 people across Aotearoa require urgent aeromedical care. Thanks to your support, Life Flight’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance planes are ready to respond when every minute counts.

Rotary District 9940 Children’s Health Trust is proud to help Life Flight equip their air ambulances, including funding a specialized lifting system for neonatal incubators - creating a vital, life-saving corridor to Te Wao Nui Children’s Hospital.

👉 Donate or learn more: https://www.lifeflight.org.nz/rotary/

🐝 That’s a wrap folks! Whether you’re jamming out at a gig, browsing a market stall, or sipping mulled wine under the stars, we hope your Wellington weekend is filled with warmth and good vibes. Stay cozy, have fun, and go make some winter memories – you’ll have plenty of stories to share come Monday.

Ngā mihi nui, Kirstie & Steve 🐝

✨ Love the Buzz? Share it with your whānau and mates! The more, the merrier - just tap below to spread the love.