🐝 WellyBuzz: Disney Tunes, Vintage Finds & Cosy Capital Vibes

👋 Welcome to Winter Warmth, Welly!
July has hit Pōneke with that crisp winter bite we know so well! With the shortest days behind us and that mid-winter magic in the air, it's the perfect time to wrap up warm and explore all the cozy corners our capital has to offer. Let's dive into what's buzzing!

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎄 Festival of Christmas: Let It Snow with FreshChoice - fantastic free fun at the Greytown Festival of Christmas. Check out our instagram reel from opening night here - it’s best with the sound on!
🎭 The Ballet Zoo with Royal New Zealand Ballet – Magical children's ballet at Te Papa this weekend.
🎉 Be Our Guest – Magic Dance Party – Disney hits, dress-ups and disco lights for one enchanted family friendly dance.
🏐 Pulse vs Stars – Cheer our champs in a fast-paced showdown at TSB.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week - Meet Finn, a tropical cat new to Welly.
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – That time Welly moved an entire hotel down the road.
🌟 Local Legends – A Lower Hutt foodie haven + a Porirua beauty brand championing Māori wāhine.
🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-try bites on Willis St: Euro-inspired elegance + bold Indian street eats.
🎉 Events – What’s on across the Wellington region (50+ events for Fri, Sat & Sun).
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – A midwinter mix of showers, heavy rain, and cloudy skies.
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Shining a light on a local charity with heart.

🐾 Pet of the Week – Finn

Meet Finn – one of Wellington’s newest feline residents. Originally rescued from the streets of Singapore in 2019, this blue-eyed beauty made the big move to Aotearoa with his parents earlier this year.

As a true tropical baby, Finn’s still figuring out how to survive a Wellington winter – layering up in all the sunbeams he can find. His hooman (and principal feeder Kim) shares his daily adventures over at @afinnitespace if you want to follow along. Expect warm naps, excellent posing, and just a hint of sass. 🐱

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 Welly Moved a Hotel

In 1993, Wellingtonians watched in awe as the five-storey, 3,500-tonne Museum Hotel was rolled 120 metres down Cable Street to make way for Te Papa. Nothing broke – not even the bar bottles – and the bold move earned owner Chris Parkin - Wellingtonian of the Year. Next time you're near Te Papa, remember - one of our swankiest hotels once went for a stroll.

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gems to Check Out:

Forage Merchants of Wellington – 46A Victoria St, Alicetown, Lower Hutt

Part specialty grocer, part café, Forage is all about local goodness. Owner Guy McIndoe stocks it with Wellington-made treats – juices, sauces, organic eggs, cheese, cakes and more. Grab a top-notch coffee and browse foodie finds you won’t see in supermarkets.

Girl Native - 20 Parumoana St, Porirua

Porirua-based Girl Native, founded by Rawinia Rimene, is a beauty brand championing inclusivity and empowerment for Māori women. Born from the Porirua Launch Lab, it’s all about confidence, representation, and skincare made with Māori women in mind.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Amuse Snack Bar - 178 Willis St

Amuse Snack Bar has become a standout on Willis Street. European-inspired and proudly local, it brings casual continental flair from dawn to aperitivo hour – where Kiwi produce meets sophisticated Euro flavours.

Crowd faves? Try the jambon-beurre (a demi-baguette with ham hock and whipped salty butter – like if pulled pork and bacon had a baby), or the proper Scandinavian cardamom bun. There’s artichoke cheese fondue with house-made focaccia (perfect with a crisp white), and the luxe hot chocolate made from Whittaker’s Dark Ghana, chantilly cream and chocolate marshmallows.

And yes, they’ve got a full-day license and a cocktail list crafted with Elixir – so whether it’s a Garibaldi or coffee negroni at brunch, or a late-night martini, Amuse has your bases covered.

Flutter Chicken Co. - 171 Willis St

Flutter Chicken Co. is the hole-in-the-wall on Willis Street that's revolutionizing Indian takeaways. From the team behind award-winning Chaat Street, Flutter serves creative spins on classics like butter chicken on rice and curry leaf fried chicken with chips. Don't miss the rogan dog or losar pork phaley – these north-east Indian bao-style delights pack incredible flavors at wallet-friendly prices.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 4 July:

• 🎄 Festival of Christmas: Let It Snow with FreshChoice – Sparkling lights, festive markets, and snow-themed family fun to warm your winter heart. We were there last Friday night and captured some of the highlights below – it’s pure magic (best with the sound on!)
  📍 89 Main St, Greytown | 🕒 Fri & Sat 6pm-8pm | 🎟️ Free

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• ⛸️ Wellington Ice Rink – Glide, spin, and fall (but get up smiling) at Welly’s coolest winter attraction.
  📍 Queens Wharf | 🕒 Daily, 10am–10pm | 🎟️ $16.58–$28.92 (family passes available)

• 🎭 The Ballet Zoo with Royal New Zealand Ballet – Magical children's ballet at Te Papa this weekend (Fri & Sat - free entry at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa).

• 🚚 Food Truck Central – Feast on street eats from top local food trucks parked in picturesque Greytown.
  📍 Main St, Greytown | 🕒 Fri & Sat 4pm-8pm | 🎟️ Free entry, pay per food

• 🍫 Sweet As Decade’s Best Hot Chocolate Challenge – Sample the city’s most decadent, frothy, and chocolatey cups and crown your favourite.
  📍 92-215 Main St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 Daily | 🎟️ Free entry

• 🔥 Mad for Marshmallows – A gooey, toasted, sugary celebration dedicated to the humble marshmallow. S’mores, anyone?
  📍 Staglands, Upper Hutt | 🕒 Daily, 9:30am to 5pm | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎨 Junior Intro to Sculpting Workshop – Little hands get messy with clay and learn basic sculpting skills in this creative workshop.
  📍 Wellington | 🕒 Fri-Sun 10:15am-11:15am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎪 Circus Workshop with The Circus Hub – Toddlers and tiny tots explore juggling, balancing, and clowning in a fun beginner circus class.
  📍Greytown School, 73 East St, Greytown | 🕒 9am-12 | 🎟️ $48.12

• 💃 Pōneke Festival of Contemporary Dance – Cutting-edge dance performances showcasing Wellington’s freshest movers and shakers.
  📍 65 Dixon St, Wellington | 🕒 Fri–Sat from 9am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🔍 The Jackson Street Quest – A fun family scavenger hunt through Lower Hutt’s iconic Jackson Street with prizes and surprises. Bring your pen!
  📍Starts at 251 Jackson St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 10:00am-3:30pm | 🎟️ Free

• 🌟 All The Things I Wish I Could Be – A joyful, musical exploration of dreams and dads with live tunes for the whole whānau.
  📍 Circa Theatre | 🕒 Daily | 🎟️ $20 per person

• 🎆 Illuminations Night Spectacular at Cobblestones – Light shows, music, and magic fill the evening in Greytown’s charming historic village.
  📍169 Main St, Greytown | 🕒 Daily | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎠 Carousel Fun Zone – Kids and kids-at-heart enjoy rides, games, and treats at this carnival-style fest.
  📍Main St, Greytown | 🕒 Daily, 4pm-8pm | 🎟️ $6 per ride

• 🎤 Ari Leason – Catch this soulful singer-songwriter’s intimate set at a cozy city venue.
  📍118 Tory St, Wellington | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20

• 🥪 Get Your Sandwich Out Of My Inbox – Surreal office comedy meets contemporary dance in a witty, absurdist work.
  📍 65 Dixon St, Wellington | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $20-$30

• 🎭 Cantina Comedy – Stand-up and improv with local comedians in a lively Paraparaumu venue.
  📍31 Poplar Ave, Raumati South | 🕒 7pm-9pm | 🎟️ $10

• 🎸 Loose Parts – Funky hip-hop and soul grooves from Sam Hunter’s latest band project.
  📍 18 Garrett St, Wellington | 🕒 9:30pm-11:30pm | 🎟️ Free (R18)

• 🚀 Galactic Collectibles Mega Sale – Trekkies, Jedi & Sith unite for a massive 3-day sale of rare Star Wars & Star Trek collectibles. Costumes encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed!
  📍 Boatshed 8, Frank Kitts Park | 🕒 Fri–Sun 10am-4pm | 🎟️ Free entry

• 🎹 Shaun Preston Live at Kai Tahi – Enjoy the energetic and versatile pop-rock-classical piano blend from celebrated NZ performer Shaun Preston.
  📍 Kai Tahi, Porirua | 🕒 6pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🎧 DJ Aphrodite (UK) – Legendary drum & bass DJ spinning classic jungle beats late into the night.
  📍Meow Nui, 92 Vivian St, Wellington | 🕒 9pm-1am | 🎟️ $39 (R18)

• 📚 Storytime Picture Book Awards Finalists – Celebrate new children’s books and hear stories read aloud.
  📍The Children’s Bookshop, 26 Kilbirnie Plaza | 🕒 10:30am-11am | 🎟️ Free

• 🎷 Jazz Orchestra Composer Series Presents Seth Boy – Contemporary jazz compositions performed live by Wellington Jazz Orchestra.
  📍 Upstairs, 18 Garrett Street | 🕒 7pm-8:30pm | 🎟️ $15-$20

• 🎨 Kids Crafts – Creative workshops where kids can make, paint, and craft all day.
  📍 Zealandia, Waiapu Road Wellington | 🕒 10am-3pm | 🎟️ Free Admission

• 🤹 The Tantrum – A playful dance and music show turning kids’ tantrums into laughter and joy.
  📍65 Dixon St | 🕒 10am-11am and 11:30-12:30 | 🎟️ $20-$30

Saturday 5 July:

• 🐷 Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Live – The beloved piglet takes to the stage in a fun-filled show for little fans.
  📍St James Theatre, Wellington | 🕒 10am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🍪 The Great Gingerbread Decorating Workshop for Kids – Little bakers get creative icing and sprinkles in a festive hands-on fun session.
  📍 60 Main St, Greytown | 🕒 Multiple Sessions | 🎟️ $52 | R5

• 🛍️ Stallkeepers Greytown Markets – Discover local crafts, fresh produce, and unique treasures at this vibrant weekend market.
  📍89 Main St, Greytown | 🕒 Sat & Sun | 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🥕 Wairarapa Farmers Market – Fresh, seasonal, and locally grown straight from the farm to your basket.
  📍Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton | 🕒 9am-1pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🟡 Pulse vs Stars – The Pulse are back at TSB Arena. Expect high-energy action, sharp shooting, and a crowd buzzing with excitement.
  📍 TSB Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington | 🕒 4:00pm | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🧸 Ngā Turua Kiwi Play Space for Under 5s – Safe, sensory-rich play for toddlers and preschoolers in a cozy indoor space.
  📍Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington | 🕒 9:30am-3:30pm | 🎟️ Free

• 🕵️‍♂️ Escape Rooms Wellington Saturday Morning Special Deal – Beat the clock and crack the code with friends in an adrenaline-pumping puzzle challenge.
  📍118 Tory St, Wellington | 🕒 9am-11:40am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎨 Polymer Clay Jewellery Accessories Workshops – Make your own funky, colourful jewellery in this creative hands-on workshop.
  📍Coopers Loft, 117 East St, Greytown | 🕒 2 sessions | 🎟️ $69

• 💃 Pōneke Festival of Contemporary Dance – Cutting-edge dance performances showcasing Wellington’s freshest movers and shakers.
  📍65 Dixon St, Wellington | 🕒 From 9am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎭 The Sound Inside – Gripping Broadway drama unfolds at Circa Theatre’s new production.
  📍 Circa Theatre | 🕒 8pm-9:30pm | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🔮 Mr & Mrs Alexander Present: Sideshows & Psychics – An eerie evening of illusions, tarot, and mystery in Paraparaumu.
  📍Te Raukura ki Kapiti, Coastlands Theatre, 34a Raumati Rd | 🕒 7:30pm-8:30pm | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🕰️ Club Filth Presents: Time Travellers Ball – Retro-futuristic party where past meets future on the dance floor.
  📍 Fringe Bar, Wellington | 🕒 7pm-10pm | 🎟️ $34.05

• 💃 Mamma Mia! An ABBA Drag Spectacular – Campy, dazzling ABBA hits with fabulous drag performances.
  📍Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street | 🕒 9pm-11:55pm | 🎟️ $28.92

• 🍽️ Art Flow: Dine & Discover – Enjoy art installations paired with a delicious tasting menu in a multi-sensory feast.
  📍 Doubletree by Hilton, 28 Grey St, Wellington | 🕒 7pm-9:30pm | 🎟️ from $80.18

• 🍳 Kitchen Chaos – Comedy show following a disastrous restaurant kitchen’s behind-the-scenes antics.
  📍Te Raukura ki Kapiti, Coastlands Theatre, 34a Raumati Rd | 🕒 11am-11:45am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎶 In The Shallows Winter Tour '25 with Strings & Harp – Intimate folk and acoustic tunes featuring harp and strings.
  📍 Meow, 9 Edward St, Wellington | 🕒 7:30pm-10pm | 🎟️ $25

• 🍷 Alexia Urban Winery Presents Carnevale Paninoteca Bar – Italian-style street food and urban wines flow in a festive atmosphere.
  📍197 West St, Greytown | 🕒 12pm-5pm | 🎟️ Free admission

• 🎤 WRAC Youth Night – A live music and arts night showcasing local youth talent.
  📍Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, 63 Kilbirnie Crescent, Wellington | 🕒 6:30pm-8:30pm | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🛍️ Miramar Makers Market – Browse crafts, art, and local goods at this community market.
  📍27 Chelsea St, Miramar | 🕒 10am-3pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🎻 NZSO & NYO Adventure – A musical journey blending NZ Symphony and National Youth Orchestras.
  📍 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington | 🕒 7:30pm-9:30pm | 🎟️ $10

• 🎤 Mehana – Soulful acoustic grooves and original songs from a local favorite.
  📍 Underworld Tavern, 13 Pirie St, Wellington | 🕒 8pm | 🎟️ $10-$15

• 🎧 Rebel Disco: All Flavours of Bass, Beats & Beers – A night of bass-heavy dance music with craft beers on tap.
  📍Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert St | 🕒 8pm | 🎟️ $10

• 📮 Wellington Regional Stamp, Coin & Postcard Fair – Collectors unite for a treasure trove of philatelic and numismatic finds.
  📍574 High St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 10am-4pm | 🎟️ Free admission

• 🛒 Just Another Market – Eclectic market with vintage, crafts, and street food stalls.
  📍 Petone Baptist Church, Lower Hutt | 🕒 10am-3pm | 🎟️ Free Admission

• 🎸 Devilskin Re-Evolution NZ Tour – Hard-hitting rock from one of NZ’s biggest bands live in Wellington.
  📍Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street, Wellington | 🕒 Sat Evening | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🛍️ Paekakariki Market Day – Handcrafted goods, food, and community stalls in seaside Paekakariki.
  📍St Peter Village Hall, Paekakariki | 🕒 9am-2pm| 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🧵 Te Aro Zero Waste Just Sew Repair Cafe – Bring your clothes and household items to fix, mend, and reduce waste.
  📍Te Aro Zero Waste, 2 Forresters Lane, Te Aro | 🕒 1pm-4pm | 🎟️ Free

• 👗 The Clothes Swap – Swap up to 10 of your good-quality clothes for fresh styles while helping reduce fashion waste. Tokens for each item mean guilt-free wardrobe upgrades!
  📍293 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕒 Sat, 11:15am–12:30pm (check-in 10–11am) | 🎟️ $15

• 🖤 Taking Back Saturday: Emo & Pop Punk Night – Dive into a high-energy night of emo and pop punk anthems from the likes of My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and more. Dress in black, bring your angst!
  📍 San Fran Bathhouse, Wellington | 🕒 Sat, Doors 11:00pm | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🇨🇦 Heyday Beer Co’s Canada Day Celebration – Celebrate Canada Day with North American lagers, maple gin, Caesars specials, and Canadian tunes over two days. Eh!
  📍 Heyday Beer Co, 264a Cuba St, Wellington | 🕒 Sat–Sun

• ♻️ Echo Tech NZ Electronic Recycling Drive – Drop off unwanted electronics to be responsibly recycled while supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity. Staff unload for you!
  📍 170 Coutts St, Rongotai | 🕒 9:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free (charges apply for some items

Sunday 6 July:

• 🎷 Sunday Jazz – Smooth jazz melodies to unwind your weekend at a cozy city spot.
  📍 The Undercurrent, Wellington | 🕒 3:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58

• 🎻 Flinders Quartet & Michael Houstoun – Chamber music excellence with piano and strings performing classical favourites.
  📍 St Andrew’s on The Terrace | 🕒 3:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ $10.25-$44.30

• 🎶 Sunday Jazz with Jake Baxendale – Live jazz tunes from Jake and friends in a laid-back afternoon session.
  📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, Wellington | 🕒 5pm–7pm | 🎟️ Free entry

• 👗 Women’s Clothing Pop-up Shop – Shop stylish, locally made women’s fashion in Paraparaumu.
  📍110 Amohia St, Paraparaumu | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🎤 Music at The Begonia: Laura Cheetham – Intimate acoustic set from singer-songwriter Laura Cheetham.
  📍 The Begonia (Wellington) | 🕒 11am-12 | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎸 Brothers Armed with Classic Hits – Rock out to classic tunes performed live in Lower Hutt.
  📍Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert St, Petone | 🕒 4pm-7pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

• 🌈 Low Sensory Hour – A calm, quiet hour for families with sensory sensitivities to enjoy public spaces comfortably.
  📍Space Place at Carter Observatory, 40 Salamanca Rd | 🕒 10am-11am | 🎟️ See link for pricing

• 🎨 Otaki Craft Market – Handmade crafts, local art, and delicious food in Otaki’s vibrant market.
  📍 58 Main Highway, Otaki | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission

• 🎷 Sunday Jazz Club – Classic jazz standards performed live to soundtrack your Sunday afternoon.
  📍 Parrotdog Bar, Wellington | 🕒 3:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission

• 🎪 Local Art at The Circus Hub – Warm up this winter with circus workshops, handmade gifts, and community creativity all in one magical day.
  📍 The Circus Hub, 11 Hutchison Road | 🕒 12pm

• 🔧 Vogelmorn Repair Cafe – Climate action meets skill-sharing: get your clothes, small appliances, tools, and more fixed by local experts while enjoying hot drinks.
  📍 Vogelmorn Bowling Club, Wellington | 🕒 10am-1pm | 🎟️ Free (first come, first served)

• 🐕 Small Dog Social Walk – Monthly meetup for small dogs and their humans to socialize, romp, and enjoy the beach together.
  📍 McEwan Park, Petone Beach | 🕒 2:30pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ Free

🌦️ Welly Weather Watch

🌧 Friday: A few showers, becoming widespread in the afternoon. High 16°C, low 11°C
🌧 Saturday: Rain with heavy falls, easing to a few showers. High 15°C, low 9°C
☁️ Sunday: Cloudy. Fresh southerlies. High 12°C, low 8°C

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust

This week, we’re celebrating the mahi of the Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust – a key supporter of Aotearoa’s Rainbow communities. From funding LGBTTQIA+ groups and Pride events to offering scholarships for young students, the Trust champions diversity and inclusion. So far, they’ve distributed nearly $80,000 to over 130 groups – making a real difference.

Winter weekends in Wellington are for hidden gems and good company. Whether you're dancing to Disney tunes or hunting vintage treasures, this one’s all about soaking up the cozy capital vibes that make our city shine.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝