🐝 Ultra, A Big Birthday & a Stacked April Weekend

👋 Kia ora Wellington!

This weekend is shaping up to be a big one across the region.

Ultra New Zealand takes over the waterfront on Friday, Wellington Zoo celebrates 120 years on Saturday & Sunday, and there’s a full mix of live music, markets, theatre and family-friendly events happening right across the city and beyond.

It’s one of those weekends where there’s something in every direction - you just have to decide where to start.

Here’s what’s worth locking in 👇

Jump to Friday | Saturday | Sunday.

🔥 11 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎧 Ultra New Zealand 2026 (Fri) - Huge waterfront EDM festival with global headliners.
🍁 Autumn Valley at Aston Norwood Gardens (From Fri) - Autumn colours by day and a glowing light walk after dark.
🎭 CHICAGO the musical (Fri-Sun) - Iconic jazz-era musical packed with drama and big hits.
🎪 The Extravaganza Fair (Sat & Sun) - Vintage fair with circus acts, stalls and live music.
🎶 SUBLIME (Sat) - Reggae-punk legends live at Brewtown.
🌏 Te Papa Whānau Day (Sat) - Free family day with workshops and interactive fun.
🦁 Wellington Zoo 120th Birthday (Sat & Sun) - Big milestone celebration with activities and giveaways.
🏐 Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse vs WBOP Magic (Sat) - ANZ Premiership season opener at TSB Arena with big home crowd energy.
🏉 Hurricanes v Blues (Sat) - Heritage Round clash with big rivalry energy.
🎺 Brilliant Brass (Sun) - Powerful live brass performance at the Opera House.
🏍️ Te Omanga Hospice Ride (Sun) - Charity ride with scenic routes and BBQ vibes.

What’s on your radar this weekend? Hit reply - we always love seeing what the WellyBuzz crew are up to 👀

🕰️ Time Machine: Kelburn Viaduct Opening - 1931

🍽️ Food & Drink - Crust

Eastbourne has quietly scored one of the region’s best new morning stops. Crust is a tucked-away sandwich and coffee spot in Eastbourne, created by Mark and Rebecca (of ESSC Eats), and already building a bit of a following.

It’s all about fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, great Coffee Supreme coffee, warm baked treats and easy seaside vibes. Expect a mix of classic and more interesting flavour combos across both fresh and toasted sandwiches, plus a few solid extras if you’re just after something small.

Right by the water, built for locals, and very hard to leave without something in hand.

📍 48 Tuatoru Street, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday, April 10:

🎧 Ultra New Zealand 2026
Global EDM heavyweights like The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake and Zedd take over the waterfront for one of Wellington’s biggest nights of the year.
📍 Wellington Waterfront | 🕢 Fri 3pm–12am | 💰 SOLD OUT | 🎟 R18

🌙 SELENE
Myth meets modern storytelling in this cinematic, emotionally charged theatre piece inspired by ancient Greek legends.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace | 🕢 Fri 7pm–8:10pm | 💰 $20–$40 | 🎟 All Ages

🎭 CHICAGO the musical
All that jazz hits Porirua with this iconic, high-energy musical packed with glamour, scandal and unforgettable songs.
📍 PATAKA Art + Museum, Cnr Parumoana and Norrie Street, Porirua | 🕢 Fri 7:30pm–10pm | 💰 $25–$40 | 🎟 All Ages Licensed

🦌 Staglands Clue Hunt Challenge!!
Hidden clues, secret codes and a free kids’ meal at the finish make this a perfect school holiday adventure.
📍 Staglands Wildlife Reserve, 2362 Akatarawa Road, Upper Hutt | 🕢 Fri 9:30am–5pm | 💰 $12–$29 (family passes available) | 🎟 All Ages

🥂 Sip & Style - An Evening of Fashion & Bubbles
Enjoy bubbles, nibbles and a first look at new-season arrivals in this stylish Greytown shopping event.
📍 Hall Concept Store, 132 Main Street, Greytown | 🕢 Fri 5:30pm–7pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎭 Elsewhere in the Building - Improv with WIT
Unpredictable, fast-paced improv unfolds live as performers build scenes from your suggestions.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Fri 7pm–8pm | 💰 Pay what you can (from $5) | 🎟 All Ages

💄 Fab Friday - Hosted By Mannntis
Big energy, bold looks and plenty of chaos headline this high-octane drag night.
📍 Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Fri 9:30pm–12am | 💰 Free | 🎟 R18

🌮 Welly Night Market
Street food, food trucks and late-night bites bring the CBD alive every Friday night.
📍 Welly Night Market, 45A Abel Smith Street | 🕢 Fri 5pm–11pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🍁 Autumn Valley at Aston Norwood Gardens
Wander vibrant autumn gardens by day or explore an illuminated evening walk with glowing trees and hidden surprises after dark.
📍 Aston Norwood Gardens, 1747 State Highway 2, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt | 🕢 Fri 8am-5pm & 6pm-9pm (and then daily Wed-Sun) | 💰 From $10 adult / $5 child (free under 3) | 🎟 All Ages

🎧 GASWORKS: IGNITION
High-energy drum and bass takeover with 20+ DJs, three stages and immersive production built for a big Courtenay Place night.
📍 The Grand, Courtenay Place, Wellington | 🕢 Fri 10pm-4am | 💰 $33-$38.50 | 🎟 R18

Saturday, April 11:

🎪 The Extravaganza Fair
Step into a whimsical world of vintage charm with circus acts, live music, market stalls and classic fairground fun for all ages.
📍 Avalon Park, Taita Drive, Lower Hutt | 🕢 Sat 9am–5pm (also on Sun) | 💰 Free (gold coin for adults) | 🎟 All Ages

🏐 Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse vs WBOP Magic
Round 1 of the ANZ Premiership kicks off with the Pulse taking on the Magic in what should be a high-energy season opener at TSB Arena.
📍 TSB Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 4pm | 💰 From $35.48 + fees | 🎟 All Ages

🎬 Snap Shot Shorts S2 Premiere
Celebrate Wellington’s next wave of filmmakers with a showcase of locally made short films spanning sci-fi, drama and more.
📍 The Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria | 🕢 Sat 5:30pm-8:30pm | 💰 $20-$25

✈️ Kauri Theatre Presents: Catch Me If You Can the Musical
Based on the true story of a teenage con artist, this slick musical comedy is fast, funny and full of charm.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Sat from 7:30pm | 💰 $29.50–$35 | 🎟 All Ages

🍎 Pick Your Own Apples at Molewood Orchard 2026
Nothing beats picking crisp apples straight from the tree, with picnic spots and relaxed orchard vibes to match.
📍 Molewood Orchard, 17 Mole Street, Greytown | 🕢 Sat 9am–4pm | 💰 Free entry (pay per kg) | 🎟 All Ages

🕊️ The Boy With Wings
Follow a moving story of migration and belonging through beautifully crafted puppetry, music and storytelling.
📍 Tararua Tramping Club Clubrooms, 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt Victoria | 🕢 Sat 10am–10:40am | 💰 $15 | 🎟 All Ages

🚫🦖 HELP! A Monster Ate My Story
Chaos unfolds as a mischievous monster threatens storytime in this fun, music-filled theatre adventure for kids.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street | 🕢 Sat 11:30am & 1:30pm | 💰 $20 (family passes available) | 🎟 All Ages

🤼 Valiant Pro: Live At The 162
High-impact live wrestling returns to Lower Hutt with big personalities, crowd energy and plenty of in-ring drama.
📍 The 162, 162 Gracefield Road, Lower Hutt | 🕢 Sat 5:30pm–8pm | 💰 From $10 | 🎟 All Ages

🎻 The WBS presents: Frank John and Erin Manu featuring Rob Greenfield
A rich night of acoustic folk, bluegrass and blues as this Kiwi-Dutch duo deliver soulful harmonies and standout musicianship live in Petone.
📍 Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert Street | 🕢 Sat 8pm–10:30pm | 💰 $30 | 🎟 All Ages

🌿 Historic Postcard Walk: Before and After - Guided Walk
Step back in time with a relaxed guided walk through the Botanic Garden, exploring how it’s evolved over the past century through historic postcards.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street | 🕢 Sat 1:30pm–2:30pm | 💰 $10 (free for members) | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 SUBLIME
Legendary reggae-punk icons hit Brewtown for their first ever NZ tour, bringing decades of hits and big festival energy.
📍 Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | 🕢 Sat 7pm–11pm | 💰 From $179 | 🎟 All Ages

💃 Fiesta! Latin American Show & Flavours
A lively night of Latin music, dance, comedy and delicious food, with salsa lessons and high-energy performances bringing the vibes to Newtown.
📍 Newtown Community Centre Theatre, Colombo Street and Rintoul Street | 🕢 Sat 6pm–9pm | 💰 $20–$25 | 🎟 All Ages

🍸 Around the World
A stylish cocktail evening pairing global-inspired drinks with curated canapés, with bonus points for dressing the part.
📍 Aperitif Wine Bar, 101 Main Street, Greytown | 🕢 Sat from 5pm | 💰 $89 | 🎟 R18

🕺 Contra Dance
Step into a lively, social dance night with live music where you’ll swap partners, meet new people and pick it up as you go - no experience needed.
📍 St Michael's Community Hall, 81 Upland Road, Kelburn | 🕢 Sat 7pm–10:30pm | 💰 $5–$15 (family $30) | 🎟 All Ages

🌏 Te Papa Whānau Day
Explore te taiao through hands-on workshops, live music, art-making and interactive exhibits in a fun, family-friendly day at Te Papa.
📍 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street | 🕢 Sat 10am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🔪 Late Night Knife Fight
Three improv teams go head-to-head in a fast, chaotic battle for audience glory where you help decide who takes the crown.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace | 🕢 Sat 7:30pm–9pm | 💰 $15–$25 | 🎟 All Ages

🎤 Rachel Hird at Niom
Settle in for a relaxed evening of live music as local singer-songwriter Rachel Hird performs while you dine.
📍 Niom Bistro, 69 Riddiford Street | 🕢 Sat 6pm–8pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🔧 Upper Hutt Repair Cafe
Bring along your broken items and get them fixed by skilled volunteers while helping reduce waste and save money.
📍 Upper Hutt Baptist Church, 1 Milton Street | 🕢 Sat 10am–2pm | 💰 Free (koha appreciated) | 🎟 All Ages

🐧 Kororā Crafts - School Holiday Drop-in Activity
Get creative with hands-on crafting inspired by kororā, with fun take-home activities perfect for a relaxed school holiday outing.
📍 Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf | 🕢 Sat 10:30am–12:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🦁 Wellington Zoo 120th Birthday Celebration
Join the celebrations as Wellington Zoo marks 120 years with special activities, giveaways and a full day of family fun.
📍 Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown | 🕢 Sat 9:30am–5pm (also on Sun) | 💰 $14–$26 (family passes available) | 🎟 All Ages

🎸 The Mountain Goats – Live
Indie rock favourites return to Wellington for a long-awaited show, bringing decades of storytelling and cult-classic tracks.
📍 Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street | 🕢 Sat from 7pm | 💰 SOLD OUT - resale tickets may be available (please check verified resale sites) | 🎟 All Ages

🥋 Filipino Martial Arts Fundraiser (Arnis)
Free, family-friendly day with martial arts demos, workshops and matches supporting a national Filipino cultural event.
📍 Akau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie | 🕢 Sat 11am-6pm | 💰 Free entry to watch ($35-$40 to compete) | 🎟 All Ages

💿 Record Fair at The Supply Room
Dig through thousands of records, CDs and tapes from local vendors while enjoying a drink or bite at this laid-back vinyl fair.
📍 The Supply Room, Mana Esplanade, Paremata | 🕢 Sat 11am–3pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🛍️ Newtown Underground Arts & Thrift Market
Browse edgy local fashion, thrift finds and creative stalls from up-and-coming artists and makers in the heart of Newtown.
📍 16 Mein Street, Newtown | 🕢 Sat 9am–2pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🏉 Hurricanes v Blues – Super Rugby
Feel the rivalry as the Hurricanes take on the Blues in a Heritage Round clash packed with throwback vibes, legends and big game energy.
📍 Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 🕢 Sat 7:05pm kickoff | 💰 $10–$60 | 🎟 All Ages

Sunday, April 12:

🎺 Brilliant Brass – In Concert with the National Band of New Zealand
World-class brass fills the Opera House with a powerful gala performance featuring top musicians and standout guest artists.
📍 The Opera House, 111–113 Manners Street | 🕢 Sun 2pm–4:30pm | 💰 $29–$40 | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Yanran Chen - Colours of Futuna
Soprano Yanran Chen performs Chinese and Italian art songs in an intimate chamber concert at the iconic Futuna Chapel.
📍 Futuna Chapel, 67 Futuna Close, Karori | 🕢 Sun from 2pm | 💰 $15 | 🎟 All Ages

🎨 Junior Intro to Sculpting Workshop
Let young creators get hands-on at Wētā Workshop, crafting their own imaginative creature in this fun, screen-free session.
📍 Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road | 🕢 Sun 12:45pm–1:45pm | 💰 $32 (guardian free) | 🎟 Ages 6–14

🎷 Amici (Saxophone Quintet)
Experience a rich blend of saxophone and strings as top NZSO musicians perform a dynamic classical programme with modern flair.
📍 St Andrews on the Terrace, 30 The Terrace | 🕢 Sun 3pm–5pm | 💰 $10–$40 | 🎟 All Ages

🍸 Just what the Dr Ordered
Shake, stir and sip your way through a hands-on cocktail session exploring botanicals and mixology secrets in a fun, guided experience.
📍 Mother Goose, 1512 State Highway 2, Tauherenikau | 🕢 Sun 3pm–4pm | 💰 $75 | 🎟 R18

🌿 Keep Wellington Beautiful
Lend a hand and help tidy Aro Valley in this feel-good community clean-up bringing locals together for a greener Wellington.
📍 Aro Park, Aro Street | 🕢 Sun 10:30am–12pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎤 Emily Kristen Morris & JJ Niemann in Concert!
Straight from NYC, two powerhouse performers bring Broadway hits, storytelling and big vocals to a one-night-only Circa show.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street | 🕢 Sun 8pm–9:30pm | 💰 $28–$55 | 🎟 All Ages

😂 Dope As Sunday Comedy - April
Shake off the weekend with a stacked lineup of local comedians delivering big laughs and good vibes at Fringe Bar.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street | 🕢 Sun 7pm–9pm | 💰 $10–$20 | 🎟 R18

🛍️ Artisan Craft Market
Browse beautifully handmade goods and support local makers at this relaxed waterfront market showcasing Wellington’s creative talent.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Taranaki St Wharf | 🕢 Sun 10am–3pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🌿 Kiwiburn Community Picnic @ Central Park
Kick back with the local burner community for a relaxed afternoon of music, chats, and picnic vibes in the heart of the city.
📍 Central Park Play Area, Wellington | 🕢 Sun 1pm–4pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🏀 Wellington Saints v Manawatū Jets – Season Opener
Tip off the season with big energy as the Saints raise their 13th banner and hit the court in front of a packed TSB Arena.
📍 TSB Arena, Wellington | 🕢 Sun from 2pm (Rapid League), 3pm (NZNBL) | 💰 From $20.39 | 🎟 All ages

🌊 Oceans of the Mind – Panel Event
Dive into stories of the sea, science, and creativity with a fascinating panel celebrating Wellington’s newly reopened central library.
📍 Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (Wellington Central Library), 65 Victoria Street | 🕢 Sun 2pm–3pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

♻️ E-Waste Recycling Drop-Off – Upper Hutt
Clear out your old tech the easy way with this free drive-thru recycling event where staff handle the unloading for you.
📍 Upper Hutt Recycling Station, 18 Park Street, Upper Hutt | 🕢 Sun 9am–3pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🏍️ Te Omanga Hospice Charity Motorcycle Ride
Fire up the bikes for a great cause with a scenic mystery ride, live vibes, and classic BBQ treats on the Hospice grounds.
📍 Te Omanga Hospice, 136 Woburn Road, Lower Hutt | 🕢 Sun from 9am (ride from 11am) | 💰 $25 per rider | 🎟 All ages

🏃‍♂️ Porirua Grand Traverse
Push your limits (or just enjoy the vibe) at this iconic multisport event featuring trail runs, biking, paddling and more across Porirua’s stunning hills and harbour.
📍 Kai Tahi (Race HQ), Porirua | 🕢 Sun (times vary by event) | 💰 From $20 | 🎟 All ages

🌦 Welly Weather Watch

☀️ Fri 10 Apr: Fine. Northerlies, turning southeasterly in the morning. High 18°C, low 12°C
⛅ Sat 11 Apr: Partly cloudy. Light winds, then easterlies developing in the evening. High 22°C, low 15°C
🌧 Sun 12 Apr: A few showers turning to rain with heavy falls in the afternoon. High 20°C, low 15°C

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Wellington Timebank

Wellington Timebank is one of those quietly brilliant ideas that just works.

Instead of money, people swap time and skills – whether that’s gardening, fixing things, cooking, tech help, or even just lending a hand. One hour of your time = one hour of someone else’s, no matter the task. With over 1,000 locals already involved, it’s a simple way to meet people, build trust, and be part of a community where everyone has something valuable to offer.

It’s Wellington at its best - practical, generous, and genuinely connected.

Whether you’re going big at Ultra, heading to the Zoo, or just chasing a few low-key gems around the region - there’s plenty to get stuck into this weekend.

Have a good one Wellington!

Ngā mihi,
Kirstie & Steve | WellyBuzz 🐝