🐝 WellyBuzz – Friday, January 24, 2025

Happy Friday Wellington! ✨

What a blast the Anniversary Weekend was! From the stunning Gardens Magic displays to the bustling Toast Martinborough, our city showed exactly why it's such a special place to call home. Now, as we settle back into our regular rhythm, Wellington's creative spirit keeps on buzzing with the Fringe Festival just around the corner!

This weekend brings us a delightful mix of outdoor markets, artistic workshops, and lots of family-friendly events that showcase the best of summer in our capital. Plus, with the continuing Gardens Magic series, our beloved Botanic Gardens are still glowing with that special summer magic.

So, whether you're still riding that long weekend high or looking for a gentle way to ease back into things, we've got you covered with the best our wonderful windy city has to offer...

📍 In This Week's WellyBuzz:

🏛️ Time Machine: The colorful history of our beloved Cable Car

🌟 Hidden Gems: A Newtown coffee shop with a difference and a secret community garden waiting to be discovered!

💝 Community Corner: The amazing work of Kaibosh Food Rescue

🎪 Weekend Events: Your guide to what's on

🌤️ Weather Watch: Will the summer vibes continue?

📅 Time Machine: Climbing the Hills Since 1902

Imagine trudging up Lambton Quay in the early 1900s with your shopping - no wonder the Cable Car was an instant hit! When it opened in 1902, our beloved red runner revolutionized how Wellingtonians moved between the harbour and the hills. Originally steam-powered and built to help new suburbs like Kelburn grow, it carried everything from school children to coal deliveries.

Next time you take that scenic journey, imagine those first passengers in their Edwardian finest, gasping at the harbour views just like we still do today. Some things in Wellington never change!

🌟 Local Legends: Wellington's Hidden Gems

☕ Peoples Coffee Constable Street Tucked away in the heart of Newtown, this cozy little coffee shop is a true locals' secret! Their intimate Constable Street café has become a neighborhood hub where the baristas remember your name (and your coffee order!). Pop in early to snag one of their famous cheese scones - the regulars know they don't last long! Location: 12 Constable Street, Newtown Check them out

🌿 Aro Valley Community Centre Garden Have you discovered the secret garden behind the Aro Valley Community Centre? This community-run green space is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Pop by on Sunday mornings to meet local gardeners, learn about urban farming, or just enjoy a quiet moment among the vegetables and flowers. The best part? Anyone can get involved - from experienced gardeners to complete beginners! Location: 48 Aro Street Learn more

💝 EXTRA SPRINKLES: Kaibosh Food Rescue - Turning Surplus into Support

Meet the food rescue heroes making sure good food doesn't go to waste! Kaibosh collects quality surplus food from businesses around Wellington and redistributes it to those who need it most. In 2024 alone, they rescued over 250,000 kg of food - that's equivalent to preventing 95,000 kg of carbon emissions!

Want to help? They're always looking for volunteers, especially for their evening food sorts. Plus, every $20 donated helps provide 23 meals to Wellingtonians in need.

🎉 Must-See Events in Wellington This Weekend

Friday, January 24

Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery (17 January – 27 April)
Dive into the iconic fashion and jewellery history of Vivienne Westwood. This global touring exhibition showcases over five decades of jewellery design and creation, from Westwood’s early days in Portobello Road markets to today. Explore a curated journey through distinct decades, iconic pairings of jewellery, garments, and accessories.

Adult: $30 | Concession: $23 | Child (15 & under): $10 | Under 5s: Free
Location: Toi Art, Level 4, Te Papa

🎡 Porirua Mega Fun Carnival 2025
📍 Location: Takapuwahia Reserve, Porirua
📅 Time: 6:30 PM – Late

🎠 The Carnival Is Back! Get ready for a weekend of thrills and fun at the Porirua Mega Fun Carnival! With free entry 🎉, enjoy a wide range of rides, games, and carnival food 🍭🌭. Don’t miss favorites like the Dodgem Cars and Hurricane, and try the new Ali Baba ride for an unforgettable experience!
🔗 Learn more: Porirua Mega Fun Carnival

🎤 Māoriland Presents: Louis Baker
Location: 68 Main Street, Ōtaki, New Zealand
Time: 7:30 PM
🎶 Celebrate soulful tunes with Louis Baker in a magical evening at Māoriland! Kick off your weekend with heartfelt music at the Māoriland Hub, home of the film festival in Ōtaki. Limited tickets available—get yours now!
👉 Get tickets here

🎸 Charity Rock Gig for Wellington Women's Refuge
📍 Location: Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington
📅 Time: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🌟 Rock Out for a Great Cause! Join a night of electrifying rock, punk, and indie music 🎶 featuring local bands Velvet Star, Radar Angel, Cherry Punch, and Tower of Flints. All proceeds go to support Wellington Women’s Refuge 💜.

🎟️ Entry: $15 at the door

🎤 Deano Yipadee - Best-Selling Kid's Author
📍 Location: Queensgate Shopping Centre, Lower Hutt
🕰️ Time: 10:30 AM
📚 Join Deano Yipadee for a FREE live music adventure featuring fun stories and songs for kids! No bookings required—first come, first served.
🌐 Details: Event Link

🎵 Name UL • FREE SHOW • Live at Parrotdog Bar
📍 Location: Parrotdog Bar, Wellington
🕰️ Time: 8 PM
🔥 Don’t miss the electrifying performance by Name UL, a homegrown talent with international acclaim. Come for the vibes—FREE entry!
🌐 Details: Event Link

 🎵 Gardens Magic Concert Series
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden as part of the Gardens Magic series. 🎤🌸
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM

✨ Gardens Magic Light Display
Once the concert’s finished, take a stroll through stunning light displays at the Wellington Botanic Garden. A truly magical experience! 🌟🌳
Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
Time: 9:15 PM – 10:30 PM

🎵 Sisters in Country: Jodi Vaughan, Aly Cook & Marian Burns
📍 Location: Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club, 11 Logan Street, Upper Hutt
📅 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🌟 Experience the incredible talents of country music legends Jodi Vaughan and Aly Cook, joined by fiddle-playing extraordinaire Marian Burns 🎻🎶. A must-see show for country music lovers!
🎟️ Tickets: $28.92 (including fees)

Saturday, January 25

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series and 💡 Gardens Magic Light Display continues

🎡 Porirua Mega Fun Carnival 2025
📍 Location: Takapuwahia Reserve, Porirua
📅 Time: Saturday, 25 January: 11 AM – 5 PM, then 6:30 PM – Late

🎠 The Carnival Is Back! Get ready for a weekend of thrills and fun at the Porirua Mega Fun Carnival! With free entry 🎉, enjoy a wide range of rides, games, and carnival food 🍭🌭 Learn more: Porirua Mega Fun Carnival

🐾 Woof Market
Location: 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua, New Zealand
Time: 10:00 AM
🐕 Calling all dog lovers! Explore treats, accessories, and even hydrotherapy for your pup. And yes—puppy cuddles guaranteed! It’s the paw-fect day out for you and your furry friend!
👉 More details

🚴‍♀️ 2025 Wainui Enduro
Location: Wainuiomata MTB Park, New Zealand
Time: 9:00 AM
🌲 Test your skills on exhilarating trails through native bush. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, this event has something for everyone. Check it out and hit the trails!
👉 More details

😂 Hypnosis Comedy Show: Andy Vening
Location: Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club, Wellington, New Zealand
Time: 8:00 PM
🤣 Prepare to laugh like never before! Join Andy Vening for a hilariously hypnotic show. Grab your friends, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable night!
👉 Book tickets

🌊 SoundSplash Summer Dance Party
Location: Waikanae Pools, New Zealand
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
🎧 Dance, slide, and splash your way through an epic summer party! Perfect for ages 8–14, with DJ music, inflatables, and more. Don’t miss this poolside fun!
👉 Details here

🏃 2025 Jumbo Holdsworth Trail Race
📍 Location: Tararua Forest Park
🕰️ Time: 8 AM
🌲 Take on the ultimate trail-running challenge through stunning Tararua landscapes. Are you ready to push your limits?
🌐 Details: Register Here

🌻 Open Day - NZ's Premium Sunflower Field
📍 Location: 239 Tutaekara Road, Pahiatua
🕰️ Time: 10 AM - 6 PM
🌞 Stroll through stunning sunflowers and snap the perfect photo. $10 per adult, kids under 12 enter FREE!
🌐 Details: Event Link

🎸 Fat Freddy's Drop - The SLO MO Album Tour
📍 Location: Brewtown, Upper Hutt
🕰️ Time: From 4 PM (FFD are on from 8:45pm)
🎶 Groove to the beats of Fat Freddy’s Drop and their brand-new album live!
🌐 Details: Tickets

🎶 High Seas Boat Parties are Back!
📍 Location: Sweet Georgia Cruising, Wellington
🕰️ Time: 6 PM - 8 PM
🌊 Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise with DJs and drinks. Tickets start at $60.
🌐 Details: Buy Tickets

💃 SLP Salsa Latin Party
📍 Location: 175 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington
🕰️ Time: 8:45 PM
💃 Salsa, Bachata, and Zouk await! Warm up with a beginner lesson at 8:45 PM. Entry $15.
🌐 Details: Event Link

🐾 Caterday at Ninjaflower
📍 90 Dixon Street, Wellington
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Kitten cuddles for koha! Celebrate all things feline with cat-themed merch, piercing discounts, and adorable kittens from Kitten Inn 🐱. Bring a picture of your favorite cat for extra perks!

🌿 Whānau Day: Ngā Manu a Rehua – The Birds of Rehua
Location: Te Papa Museum, Wellington
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
🦜 Dive into the wonders of nature with family-friendly activities, from cicada spotlights to creative workshops. Free entry for all!
🔗 More info

🍸 Gindulgence - Wellington
Location: Frank Kitts Park, Wellington
Time: 12 PM - 6 PM
🍹 Indulge in over 80 gins from 20 distilleries at this boutique gin festival. Sip, savor, and enjoy live demonstrations by passionate distillers!
🔗 Tickets

🎤 On Repeat: One Direction - Wellington
Location: The Garden Hotel, Wellington
Time: 9 PM
🎤 Calling all Directioners! Celebrate One Direction with a night of non-stop hits. Proceeds support mental health—grab your tickets now!
🔗 Tickets

🎈 Inflatable Family Fun Day
📍 Location: Waikanae Swimming Pool, Ngarara Road, Waikanae
📅 Date/Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
🌟 Bounce Into Fun! Grab your family and friends and make a splash at this fun-filled inflatable day! Enjoy a bouncy castle and as many inflatables as we can fit into the pool 🏊‍♂️🎉. Usual pool charges apply.
🔗 Learn more: Kapiti Summer

🌿 Waikanae Lions Garden Trail 2025
📍 Location: Gardens Around Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast
📅 Dates/Times: Saturday, 25 January – Sunday, 26 January 2025, 10 AM – 5 PM

🌺 A Blooming Beautiful Weekend! Explore 12 stunning gardens on the Kāpiti Coast, featuring thoughtful landscape designs and hidden gems. 🎟️ Tickets: $34.05 for a weekend pass. Children under 15: Free with an adult
🔗 More Info: Waikanae Lions Garden Trail

💦 The Z Manu World Champs
📍 Location: Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, 63 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington.
📅 Time: Saturday and Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

🎨 Eat Drink and Be Crafty Fair
📍 Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Porirua
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Explore artisan crafts, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment in a scenic rural setting 🌿. Proceeds go to Wellington Free Ambulance and local charities. Admission: Adults $5, kids free!

🎧 Mondo Bizarro at The Ram
📍 The Ram, Wellington
⏰ Time: Doors open 8 PM, FREE entry
Get ready for an eclectic night of global grooves! From Afrobeat to Belgian synth-pop, DJs will keep you dancing all night long 🕺🌍.

🥾 Welly Walks Goes Wild
📍 Six trails across Wellington
⏰ Time: Saturday & Sunday, from 9 AM
Hit the trails and discover hidden treasures like gourmet treats and goodies from local businesses 🍬. Routes include Wellington Botanic Garden, Kaitoke Regional Park, and more. Perfect for a weekend adventure with the whānau!

Sunday, January 26

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series and 💡 Gardens Magic Light Display.
🎷 Bring a picnic and enjoy vibrant Latin rhythms under the stars. FREE entry!

🌟 Last Chance Alert! Don’t miss the final night of this magical summer series. Enjoy live music under the stars and soak up the enchanting glow of the light display at the Botanic Gardens. It’s your last chance to experience the magic – grab your friends, pack a picnic, and make it a night to remember!

🛍️ Ōtaki Kids Market + Regular Market
Location: State Highway 1, opposite New World, Ōtaki, New Zealand
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🎨 Rangatahi and tamariki, it’s your time to shine! Celebrate creativity at the Ōtaki Kids Market and browse an array of stalls. Don’t miss this fun-filled event!
👉 More details

🎡 Porirua Mega Fun Carnival 2025
📍 Location: Takapuwahia Reserve, Porirua
📅 Time: Sunday, 26 January: 11 AM – Late Afternoon

🎠 The Carnival Is Back! Get ready for a weekend of thrills and fun at the Porirua Mega Fun Carnival! With free entry 🎉, enjoy a wide range of rides, games, and carnival food 🍭🌭 Learn more: Porirua Mega Fun Carnival

🚴‍♀️ Whānau Ride Adventure
Location: Tunnel Gully Recreation Area, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🚵‍♂️ Pedal the forest with guided rides, sausage sizzles, and games. A perfect adventure for all ages—don’t miss this FREE family-friendly event!
👉 Learn more

🍎 Foxton Farmers & Artisan Market
Location: 36 Bergin Road, Foxton, New Zealand
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🛍️ Indulge in locally crafted goodies, fresh produce, and delightful treats at this vibrant market. From handmade jams to artsy crafts, there’s something for everyone!
👉 Register here

🛍️ Wellington Artisan Craft Market
📍 Location: Taranaki Wharf, Te Wharewaka o Poneke
🕰️ Time: 10 AM - 3 PM
🖌️ Find locally crafted treasures and support artisans at this unique market.
🌐 Details: Event Link

🎉 Khandallah Pool 100th Birthday Garden Party
📍 Location: Khandallah Summer Pool, Wellington
📅 Date/Time: 11 AM – 3 PM

🌻Join the festivities at Khandallah Pool’s 100th birthday garden party! Dive into the summer vibes 🌞 with fun activities like outdoor games 🪁, music 🎵, a bomb competition 🌊, and spot prizes 🏆. Entry to the garden party is free, with charges for some food and activities.

✈️ Kāpiti Aero Club Open Day
Location: 25 Dakota Road, Paraparaumu, Kāpiti Coast
Time: From 10 AM
✈️ Explore aviation with trial flights, aircraft displays, and a family-friendly BBQ. A must for aviation enthusiasts!
🔗 Details

🌻 Hiwinui Sunflower Field – Open Days
📍 Location: Hiwinui Country Estate, 465 Ashhurst Road, Palmerston North
📅 Dates/Times: 10 AM – 5 PM

🌼 Stroll Among the Sunflowers! Explore a breathtaking 4.5-acre sunflower field, take stunning photos, and enjoy unique activities.
🎟️ Entry (cash only): $10 per adult (13+ years). Children 13 and under: FREE

🌿 Waikanae Lions Garden Trail 2025
📍 Location: Gardens Around Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast
📅 Dates/Times: Saturday, 25 January – Sunday, 26 January 2025, 10 AM – 5 PM

🌺 A Blooming Beautiful Weekend! Explore 12 stunning gardens on the Kāpiti Coast, featuring thoughtful landscape designs and hidden gems. 🎟️ Tickets: $34.05 for a weekend pass. Children under 15: Free with an adult
🔗 More Info: Waikanae Lions Garden Trail

💦 The Z Manu World Champs
📍 Location: Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, 63 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington
📅 Time: Saturday and Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

🌡️ WELLY WEATHER WATCH

Friday 24 Jan: 20°C 🌤️ Partly cloudy with a few morning showers.

Saturday 25 Jan: 22°C ⛅ Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the evening.

Sunday 26 Jan: 25°C 🌦️A few showers, mainly in the morning.

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That's all for this week Wellington! Remember to tag us in your weekend adventures using #WellyBuzz - we love seeing how you're making the most of our incredible city! 🌟

Ngā mihi nui,

Kirstie & Steve, Your local buzz-keepers 🐝

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