🐝 WellyBuzz – What's On in Wellington This Weekend | 7 Feb - 9 Feb 2025

Good morning Wellington 🚀

Your Friday fix of history, hidden gems & the hottest weekend happenings is here! Whether you're gearing up for an adventure, planning a cozy café stop, or just here for the banter, we’ve got you covered!

☕ So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get buzzing! 🐝

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz:
✅ Time Machine: When Wellington’s Trams Terrified Horses 🏇
✅ Local Legends: Meet the Cyclists' Coffee Haven & a Bookshop with a Story 📚
✅ Extra Sprinkles: Supporting Wellington Free Ambulance 🚑
✅ Events: 20+ things to do this weekend, from live music to medieval markets 🎪
✅ Weather: Spoiler — it’s looking pretty sweet! ☀️

🕰️ Time Machine: Wellington’s Steamy Affair with Trams

In 1878, Wellington introduced the Southern Hemisphere’s first steam-tram service, a major step toward modern transport. The trams, powered by small steam engines, ran from Lambton Quay to Adelaide Road, but they quickly proved unpopular. The noisy, soot-producing engines frightened horses, caused frequent breakdowns, and led to several collisions with carts. Facing public frustration and financial struggles, the Wellington City Tramways Company shut down in 1879, and by 1882, horse-drawn trams had replaced steam-powered ones.

In 1900, the Wellington City Corporation took control of the tram system, and by 1904, electric trams were introduced, offering a cleaner and more reliable alternative. These remained in service until 1964, when buses and cars took over. While electric trams are now a part of Wellington’s history, their impact on shaping the city’s transport system remains significant.

🌟 Local Legends: Wellington's Hidden Gems

🚲 Bicycle Junction - Where Coffee Meets Chain Grease! ☕ (1 Marion St, Te Aro)
More than just a bike shop, this cycling hub is the beating heart of Wellington’s biking community. Whether you’re fixing a puncture, sipping one of their stellar flat whites, or swapping cycling hacks with fellow riders, owner Dan Mikkelsen has created a space where two wheels = happiness. 🔗 More info: bicyclejunction.co.nz

📖 The Ferret Bookshop - Where Books Find You! 📚(175 Cuba St)
This beloved secondhand bookstore has been "ferreting out" literary treasures since 1979. No real ferrets, just shelves packed with rare finds, classics, and quirky collectibles. Whether you're hunting for a first edition or just browsing for something unexpected, this is a must-visit for book lovers.

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Wellington Free Ambulance: A Lifeline for Our Community

Since 1927, they’ve been the sole emergency ambulance service in the Greater Wellington and Wairarapa regions, providing free medical assistance to those in need. Their dedicated team of professionals and volunteers responds to a significant number of emergencies annually, ensuring timely care for the community.

🚑 Wellington Free Ambulance saves lives – but they need our help! Donate or volunteer today: wfa.org.nz

🎉 Weekend Events

🔥 Friday, 7 Feb – Kick Off the Weekend Right!

🎶 Arjuna Oakes – Live at Parrotdog Bar
The London-based artist returns home for a special one-night-only gig featuring fresh new music and special guest appearances!
📍 Parrotdog Bar, Wellington

🛍️ Stitch Fashion & Art Pop-Up – Greytown
Shop last-season fashion at crazy discounts and browse local art while sipping on bubbly. First 20 RSVPs get a $60 goodie bag!
📍 Greytown Art Gallery | 🎟️ Free Entry

🪓 Axtion Packed Friday Fling – Sweet Axe Throwing Co.
Friday night axe-throwing? Yes please! 🔥 Bring your crew for epic battles, good vibes, and unforgettable fun!
📍 Te Aro, Wellington | 🎟️ From $55

🎸 Lisa Tomlins & Wade Reeve – Live in Upper Hutt
One of NZ’s most versatile vocalists takes the stage for a night of soul, groove, and exceptional musicianship.
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt | Entry by Koha

📚 Storytime with Fairy Helen & Bindi
Bring the tamariki for a magical morning of storytelling with Fairy Helen and her adorable assistance dog Bindi! 🧚🐶
📍 The Children's Bookshop, Kilbirnie | Free Entry

😂 Airhorn! Comedic Carnage – Newtown Community Centre
This wild comedy night is packed with award-winning comedians, outrageous antics, and surprises. Tickets will sell fast!
📍 Newtown Community Centre | 🎟️ From $20

🔥 Saturday, 8 Feb – Weekend Vibes!

🤼 Valiant Pro Wrestling: Live at The 162
Get ready for hard-hitting action, epic rivalries, and jaw-dropping moves as NZ's top wrestlers take over The 162! Featuring NZ All Star Wrestling Champion “The Beast” Jade Priest defending his title, plus tag-team battles and a HUGE surprise!
📍 The 162, Lower Hutt | 🕔 5:30pm - 8:00pm | 🎟️ From $10

🌺 Wellington Pasifika Festival – Celebrate Pacific Cultures!
Enjoy a vibrant celebration of Pacific culture with live performances, food stalls, cultural activities, and a Kids' Zone! Experience the rich heritage of Aotearoa’s Pasifika communities.
📍 Waitangi Park, Wellington | 🕛 12:00pm - 6:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🐉 Chinese New Year for Children – Lower Hutt
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a fun-packed family festival! 🎨 Lion dances, fan painting, toddler activities, and a huge lucky draw – plus delicious Chinese food delights!
📍 Lower Hutt War Memorial Library | 🕤 9:30am - 2:30pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs Melbourne Victory – Ninja A-League
It’s game day! Support the Nix as they battle Melbourne Victory at their new home in Porirua Park. This one’s gonna be massive — bring the whānau and get behind the team!
📍 Trust Porirua Park | 🕒 3:00pm - 7:00pm | 🎟️ Tickets Available

🎆 Lunar New Year at Kai Tahi – Porirua
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with lion dancing, live performances, activities, and a food market! A joyful cultural experience for all ages.
📍 Kai Tahi, Porirua | 🕥 10:30am - 2:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🌸 Begonia Flower Show – Lower Hutt
Love flowers? Immerse yourself in a stunning display of begonias at this annual floral showcase.
📍 Walter Nash Centre, Taita | 🕛 12:00pm - 4:00pm (continues Sunday) | 🎟️ $3 Door Sales Only

🛍️ The Unlost Village Market – Wairarapa
A vibrant travelling market featuring mini hot rods, artisan stalls, silver crafts, leather goods, circus toys, food, and live music! Expect fun for all ages with heaps of free activities!
📍 Carrington Park, Carterton | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🎸 Linkin Park Tribute Night – San Fran Bathhouse
🔥 Hybrid Theory turns 25! Celebrate with a massive night of Linkin Park, Nu Metal, and Alt Rock! Expect Korn, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine, and more!
📍 San Fran, Wellington | 🕚 Doors at 11PM | 🎟️ Tickets Available

⚔️ Medieval Market – Levin
Hear ye, hear ye! Step into the past at this legendary medieval market featuring knights, chainmail-clad warriors, sword fights, and themed craft stalls!
📍 Levin, 33 Victoria Street | 🎟️ Cash Entry at Gate

🎪 Gypsy Fair – Palmerston North
Experience the legendary travelling Gypsy Fair – live music, food stalls, house trucks, blacksmith demos, and heaps of entertainment!
📍 Railway Land Park, Palmerston North | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🏊‍♂️ Wainuiomata Pool Party – Family Fun Night!
💦 Inflatable obstacle course | 🎟️ Free slide passes | 🌭 Sausage sizzle | 🎁 Prizes & giveaways! Bring the whānau for an awesome community pool party!
📍 Wainuiomata Swimming Pools | 🕕 6:00pm - 8:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🔥 Sunday, 9 Feb – End Your Weekend with a Bang!

🚗 British & European Car Day – Classic Car Heaven!
A dream day for car lovers! 🚘 Vintage British & European cars, motorcycles, food stalls, music, and family fun – all while supporting Wellington Free Ambulance.
📍 Trentham Memorial Park, Upper Hutt | 🕙 10:00am - 3:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🛍️ Ngaio Village Market – Shop, Eat, Explore!
Wellington’s local shopping paradise is back with fresh flowers, jewellery, homeware, handmade gifts, and artisan treats!
📍 Ngaio Town Hall, Wellington | 🕙 10:00am - 3:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

📖 Route 52 – Book Launch & Author Talk
Join author Simon Burt for an insightful chat about his travels down NZ’s Route 52 – exploring isolation, small-town stories, and history with journalist Karl du Fresne.
📍 Carterton Community Courthouse | 🕓 4:00pm - 5:30pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🌊 Waikanae Beach Indoor Market – Valentine’s Treasures
With handmade gifts, olive oils, honey, and woodwork, this coastal market is the perfect place to shop for your Valentine!
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall | 🕙 10:00am - 1:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🍷 Summer Sunday Sessions – Live Music & Wine
Unwind with live music, wine, and delicious food platters at the Margrain Vineyard in Martinborough. Perfect summer vibes!
📍 The Vineyard Cafe, Martinborough | 🕑 2:00pm - 5:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🎨 Ōtaki Craft Market – Handmade & Local Goodies
From art, candles, antiques, collectables, and delicious food, Ōtaki’s outdoor market is a Sunday must-visit!
📍 Ōtaki Market, Kapiti Coast | 🕙 10:00am - 2:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🧶 Knitorious Lulu & The Stitch Up Crew – Social Knitting!
Join Lulu & Wellington’s top knitting crew for a relaxed stitch-and-chat session at the Wellington Museum. Bring your own materials & get creative!
📍 Wellington Museum, Queens Wharf | 🕐 1:00pm - 3:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🥢 Lunar New Year Prosperity Dinner – Malaysian Feast!
Enjoy a 12-course Chinese New Year banquet at Dragons Restaurant – featuring a traditional lion dance, lucky draws, and Prosperity Salad tossing!
📍 Dragons Restaurant, Wellington | 🕡 6:30pm | 🎟️ $58 Adults / $42 Kids

💃 Bailamos Bachata – Latin Dance Party!
Get ready for Wellington’s ultimate bachata & salsa night with a free beginners’ lesson before the social kicks off!
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar | 🕕 6:00pm - 9:00pm | 🎟️ FREE ENTRY (Support the bar!)

🌻 Hiwinui Sunflower Field – Photo-Worthy & PYO Flowers!
Stroll through a 4.5-acre sunflower paradise, snap some stunning photos, and pick your own blooms – with proceeds going to Arohanui Hospice.
📍 Hiwinui, Palmerston North | 🕙 10:00am - 5:00pm | 🎟️ $10 Adults, Kids FREE

🏍️ Admiral Hill Trail Bike Ride – Off-Road Adventure!
For thrill-seekers! Ride across three stunning farms in Carterton with a kids' track and challenging loops.
📍 Longbush Road, Carterton | 🕗 8:00am Sign-in, 10:00am Ride Start | 🎟️ $40 Adults, $20 Juniors (CASH ONLY)

🌡️ Welly Weather Watch

Its shaping up as a great weekend on the weather front. Enjoy!!

☀️ Friday: Fine, 19°C – Perfect flat white weather. ☕
☀️ Saturday: 23°C - A little wind, but nothing a good hair tie can’t fix! 💨
☀️ Sunday: Another warm one at 23°C. – Sunscreen up & get outside! ☀️

Enjoy your weekend Wellington! Whether you're hitting the Pasifika Festival, wrestling rings, or just curling up with a book from The Ferret, make it a great one.

Got a tip, a cool local event, or a hidden gem we should feature? Reply to this email or tag us on 📸 Instagram (WellyBuzz) & 📘 Facebook — we love hearing from you!

📬 Stay buzzing, Welly!
Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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