THE CAPITAL IS CALLING

Welly puts the rest of the country to task when it comes to spectacular events over the summer months.

It’s the place you want to be for all things food, music, art, and so much more – the region is creative, thriving, and full of electric good vibes.

The capital is calling. Now, are you going to answer?

WELLINGTON ON A PLATE

There’s a seat for you at New Zealand’s biggest culinary celebration this October. From Kāpiti to the Wairarapa, Visa Wellington On a Plate has the best burgers, cocktails, dining and events on offer. Our picks this year are 1154 Pastaria’s ‘Mac N’ Steeze’ and Pickle & Pie’s ‘Denzien Double Double’. Eat, drink and be Welly.

1–31 October | visawoap.com

WOW – UP CLOSE

If you’re planning a summer trip to the capital, make sure you check out World of WearableArt – Up Close at Te Papa. This is your chance to see every detail of some of the most breath-taking garments from this iconic event. Explore the limitless creativity and jaw- dropping detail of the outfits and learn the unique stories behind the designs.

From 2 December | worldofwearableart.com

VAN GOGH ALIVE

The most illuminating and intriguing art exhibit to hit Wellington! Forget tiptoeing through silent galleries and imagine a whole new way of interacting with art. Vincent

van Gogh’s masterpieces come alive; more than 3,000 images, including his works The Starry Night and Sunflowers, all projected onto shipping containers at an enormous eight metre-high scale and synchronised to a powerful classical score.

Until 30 October | wellingtonnz.com

BEERVANA

Beer is no longer only a backyard BBQ brew! With brews from Whangarei to Invercargill, including lemongrass, lychees, and ‘Brettanomyces’ (Google it), it’s all brought together in one big beer hug, right in Wellington. From outrageous brewery displays to karaoke vans, mind-bending festival beers to crayfish cheese rolls, it’s a veritable wonderland for beer lovers! Come ride the frothy wave.

20–21 November | beervana.co.nz

TOAST MARTINBOROUGH

Best Sunday ever! Toast is the legendary Wairarapa wine festival across multiple vineyards offering wonderful wine, food, and music choices throughout the day. For the uninitiated, you simply select which vineyards you’d like to visit, hop on a shuttle or walk. Our tip: there’s plenty of travel options if you plan on sticking to Wellington accommodation.

15 November | toastmartinborough.co.nz

Unfortunately Toast is cancelled for 2020. As with all events we share, we urge readers to keep an eye out for current information online, as often circumstances change due COVID-19 and the current climate. - Editor

WELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL

Wellington Jazz Festival is a true celebration of the sounds and talents of Aotearoa as world- class music fills bars and eateries across the capital. The five-day festival presents fresh new music from the likes of Taite Music Prize- winning project Avantdale Bowling Club, as well as commissions from four talented Kiwi composers premiering new jazz works.

18–22 November | jazzfestival.nz

NOT TO BE MISSED

Coffee at Customs, on Ghuznee | The eclectic goods at Brown & Co. | Little Penang’s for Mi Goreng