Called the world’s “coolest little city” by VOGUE, Te Whanganui-a-Tarais known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class café and restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle.
You'll be hard pressed to find a city in the world that's easier to get around, which makes it ideal for getting between Festival events. Wellington enjoys more cafés, bars and restaurants per capita than New York City, so you can fuel your Festival experience with the tastiest local food, craft beers and wine. Come January 2026, Festival deals from many of them can be found here.
A creative, cosmopolitan city, Wellington combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village. It’s also loved by our visiting artists – who you’ll likely bump into on Cuba Street or wandering along our beautiful waterfront.