With the temperatures dipping and the days getting shorter, are you ready for the upcoming autumn and winter season? From the iconic Wellington On A Plate food festival to the best wineries in Martinborough, here are the top activities to do in Wellington this autumn and winter.
EVENTS
Royal New Zealand Swan Lake
Performing in Wellington once again for the first time in 10 years, the Swan Lake by the Royal New Zealand Ballet team is a spectacle that all classical ballet lovers should not miss! From its distinctive tune and swan-like costumes to its intricate dance moves, the Swan Lake is a production that brings Tchaikovsky’s music to life. Performing for just 5 days in Wellington, don’t miss the chance to catch the spectacular show!
Date: 1 – 5 May 2024
Address: St James Theatre, 87/77 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Directions: 10 min walk from Naumi Wellington
Link: https://rnzb.org.nz/show/swan-lake
NZ International Comedy Festival
Laugh until your sides hurt at the NZ International Comedy Fest in Wellington! This annual comedy extravaganza is a comedic highlight, featuring the best of local and international talent. With over 120 show seasons and more than 750 performances, the festival boasts a lineup of around 200 comedians.
Spread across various venues in Auckland and Wellington, the festival offers a diverse range of high-quality live comedy, reflecting New Zealand’s diversity and multiculturalism. In Wellington, you can catch renowned comedians like Guy Montgomery—winner of the Fred Award in 2023, the Best Foods Comedy Gala 2024 hosted by Topp Prize winner Chris Parker, and the TikTok sensation Tom Cashman with his new show, ‘Everything’.
Date: 3 – 26 May 2024
Address: Multiple venues
Link: https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/
Visa Wellington On a Plate
Get ready to indulge in your gastronomic pleasures at Visa Wellington on a Plate, New Zealand’s largest food festival. Taking place for just one month in August, there are hundreds of events to choose from, including hands-on masterclasses and multi-course degustations centered around the theme of ‘Play With Your Food’.
Date: 1- 31 Aug 2024 | 5 – 25 Aug 2024 Burger Wellington
Address: Multiple venues
Link: https://visawoap.com/
day trips
Cape Palliser
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island home to immense scenic beauty and stunning sunsets. Dating back to as early as 1897, the Cape Palliser Lighthouse is a must-visit attraction at the promontory, with around 250 steps leading to it and perfect sea views.
The summer months from November to January are the breeding season for the fur seals, so make sure to catch a glimpse of the North Island’s largest fur seal colony! If you love a good roadside fish and chips, head over to the nearby Ngawi Village, a quirky fishing village home to the greatest ratio of tractors per population in the world. Feeling peckish? Visit the Captains Table Food Truck along Cape Palliser Road for delectable homemade burgers, ice cream and coffee.
Directions: 2.5 hr drive from Naumi Wellington
Address: Cape Palliser, 5772, New Zealand
Link: https://www.newzealand.com/sg/feature/cape-palliser/
Escarpment Track
The Escarpment Track is one of the most exciting tracks in New Zealand for thrillseekers. Stretching from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, this 9 km-long trek will test your courage, rising 220 metres above sea level and featuring more than 1,200 steep steps up challenging terrains. It’s often dubbed as New Zealand’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’
Needless to say, this track is not for the faint-hearted or those who are afraid of heights. Nevertheless, expansive sea vistas and breathtaking scenic views await you at the end of the track, where two majestic swing bridges suspended against a steep cliff overlook the Kāpiti coastline, making this the perfect photo stop to celebrate your achievement!
Directions: 40 min drive from Naumi Wellington
Address: State Highway 1, Paekākāriki 5034, New Zealand
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Total Distance: 9.1 km
Estimated Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Link: https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/trails/escarpment-track
Remutaka cycle trail
Tired of the long walks and mountain hikes? Hop on your bike and get ready to explore the wilderness and diverse landscapes of Aotearoa with the Remutaka Cycle Trail. Spanning a whopping 115 km across Petone, Lower Hutt and Wairarapa, this multi-day trail has something for everyone. From scenic landscapes and forested trails to quirky cafes and artsy streets, the Remutaka Cycle Trail takes you through a unique blend of scenery and history.
Starting from Petone, discover the allure of the railway relics, pitch-black tunnels and suspension bridge as you cruise through the four sections across 2 – 3 days. With options to detour into the Dowse Art Museum or the craft beer hub, Brewtown and other local wineries, you can set your own pace as you wander in nature’s delights and impressive views.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: As certain segments of the trail are highly exposed, there could be temporary track closures and detours along the trail. Please check the local advisory for the latest updates.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Intermediate
Address of Starting Point: Petone, Wellington
Route: Petone > Lower Hutt City > Upper Hutt City > Remutaka Rangers > South Wairarapa > South-east Coast
Distance: 115 km
Estimated Duration: 1 – 3 days
Link: https://www.wellingtonregionaltrails.com/trails/remutaka-cycle-trail/
martinborough wineries
Just over an hour’s drive from Wellington lies Martinborough, the most prominent of the three Wairarapa wine-making sub-regions. With a climate like Burgundy, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best Pinot Noirs, making it a bucket list destination for wine aficionados.
Although small in size, Martinborough is big in character; it is home to around 30 wineries, mostly family owned. The wineries are conveniently located within walking distance of Martinborough’s charming colonial town centre, providing an ideal oenophile getaway.
For a safe and enjoyable visit, remember not to drink and drive. There are ample public transportation options and taxis available from Wellington as well as tours offering transportation services.
Top 3 Wineries to visit in Martinborough for a day trip
Ata Rangi
Ata Rangi means “dawn sky” or “new beginning.” It embodies the deep connection of this family-owned organic winery to the land and its commitment to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the terroir of Martinborough. Founded in 1980, Ata Rangi started with humble beginnings, planting the first vines on a small sheep paddock on the outskirts of Martinborough Village. Today, Ata Rangi has earned a reputation as one of the foremost producers of Pinot Noir in the New World.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 11am & 2pm (Bookings Essential)
Address: 14 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough, New Zealand
Directions: 1.5 hours drive from Naumi Wellington
Link: https://atarangi.co.nz/
Palliser Estate
When others saw the land as suitable for grazing sheep, this 100% Kiwi-owned company said no: it’s an ideal place to produce award-winning Pinot Noir! Although some of the sheep have stayed, Palliser has been dedicated to sustainable wine production from the outset, driven by the belief that it’s the right thing to do.
Embracing Kaitiakitanga, the Maori concept of guardianship and protection of the earth, water and sky, Palliser was among the first wineries in New Zealand to adopt sustainable vineyard and winemaking practices in the early 1990s. While you’re there, be sure to stop by The Palliser Kitchen by Attilio, a restaurant offering seasonal produce-led Mediterranean-style platters that pairs perfectly with a glass of Pinot.
Opening hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily (Bookings Essential)
Address: 96 Kitchener Street, Martinborough, New Zealand
Directions: 1.5 hour drive from Naumi Wellington
Link: https://www.palliser.co.nz/
Schubert Wines
After graduating from university and working with renowned winemakers such as Erni Loosen of Dr. Loosen Estate in Germany, Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling embarked on a quest to find the perfect location to cultivate their passion: Pinot Noir.
Their journey led them through wine regions across Oregon, California, Australia, and Europe before finally acquiring 40 hectares of undeveloped land in Martinborough. Over the years, they carefully planted new vines, establishing the groundwork for what is now one of the finest certified organic Pinot Noirs produced in the region that’s recognised worldwide.
Opening hours: 11am – 3pm daily (Bookings Essential)
Address: 57 Cambridge Road, Martinborough, New Zealand
Directions: 1.5 hour drive from Naumi Wellington
Link: https://www.schubert.co.nz/
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