
Kickstart the month of April with a range of exciting activities. From interactive festivals to comedy shows, outdoor adventures and more…there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Wellington. Here’s 16 of the best things to do this April 2023 in Wellington.
1. See the Carnival of Lights
From April 6 to 9, experience the magic of this epic lights festival over the Easter weekend. Explore illuminated and colourful light displays, enjoy live performances, a range of fun activities and even a fire and light show. Get tickets from $10 on Eventfinda. Learn more on the Carnival Of Lights website.
📍Brewtown, 23 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt, Wellington
2. Enjoy a chocolate high tea
On April 8 and 9, The Library is hosting a Chocolate Lovers High Tea in honour of Easter. From 12pm to 3pm, tuck into the best chocolate-inspired treats and unique cocktails from $60 per person. Book via The Library website.
📍1/53 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
3. Hop on an Easter egg hunt
There’s a number of Easter egg hunts taking place to mark Easter Sunday on April 9. For example, there’s a lovely Easter Egg Hunt happening in Aston Norwood Gardens from April 8 to 10.
📍Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Hot Cross Buns In Wellington
4. Laugh with Joanna McNalley
On April 12, the Irish stand-up comedian, writer and actress called Joanne McNally is on tour for her The Prosecco Express. Grab a ticket here. Certainly, one of the best things to do this April.
📍 The Opera House, Wellington
5. See hot air balloons
From April 6 to 10, Wairarapa Balloon Festival is happening for five days over the Easter break. Watch balloons over the skies over Masterton, Greytown, Martinborough, and Carterton, alongside entertainment, and even a cool Night Glow event.
📍 Various Locations
6. Indulge on all the chocolate
Why not enjoy the best chocolate in Wellington this season in honour of Easter. From award-winning chocolate fishes to hot chocolates, and more…pick one of the best chocolate shops to go this Easter.
📍 Various Locations
7. Go to a concert
Get ready for The 1975, the most famous English rock band, in Wellington on April 19. Formed in 2002, the group has gone on to impress music lovers globally, and are expected to perform a host of new tracks such as Being Funny In A Foreign Language, as well as all your old favourites like Happiness and I’m In Love With You, to name a few.
📍TSB Arena, Wellington
8. Learn about movie-making
Head to the world-famous Weta Workshop to learn about Oscar-winning work on Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. From bizarre costumes to mystical creatures, learn how physical effects were created and meet craftspeople, to name a few.
📍 21 Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
9. Explore Wellington’s history at a new exhibition
Te Whanganui-a-Tara is a huge new interactive exhibition exploring Wellington’s history and culture through a large-scale timeline, dating back to the Te Orokohanga. Developed with Wellington-based artists, creatives and scientists, it tells stories right up to the pandemic of today.
📍3 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
10. Relax at Wellington’s first champagne bar
The Champagneria is the first-ever champagne bar to open in Wellington. It specialises in a host of champagnes and sparkling wines from across the globe, alongside boozy brunches, high teas and more. Read all about it here. Certainly, one of the best things to do this month.
📍8 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
11. Go Glamping
As one of our favourite Wellington date ideas, it’s a fantastic thing to do. For example, Canopy Camping Escapes have an exclusive Wellington site. Boho Bach offers spectacular views in a beautiful and private setting – perfect for summer nights.
📍 Fortification Road, Karaka Bays, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
12. Embark on a night tour at Zealandia
Explore Zealandia sanctuary at night for the most surreal experience. Learn about unique species and New Zealand’s history from a guide and see plenty of rare and endangered species like tuatara and glow worms, to name a few.
📍 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
13. Get out your frustration at Sweet Axe
As one of our favourite date ideas, it’s also an excellent thing to do with a group. Certainly, a way to let out your anger, provoking endless laughter and interesting conversations.
📍60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
14. Drink at a funky new lounge
Auntie Social Lounge is a hot new 70s-inspired bar located at Newtown. It boasts New York jazz club vibes and exhibits a cosy interior, down a secret alley, with a beer garden. Plus, it serves delicious snacks and refreshing beverages, from cocktails to beers.
📍4 Rintoul Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
15. Admire the Paper Pals exhibition
Head to the Te Papa Museum to see local artist Ben Pearce’s exhibition. The sculpture features four giant origamis with a panda, baboon, pūkeko and pukeko. It’s free and will remain there until 2024.
📍55 Cable Street, Wellington, New Zealand
16. Hangout on a rooftop
Grab your mates for a few sessions in the sunshine at one of Wellington’s best rooftops. Luckily, we’ve already listed the best rooftop experiences in the city.
📍 Various Locations