Get ready for some fun this December.
Whether you adore island adventures, beer festivals, Christmas festivals and other exciting activities, we’ve found something for everyone to get buzzed about in Wellington. Here are 23 things to do in Wellington this December.
1. Summerstock Beer Festival 2021
Celebrate your love for beer, by heading on a trail to drink exclusive beers, from December 1 to 5 in Wellington. 31 different Wellington venues are taking part such as One Fat Bird, Bebemos and Golding’s Free Dive, to name a few. There is a bus trail if you’d like to visit the venues outside the city. Likewise, collect stamps for each beer or food taste and you’re in with a chance of winning prizes.
📍 Various Locations
2. Korean Film Festival 2021
The people who brought us Netflix’s Hellbound and Squid Game are the ones to watch in the movie industry. On December 3 and 4, you’ll get the chance to see some groundbreaking work by Korean filmmakers. The event is free to attend and bookings are required via the Korean Embassy page.
📍 Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
3. Fruitcake: A Jolly Good Christmas Drag Show
On December 10 and 11, watch this festive and fun drag show that boasts award-winning performers. Each night promises a different experience featuring the likes of renowned comedian Pamela Hancock, Kelly Fornia the epic dancer, to name a few. Indeed, it’s just the theatre experience to get you in the fits of laughter.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington
4. Window Wonderland
Throughout the month of December, you can discover windows filled with Christmas cheer, Christmas art installations, an enchanting Lego display, Santa’s elves and more across the city centre.
📍 Various Locations
5. Christmas High Tea
On December 4, visit this cosy bar for this Christmas high tea. Indeed, you’ll be treated to a range of afternoon tea delights, desserts and drinks to get you in the festive mood. Tickets must be booked on The Library website.
📍 The Library Bar, 1/53 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
6. Brunches
There is nothing more satisfying than brunchin and munchin our way around town. Check out our latest list of the best summer brunches in Wellington.
7. The Cinema
Grab your partner or friend and head to your nearest movie theatre to catch some of the newest blockbusters on the big screen. Think Last Night In Soho, Eternals, Dune and more. Since the film industry was impacted heavenly during coronavirus, we think we ought to support them while they are operating.
📍 Various Locations
8. Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist
This iconic exhibition will be available to the public from December 18. It will celebrate over 40 years of works belonging to famous feminist artist, Rita Angus. Excitingly, the exhibition is free and you have until April 25 to take advantage of it. Additionally, you can book a special high tea package to immerse yourself in the world of Rita while on the tour.
📍 Te Papa Museum, 55 Cable Street, Wellington
9. Wine Tasting
Take a one hour road trip to the Martinborough Vineyard for a glorious day of wine tasting and chowing down on some fine New Zealand cuisine. You can learn about wine production, take bike rides through the centre, visit the world-famous Martinborough Hotel, all while appreciating some high-quality wine.
📍 89 Martins Road, Martinborough 5954, New Zealand
10. Hippopotamus High Tea Experience
Perched in the QT Wellington Hotel, you’ll find this restaurant and cocktail bar that caters world-famous and award-winning rotating high teas with a twist, in a swanky French fairytale setting. Read all about this unique High Tea experience here.
📍 90 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
11. Zealandia Night Tour
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. Certainly, one of the most epic things to do this November.
📍 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
12. The Arborist Rooftop Bar & Eatery
This spot just so happens to be one of the most romantic dining places to dine at in Wellington. With a lush green haven, where you can chillout on quirky furniture, order margaritas, and take in the spring sunset views…you’ll be in your element, regardless if your on a date, or just hanging with friends.
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📍 166 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
13. Instagrammable Food Hunt
Courtesy of Secret, check out the most instagrammable foods in Wellington, and embark on a foodie adventure.
📍 Various Locations
14. Picnic At Wellington Botanic Garden
Surrounded by lush greenery and plenty of florals, visit the Botanic Garden and dig into a delightful picnic. Go with friends in your bubble, or even grab a book, and go yourself for some relaxation in the Spring sun. Otherwise, check out our favourite picnic areas in Wellington.
📍 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
15. Carlucci Land
Enjoy a day out this season with a unique outdoor game of mini golf or paintballing in this junk yard setting. While you navigate the 18 hole course, admire the bizarre nature sculptures and art installations, that spiral around trees and hidden passages. Likewise, you’ll discover huge metallic snakes, spiders, and other creatures. Indeed, one of the best things to do this month in Wellington.
📍 281 Happy Valley Road, Ōwhiro Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand
16. Outdoor Pools
Summer is an excellent time to relax at outdoor pools in Wellington. Check the Wellington Governments List of what pools are operating during restrictions.
📍 Various Locations
17. Xcape Wellington
An escape room experience is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping for the weekend. With only 60 minutes to escape, you must try and unlock the keys by solving puzzles and riddles in a room with your team. If you’ve never done an escape room before, now is your time.
📍 69 Pharazyn Street, Melling, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
18. Te Papa Museum
Avail of many once-in-a-life opportunities to see world-famous art collections. For example, Surrealist masterpieces of artwork on lend from Rotterdam’s Museum, with works by Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp, just to name a few. Additionally, you have one last chance to see the insta-worthy The Web Of Time showcase. Read all about it here.
📍 Te Papa Museum, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
19. Weta Workshop
From bizarre costumes to mystical creatures, you’ll learn how physical effects of major TV and film masterpieces were created at this studio tour. In a unique universe, you’ll meet iconic craftspeople and more. Weta Workshop is best known for its Oscar-winning work on Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. For more information, visit Weta Workshop.
📍 21 Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
20. Hannahs Laneway
If you are a dedicated foodie, you will absolutely love the world’s tastiest hidden laneway – Hannahs Laneway. They’ve got wonderful deals, where you can satisfy your sweet cravings by eating peanut butter at the quirky peanut butter shop, or eat delicious renowned salted caramel cookies at Leeds Street Bakery, and lots more. It’s a fantastic November activity.
📍 14 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
21. Shared Platters
What better time to dive into yummy shared platters with your loved ones than the festive season. The excellent weather makes it a great time to order one of the best shared platters in Wellington.
22. Kapiti Island
Take the ferry to Kapiti Island and explore one of New Zealand’s oldest tranquil nature reserves. Once there, immerse yourself in natural wonders by trekking through the forest or climbing the 521 m peak for stunning views. Kids and adults can even get up close and personal with rare majestic birds such as hihi, kaka and more. Get booking via Kapiti Island Nature Tours.
23. Ice Cream
Cool down with an ice cream this month by visiting one of the best ice cream shops in Wellington.
📍 Various Locations