Wellington’s event line-up took centre stage throughout the summer months, delivering an estimated $15.9 million of visitor spend through its diverse programme of events.

Summertime calendar highlights including Jim Beam Homegrown, Māoriland Film Festival and Toast Martinborough drew impressive crowds, and sports action including BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS cricket matches and the NZ Breakers basketball game proved popular with local, out of region and international visitors.

Adding to the city’s vibrant arts and music scene were five sold-out comedy shows at the Michael Fowler Centre featuring Sarah Millican, Paul Smith, and Jack Whitehall, three sold-out Graham Norton shows, Groove Armada at TSB Arena, and the launch of the St James and Opera House theatre tours.

Between December 2024 and March 2025, Wellington hosted 72 events spanning major, regional and performance events, resulting in 211,686 people taking to the region over that period.

Heidi Morton, WellingtonNZ Events & Experiences General Manager, says: “Events bring vibrancy, liveliness and atmosphere to Wellington for both locals and visitors – and this summer was no exception. Featuring a fusion of sports, festivals, music and arts events in the calendar, there was something for everyone this season.

“These impressive results endorse the capital’s major events strategic framework delivered by WellingtonNZ, working in partnership with the events sector to maximise the economic, reputational and social outcomes to the region. The accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors have all seen a benefit from the breadth of events that have taken place over the last few months.”

Recent research figures have revealed that 90% of locals agreed that hosting events makes Wellington a great place to live.

“Events don’t just fill calendars – they ignite civic pride and bring communities together. Wellingtonians are strong supporters of our events schedule and it’s important that continues,” says Heidi.

While summer remains a key season, WellingtonNZ’s events teams recognise the broader impact of events and actively secure a vibrant, diverse line-up to keep the city’s calendar thriving year-round.

This autumn and winter, the city welcomes an eclectic schedule including NZ International Comedy Festival, Kia Mau Festival, a series of All Blacks and Black Ferns matches, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, Dracula’s: Sanctuary, and Mamma Mia - an exclusive to Wellington.

For more information about WellingtonNZ’s events programme or to secure tickets, visit www.wellingtonnz.com

Notes:

Wellington’s Major Events, Regional Events and Performance Events between December 2024 and March 2025 wrap-up estimated figures:

• 72 events in total hosted across the region
• 211,686 total attendance
• $15.9 million visitor spend
• 102,736 bed nights
• 88% average guest satisfaction

About WellingtonNZ:
WellingtonNZ’s purpose is to make the Wellington region thrive as a place to live, visit, study, work, do business, and invest.

The organisation’s mission is to create a thriving region for all; with more businesses succeeding and employing more people, more people participating in and attending events and experiences, and supporting more collaboration and engagement across the region.

WellingtonNZ supports businesses to build capability, attracting, hosting and investing in events, running civic venues, marketing and storytelling, and destination development.

The organisation receives funding from Wellington City Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Central Government, and a range of private sector partners.

© Scoop Media