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Planning to attend the 2025 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show? It’s the perfect excuse for a creative weekend getaway in Wellington.

As locals who share your love of art and design, we’ve put together a few of our favourite places to stay, eat, shop and explore while you’re in town:

Sleep Among Gallery Walls

Based in the heart of the creative capital, QT Wellington is no ordinary hotel – it's home to New Zealand’s largest privately owned art collection. Immerse yourself in this quirky and creative hotel, with over 200-pieces of art – it’s a bit like sleeping in your own private art gallery. As a WOW partner, QT Wellington pulls out all the stops during the show season. Admire the incredible detail of a WOW garment up close in the foyer and indulge in themed food and drink.

Dine in Style

Wellington has no shortage of quality cuisine and award-winning restaurants to choose from. Kisa, on Cuba Street, is a favourite with locals, for good reason. The beautifully designed restaurant, whose interior won a Best Design Award, is large enough for groups to enjoy their shared Middle Eastern cuisine with a Turkish influence.

Across the road from the WOW Show, you’ll find Charley Noble. Housed in the historic Huddart Parker building, Charley Noble has become a Wellington institution over the last decade. Known for its wood-fire grill and rotisserie, their steak has been praised as “possibly the best steak I have ever eaten in any restaurant” by Martin Bosley.

You’ll also find yourself spoilt for choice for brunch options to start the day right. Housed in a hospitality space at the front of a heritage-listed church, you can't beat the Istanbul Eggs from August Eatery.

August Eatery, WellingtonNZ, Phoebe Mackenzie

Browse Beautiful Boutiques

Its compact size makes Te Whanaganui a Tara the perfect place for wandering around the shops. Independent stores like Tea Pea, Small Acorns and Vessel, sit alongside designer flagships such as Kowtow, Twenty-Seven Names, and Yu Mei. Bibliophile’s will delight in Unity Books, and beauty afficionados will be in heaven in Iris Store & Studio, Wellington Apothecary, and Abel Odor.

Explore Creative Streets

Colourful street art adorns Wellington buildings. Keep your eyes up and soak up the creativity as you wander, or plan a tour using this street map. As you stroll along the waterfront, keep an eye out for the Wellington Writers Walk. 23 typographical sculptures can be found dotted along the shoreline, each paying tribute to the city.

Cable Car Rainbow mural by Gina Kiel, WellingtonNZ, Phoebe Mackenzie

Visit Toi Art at Te Papa

Toi Art at Te Papa recently reopened with two floors of exciting new art. The exhibition includes a large number of works never before shown at Te Papa, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, works on paper, moving images, embroidery, installations, and even a video game.

Plan Your WOW Weekend

If a creative getaway is calling, now’s the time to clear your calendar, book your tickets, and start planning.