Here's how to make the most of 72 hours in Wellington, centred around the 2026 WOW Show: GLO!

Friday Night

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, begin by getting your bearings on Cuba Street, the creative heartbeat of the city. Boutiques, independent fashion labels, vintage stores, and street art combine in a way that feels entirely fitting for a WOW weekend. Browse, wander, and pick up something you won't find back home. Keep an eye out for the special offers available exclusively for WOW goers throughout the city.

"The special deals make having a special weekend very easy, and makes you feel like you get a lot of value out of the whole experience.” - WOW Fan

When it comes to dinner, you're spoilt for choice. Head to the Cuba Street precinct and surrounding laneways for an eclectic mix of options, from relaxed to elevated. You can’t go past Wellington’s recently crowned Michelin Star restaurants Ortega Fish Shack, Logan Brown and Jano Bistro. Some of the WOW team’s other favourites include Kisa for bold middle-eastern dishes, Ombra for venetian-inspired tapas, and 1154 Pastaria for delicious, fresh pasta.

Saturday

Wellington has a well-earned reputation as New Zealand's coffee capital and the barista culture here is competitive in the best way: roasteries, specialty cafés, and neighbourhood spots all vying to make your flat white the best you've ever had. If you like something more substantial to start your day, head to one of Wellington’s many brunch spots.  

From the city centre, take the historic Wellington Cable Car up to the Wellington Botanic Garden. The five-minute ride is a Wellington institution, and the views of the harbour from the top are spectacular. The Botanic Garden itself spreads across 25 hectares of native and exotic plantings so you can wander back down to the city.

Follow the waterfront round to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, stopping at the WOW sign for a photo. Named in the top 1% "Best of the Best attractions worldwide" in the TripAdvisor 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards, Te Papa is not your average museum. It tells the stories of Aotearoa through art, taonga, natural history, and culture. With over two million objects in their collection, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of hours there.

Then it’s time to start your WOW experience early with Taste of WOW. Hosted at the InterContinental Wellington, this is our new high tea and dining experience. Graze on an artful meal, enjoy live entertainment, and get up close with award-winning garments from previous shows. The dining experience ends forty-five minutes before the show, so you’ll have plenty of time to step across the road to the TSB Arena and soak up the pre-show entertainment.

The 2026 WOW Show: GLO! itself lasts approximately 100 minutes. During this time, you’ll be guided through six sections or ‘worlds’: Metallic, Open, Aotearoa, Avant-garde, Kinetic, and Bizarre Bra. You’ll see the most extraordinary wearable art garments from designers around the world presented in a full-scale theatrical production with lighting, music, cirque, and dance. It’s truly unlike anything else on earth!

Sunday

Indulge in another incredible coffee and brunch, before heading out to Wētā Workshop in Miramar. The world-famous creative studio offers movie magic tours which are fascinating for anyone who loves craft, making, or films.

Miramar is a short drive from the city and sits conveniently close to the airport for flying out.

By the time you're back at the gate, you'll already be thinking about next year's show.

Plan Your Visit

The 2026 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: GLO! opens on Wednesday 17 September and closes on Sunday 4 October. Shows are selling fast, so book today.

Learn more about the 2026 WOW Show: GLO! here, or book now.

Taste of WOW is WOW's new high tea and dining experience, hosted at InterContinental Wellington throughout the show season. Experience award-winning garments, roaming performance, and reimagined dining or high tea, steps from the show. Bookings are essential and can be made here.

Where to stay: QT Wellington offers an artful stay, a ten-minute walk along the waterfront from the WOW Show. Sojourn’s boutique apartments offer a sophisticated, yet relaxed stay in the heart of the city.

Getting there: Multiple airlines fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast to Wellington Airport, with flight times ranging from approximately three to four hours. Wellington's city centre is a short drive or bus ride from the airport.

More inspiration: WellingtonNZ and 100% Pure New Zealand have you covered with everything from hidden gems to practical tips.