First-timer’s guide to Wellington during WOW

An expert guide for the glamour gurus, sustainability saviours, foodie fanatics and wellness warriors heading to the capital for the World of WearableArt Show this spring

Image credit: WellingtonNZ

2025 marks 20 years that Wellington has been the proud host city of the World of WearableArt Show (WOW). As the country’s creative heart, the city continues to be the perfect backdrop for New Zealand’s world-class arena spectacle.

While many WOW attendees are long-time fans, the show continues to draw new audiences from across New Zealand and overseas to the capital, and has shown a unique slice of Wellington fashion, arts and culture to an audience of more than 925,000 who have attended since 2005. For some, exploring a city is all about self-discovery, while others appreciate some guidance from locals about how to maximise their time.

WellingtonNZ Events & Experiences General Manager, Heidi Morton, says that while WOW is the primary reason that many people are in town during the spring, there’s plenty more for visitors to experience, including seeking out the latest fashion finds.

“Wellington truly comes alive during WOW season, and it’s always fantastic to see people getting out and exploring all that the city has to offer. Whatever people’s preferences, whether here to shop, dine, socialise or relax – there’s something for everyone coming to the capital,” she says.

“A great benefit for first timers to WOW is that Wellington is compact and walkable, so it is easy to get around and discover our eclectic neighbourhoods and shopping districts that each offer something a little different to the next.”

WellingtonNZ has put together a short guide on how visitors can make the most of their time in Wellington.

Image credit: WellingtonNZ

For the glamour gurus

Wellington is known as the home of a curated range of brands from Aotearoa and beyond, with boutiques and flagship stores aplenty. Visitors can find wardrobe staples and special pieces, as well as curated collections and unique collaborations. Local designers, who are frequently working in their stores, can be found throughout the city, but particular fashion hotspots include Ghuznee Street and Victoria Street.

Kowtow (29 College St) offers modern women's and menswear in minimal silhouettes, and all of its products are made from renewable and sustainable fibres and ethical manufacturing. All pieces are designed in the Wellington workroom.

Mandatory Menswear (21 Ghuznee St) is perfect for those looking for crisply cut and high-quality local menswear with the modern New Zealand man in mind, while just down the road is twenty-seven names (27 Ghuznee St) with whimsical and fun womenswear in a spacious setting. Started by two best friends, the brand champions sustainability and ethical production.

Also on Wellington’s trendiest street, Sully’s (30 Ghuznee St) is the place to be for chic, independent women’s fashion. Wellingtonian Hannah Sullivan owns the cool and quirky boutique. Wanting to bring a slice of the global fashion scene to the capital, Hannah has handpicked all the brands stocked at Sully’s, with most of the labels small and independent.

Just down the road, Underlena (56A Ghuznee St) is a destination for beautiful and coveted lingerie with a personal touch. Shopping at Underlena is not your traditional retail experience – it’s open for two days a week as a walk-in shop to pop in, browse the racks, and get to know the products. On another two days, the shop is open by appointment only, and guests can come in for a private fitting, either by themselves or with friends, and find their perfect style and fit in a relaxed environment.

Yu Mei (85 Victoria St) creates luxury leather bags and accessories, with a focus on functionality and quality, and largely made from New Zealand-farmed deer nappa. Local Jessie Wong started the business in 2015 when she couldn’t find a bag that could fit everything she needed for a day. The brand’s home is just below its workshop.

Image credit: WellingtonNZ

For the sustainability saviours

The capital’s pre-loved shopping scene is as popular as ever, and visitors can relish the thrill of the hunt and shop the pre-loved collections of the city’s chicest residents. Discover curated op shops, consignment stores, and all-around treasure troves throughout the city.

Ziggurat (144 Cuba St) has been selling vintage treasures since the 1980s and sees a huge uptick in visitors during every WOW season as people look to expand their wardrobes with individualistic new pieces. The racks of dresses are a favourite, but every corner of the store offers some goodies to be found. The shop’s two sides offer curated vintage on one, and contemporary second-hand finds on the other.

After gathering a following selling second-hand fashion online, Preloved Charlies (120 Victoria St) owner Mikaela Venimore opened her first store in 2022. The light and airy space makes for a calming shopping experience - browse a selection of second-hand and pre-loved clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewellery. Much of the selection is from the 90s and early 2000s, and all lovingly handpicked by Mikaela herself.

Another Wellington institution is Hunters and Collectors (134 Cuba St), known it for its whimsical window displays and comprehensive selection of vintage fashion. The shop’s owner has a decades-long love for fashion, enabling her to seek out amazing finds - think Vivienne Westwood, Louboutin, Gucci, and Issey Miyake. There are also top Aotearoa designers like NOM*d, Zambesi, and Wynn Hamlyn.

Image credit: WellingtonNZ

For the foodie fanatics

In between looking out for new pieces to add to the wardrobe, visitors need to refuel. Offering both casual fare and high-end dining, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to food experiences. Brunch is taken seriously by Wellingtonians, as is evening dining at independently owned establishments.

For brunch, many can’t go past Loretta (18 Cuba St) with waffles, brown sugar porridge and wood-fired pizza. August Eatery (75 Taranaki St) is also a local fave, with a moody colour palette and an intriguing menu featuring tsoureki (a Greek brioche) and Istanbul eggs (made with Aleppo chilli butter). A newcomer is Volco (11 Egmont St), offering delicious savoury and sweet pastries and quality coffee.

For elevated waterfront dining, Shed 5 (3 Queens Wharf) has carved out a reputation as one of Wellington’s premier seafood restaurants. This harbourside establishment is all class and style, and the food is fresh, modern, and inspired by the sea. Asian-fusion restaurant Koji (12 Majoribanks St) makes a statement with bold flavours and exquisite wines in an intimate setting.

For a pre or post-show drink with great harbour views, the much-loved Foxglove (33 Queens Wharf) and Dockside (Shed 3/9 Queens Wharf) always delight.

Image credit: WellingtonNZ

For the wellness warriors

Nature thrives in Wellington – the city has growing biodiversity and outdoor experiences within easy reach. The wellness scene is evolving too, with new health and wellness businesses opening for people to get their relaxation fix.

The latest on the block is Numa Skin & Body Club (93 Customhouse Quay), offering a harmonious blend of infrared saunas, contrast therapy, and massage to support body, mind, and spirit. A firm favourite is Tory Urban Retreat (80 Tory St), with a large Finnish sauna ice plunge pool, flat pods, oxygen therapy and more. Space Studio (8 Lookout Rd) atop Mt Victoria offers calming yoga and meditation just a short walk from the city centre - a great way to start the day.

The 2025 WOW Show: RISE season runs from 18 September – 5 October at TSB Arena, with tickets on sale here.