[ w e l l i n g t o n ] m a k e s

spirited collaboration and close-knit experimentation

Close-knit, relaxed, and a little bit kookie, Wellingtonians are constantly fueled by fantastic coffee and inspired by the nature surrounding this quaint city. You might be surprised that in a city of only half a million you will simply never run out of cultural experiences ranging from museums, to music venues to self-organized events and salons. Maybe it’s something in the water (or the wind) but Kiwis describe the arts scene here as both supportive and inviting.

Get to know some of the people and spaces shaping wellington’s scene:

Place Makes

Kiwi Hops: a Conversation with Brewer, Jess Wolfgang

"It’s a beer that you can have for breakfast, when you’re hungover, when you’re celebrating, when you want a session—everyone loves the Kolsch. It’s just a beautiful style."

The band that has captured Wellington's funky, beautiful soul: Orchestra of Spheres

One band came up in almost every conversation we had with Wellington music lovers. This band embodies the relentless work ethic and experimental spirit we found characteristic of music artists in the city. That band is Orchestra of Spheres.

Gap Filler: Placemaking, Design, and Rebuilding in Christchurch

How Gap Filler co-founder, Coralie Winn, has transformed the urban landscape of post-earthquake Christchurch, New Zealand.

"All Bodies Welcome"

An introduction to Malia Johnson, the choreographer defining the dance and choreography landscape across New Zealand.

Mahuki: where entrepreneurial spirit and culture collide.

Sulu Fiti, Outreach Manager for Mahuki, on creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector.

Old Halls and New Sounds

As a rotating event series that features not only local music of all genre, but also visual art, dance and readings, Old Hall Gigs is a prime example of a theme of collaboration we heard about in our conversations across Wellington.

Meet Gussie of Mermaidens, the band taking Wellington by storm.

The alt-rocker discusses the band’s upcoming album, the Wellington music scene, and why you should never tell a band to smile on-stage.

Arobake, the shop fueling Wellington's carb cravings.

The delicate balance of exactness and constraints fuels the creativity in Max's baking. "One leads to another. If you're in a regimented thing and everything is organized, it frees you up to be creative … it's like scales musicians do.

The Dream of Roots: a Conversation with Kelly Spencer

Wellington-based Kelly Spencer on her latest piece in Lyttelton, her take on sense of place and roots, and on the joy and vulnerability of painting walls.

Want to experience it yourself?

All is takes is a long walk to feel it for yourself: start up along the Pollhill Reserve, down wacky Holloway Road, along the vintage shops on Cuba Street all the way to the harbor. And be sure to stop for a pastry and a long black along the way—there's always time for coffee in Wellington, New Zealand!