Cultural Day
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Te Ahurea | Culture and Connection
Join us for a day exploring Wellington’s creative scene, libraries, and natural beauty. Choose your morning activity and afternoon adventure!
→ Sign up for Cultural Day events here ←
Can’t edit the wiki? Email organisers@kohacon.org and we will edit it for you.
Morning Activities (Choose One)
Option 1: Wētā Cave Tour
9:00am - 12:00pm | Behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Wētā Workshop
Experience the magic of Wētā Workshop, home to the creative minds behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and countless other films.
- Guided tour of movie props and behind-the-scenes exhibits
- Interactive experiences and photo opportunities
- Perfect for film lovers and Tolkien enthusiasts
- Cost: $57 NZD (make your own way) or $99 NZD (includes guided bus trip)
- Book directly with Wētā Workshop →
- Limited spaces available
Option 2: Te Papa & Wellington City Libraries Tour
9:00am - 11:30am | Guided tour of Wellington City Libraries and self-guided Te Papa visit
Explore two of Wellington’s premier cultural institutions with locals to help guide you there.
- Wellington City Libraries guided tour - discover innovative library spaces and services
- Library tour will take place 9:00am - 10:00am
- We can take 2 groups of 15 at the same time (maximum 30 participants)
- Te Papa Tongarewa (New Zealand’s National Museum) self-guided visit - explore Māori collections and New Zealand history at your own pace
- Free for New Zealanders - RSVP required for group coordination
- Note: Te Papa now charges entry fees for international visitors. Check Te Papa’s website for current pricing.
Midday: Craft Crawl
12:00pm - 3:30pm | Wellington’s craft beer scene
Explore Wellington’s vibrant craft beer culture with stops at three iconic venues:
- 12:00pm: Little Beer Quarter (Lunch available here)
- 1:30pm: Golding’s Free Dive & Garage Project Leeds St
- 3:00pm: Malthouse
Cost: Pay as you go for drinks at each venue. Lunch available at Little Beer Quarter.
Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure
12:00pm - 3:30pm | Self-guided activities (link up with others!)
Not interested in the craft crawl? Create your own Wellington experience! Suggested activities:
- Lunch at Karaka Café
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary
- Matiu / Somes Island
- Wellington City cultural walk
- Mount Victoria lookout walk
- National Library of New Zealand
- Cable Car & Botanic Gardens
- Carter Observatory
Cost: All at own expense. Note that some attractions have entry fees (e.g., Zealandia, Cable Car).
Evening: Cricket & BBQ in Eastbourne
5:30pm - 9:00pm | Cricket practice and barbecue at Eastbourne Sports & Services Club
Join us for a traditional Kiwi cricket experience and barbecue in the beautiful seaside suburb of Eastbourne!
Location: Eastbourne Sports & Services Club, 48 Tuatoru Street, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt 5013
The club is also a meeting place for the RSA (Returned Services Association). You will see some references to military service, mostly referring to WW1 and WW2. As a mark of respect, people take their hats off inside.
Meeting Points:
- 3:30pm: Malthouse (for those on the craft crawl)
- 4:00pm: Ferry terminal (for everyone else)
- Ferry departs: 4:30pm sharp
- 5:30pm: Meet at the club to get acquainted with a bat before team training starts at 6:00pm
Transport:
By Bus: Catch the 81 bus (preferred - faster route) or 83 bus to Eastbourne. Get off at Stop 9851 Muritai Road (near 247). Walk towards the ocean and you’ll see a large grass field - you’ve arrived! We’ll be outside if the weather’s fine, or inside if it’s wet. Fares apply - we recommend buying a Snapper card which you can use for other travels in Wellington.
By Ferry: Queens Wharf – Days Bay ferry service available if weather permits! Fares apply - book online or at terminal.
Activities:
- Cricket nets practice session led by Eastbourne Cricket Club - learn cricket from the experts! (equipment provided)
- Traditional Kiwi barbecue with sausages - free (both meat and vegan options)
- Full bar available (cash and card accepted)
- Scenic beachside setting with harbour views
Cost: BBQ sausages are free! Want more food options? The Eastbourne Sports & Services Club has a full menu available for purchase.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (Wellington can be windy!)
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and hat
- Camera
- Open mind and adventurous spirit
Registration
Cultural Day activities require separate registration. Please indicate which activities you plan to attend as soon as possible so we can coordinate group sizes and bookings.
→ Sign up for Cultural Day events here ←
Can’t edit the wiki? Email organisers@kohacon.org and we will edit it for you.
Contact and Enquiries
For questions about Cultural Day activities:
- Email: organisers@kohacon.org
He taonga te tangata - People are a treasure