STAY
Located in the heart of Aotearoa’s capital, QT Wellington blurs the line between hotel and gallery. Every corner of this hotel hums with imagination – from striking contemporary artworks to playful design details that capture the city’s irreverent spirit. Overlooking the picturesque Wellington Harbour, my art-filled room provided the perfect base for a weekend of exploration, with Te Papa, Cuba Street, and the city’s top shopping and dining spots only a short stroll away.
I found myself torn between venturing out to explore the city and staying in to unwind amid the hotel’s luxurious touches — think Kevin Murphy amenities, indulgent baths, and the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. Because QT offers more than a place to stay; it’s a front-row seat to Wellington’s ever-evolving art and culture scene.
SHOP
A short stroll from QT leads you to Ghuznee Street, a lively pocket of cafés, galleries and design-led boutiques. Here, local favourites Twenty-Seven Names and Deadly Ponies sit alongside concept stores like Sully’s – a haven of sustainably curated fashion and homewares featuring Wynn Hamlyn, Penny Sage, Emma Jing and Eckhaus Latta. A few steps further, down a quiet courtyard, you’ll find Underlena — a beautifully intimate lingerie boutique showcasing its own line alongside other considered labels. Seeking the best vintage Wellington has to offer? Don’t miss Hunters & Collectors or Preloved Charlies.
PAMPER
For the ultimate Wellington pamper session, look no further than Buoy Salon & Spa. Crowned L’Oréal’s NZ Salon of the Year in 2024, the salon is known for combining creativity, expertise, and care for an experience that feels both luxurious and restorative. My recommendation? Treat yourself to an indulgent facial at the Spa before heading over to the salon for their signature Kérastase Scalp Rejuvenation Treatment. This personalised ritual begins with an in-depth K-Scan diagnosis, followed by a deep-cleansing scrub, nourishing scalp treatment, and relaxing massage.
Finished with a professional wash and blow wave, it’s a soothing escape tailored entirely to you – leaving your scalp refreshed and your hair glossier than ever. For one of the best blowouts of your life, book in with Orianne.
TO EXPERIENCE
The highlight of my trip to Wellington? Experiencing the World of WearableArt (WOW) for the first time. This year’s show, RISE, marked 20 years of WoW’s home in Wellington and from the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear why WOW has become such a global phenomenon. The stage transformed into a living gallery of imagination, where fashion meets theatre, dance, and storytelling in the most unexpected ways. Each garment told its own story, revealing the vision and ingenuity of designers from across the globe. You could feel the audience collectively holding its breath as aerialists soared, colours pulsed, and creativity unfolded in every direction. What struck me most was the scale – hundreds of artists, technicians, dancers, and creatives uniting to create pure magic.
WoW is not just a show, it’s a celebration of what happens when art, innovation, and sheer audacity collide. I’ll definitely be back next year.
