Grab your friends and whānau to enjoy a winter full of fun in Porirua
Winter in Porirua means fun events and festivals, museum hopping, stargazing, and meals enjoyed together.
Explore our great outdoors with trails to suit the whole whānau, or walk along the sand on one of our beautiful beaches.
The weather can get a little wild here but the good news is there’s plenty to keep the little ones busy with indoor activities too!
Winter events offer something for everyone
Our businesses are celebrated throughout Porirua Business Month in June, with free events to support, inspire and grow. On 8 June, celebrate our local businesses and get one-of-a-kind delights at our Love Local Expo, or grab a bargain at one of our local markets.
27 June - 7 July is Matariki; come and experience stunning light displays, tasty hāngi, craft days, or a banquet dinner with Aotearoa female vocalists - The Lady Killers.
During the July school holidays, bring tamariki to the City Centre Library Read Around the World school holiday programme, on 9 - 18 July. On the second Tuesday of each month, come and get crafty with Te Fale Vānanga – Porirua Library Craft Group.
August is for the foodies thanks to Wellington on a Plate. Sink your teeth into the delicious burger offerings of 11 of our local businesses during Burger Wellington, and get tickets to our IMAGINE + TASTE + CONNECT event on 15 August. On 18 and 25 August, and 7 September, come and cheer on the Wellington Lions when they play at Porirua Park.
During October, get ready to sip and snack your way through our city with the return of Choctoberfest Porirua. On 2 October at Te Rauparaha Arena, come show your support for the Silver Ferns as they take on the England Roses playing for the Taini Jamison Trophy. Basketball fans will rejoice as Tokomanawa Queens hit the court at the arena for the ultimate live game experience.
To check out the fantastic events around Porirua City, visit our events page or Facebook.
"Simply getting out with a warm coat, a hot chocolate and looking up at the stars is a privilege many people in cities around the world don't get to experience"
Local astrophotographer Frank Hopfler shares why he loves the wide expanse of our universe from Porirua's night skies.
"Porirua is a great destination for night sky photography as we're further away from the bright lights of Wellington City. Pāuatahanui, Titahi Bay, Pukerua Bay and Whitireia are popular spots for stargazing.
"Cloudless nights are the best for astrophotography, or during the new moon phase, or with no moon present, stars will be more visible, which is ideal to capture the Milky Way's galactic centre with various parts of Porirua in the foreground."
Sip, snack or feast your way around our city
Porirua has great options for a leisurely brunch, your favourite coffee, or a cheeky brew.
Check out the latest craft beer on tap at The Beer Engine in Titahi bay, or wander next door to t bay cafe for some Porirua-famous seafood chowder. Abandoned Brewery has an array of bevvies on tap; The Karaage Kid's tasty eats are the perfect match for your bevvy of choice.
Make the most of a fun day out when you come and play in our beautiful backyard. We’re spoilt for choice with food to love in Porirua.
Walks for all weather
Porirua has more than 100 km of walking tracks that traverse the coastline, bush, city, farmland, wetlands, and historic sites. Hitting the trails in winter is the perfect way to either warm up or catch that gorgeous but elusive sunshine.
Pick your pace and walk, run or bike your way around our city.
Catching the waves
Going into the water at this time of year is usually reserved for the most passionate water sports enthusiasts, but it makes for some excellent viewing.
On the more blustery days, you can spot kites and windsurfers making the most of the weather by zipping and flipping over and across the waves at Plimmerton Beach. These courageous beings with their colourful sails can make for spectacular viewing. It's also the perfect opportunity to pick up some fish and chips and watch the impressive display.
If you want to get out in the elements, why not check out one of our seven beaches in Porirua? Head our way for a mid-winter seaside refresher with kite and windsurfing or paddle boarding at Onehunga and Shelly Bay at Whitireia Park. Or head to Plimmerton to sail at Karehana Bay or walk and explore Pukerua Bay and Titahi Bay.
Things to do on a rainy day
We all know winter can throw crazy weather our way, but don’t worry, we’ve got loads of fun indoor options too.
Head to the pool, catch a movie at Pāuatahanui Light House, explore a museum or gallery, or take the little ones to burn off some energy at indoor amusement playgrounds where they can bounce and climb.
It's not just the littles that are spoilt for choice, with go-karting and ten-pin bowling, there's something for all ages. Or for some quieter indoor fun, check out the holiday programme at our libraries.
