Wellington On a Plate
A Foodie's Guide
In New Zealands Capital
The largest culinary festival in the Southern Hemisphere
Visa Wellington On a Plate is set to take over the capital for the month of August.
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and unleash your inner gourmand!
Visa Wellington On A Plate (WOAP) is back for its 16th year, transforming the capital city into a culinary playground for the entire month of August. This largest culinary festival in the Southern Hemisphere promises a smorgasbord of experiences, from playful interpretations of classic dishes to innovative multi-course feasts.
This year’s theme, “Play With Your Food,” encourages participating restaurants and event organisers to unleash their creativity. Expect interactive elements, unexpected flavour combinations, and a touch of whimsy across the hundreds of events on offer. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply enjoy a good meal, WOAP has something to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
Plan Your Festival Adventure: From Ticketed Degustations to Casual Bites
With around 100 events and nearly 200 Burger Wellington contenders, planning your WOAP experience is key. Festival event offerings fall into two categories: ticketed and non-ticketed events.
- Ticketed Events: These culinary adventures range from intimate masterclasses to elaborate multi-course degustations. Some events sell out quickly, so act fast to secure your spot at these exclusive experiences.
- Non-Ticketed Events: Looking for a more casual approach? Numerous non-ticketed events allow you to explore pop-up restaurants, indulge in themed menus, or sample creative delicacies at your own pace. These events are perfect for spontaneous exploration and a relaxed festival atmosphere.
Festival Highlights: A Taste of What Awaits
The sheer number of WOAP events can be overwhelming, so here’s a glimpse into some of the exciting offerings:
- Opening Night: Kick off the festivities with a trio of incredible pop-up events on Cuba Street. Ex-Noma chef Rosio Sanchez brings her world-famous tacos, while Garage Project hosts a Japanese-inspired Matsuri Madness party.
- Unlock Your Playful Side: From pro wrestling themed dinners to murder mystery meals, WOAP 2024 invites you to engage with your food in a playful way. Think bingo with bites, role-playing games, and food inspired by childhood memories.
- Welcome New Venues: The festival welcomes new restaurants to the fold, offering fresh experiences like “Food in Fiction” and “Taste of Play.”
- Cultural Crossovers: Experience the magic of culinary fusion with events that blend Chinese and Samoan, Filipino and Spanish, or Māori and Caribbean flavours.
- Burger Wellington: A Celebration of Patty Perfection No WOAP is complete without Burger Wellington! With nearly 200 entries, get ready to embark on a journey of creativity and flavour. This year’s burgers boast playful interpretations with board game themes, artistic presentations, and even glitter gravy! From venison and duck to plant-based options, there’s a burger for every palate.
Play with your food!
Culinary creativity on show
99
events
Visa Wellington On a Plate (WOAP) offers something to suit all budgets and tastes
197
burger entries
Visa Wellington On a Plate is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of culinary creativity and a love for good food.
Beyond Burgers: Unforgettable Culinary Experiences
While Burger Wellington is a highlight, WOAP offers so much more. Here are some exceptional events to consider:
- Fire and Stone: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience featuring whole cuts cooked over fire in a Nordic tipi at Stonehenge Aotearoa.
- Maumahara – Edible Nostalgia: Embark on a culinary journey through childhood memories with a six-course feast inspired by Māori and New Zealand flavours.
- Supersonique: Transform Concord into Concorde for a 220-minute journey replicating the experience of dining on the iconic supersonic passenger aircraft.