Grab your friends and whānau and enjoy a summer full of fun in Porirua.
Summer in Porirua means fun events and festivals, meals and drinks enjoyed al fresco.
Explore our great outdoors with trails to suit the whole whānau, and cooling off with a swim at one of our beautiful beaches. And although we live for those long hot sunny days, there’s plenty to keep the little ones busy with indoor activities too!
Teddy Bear's Picnic
The big day out for Teddies is here! You and your teddy bear are invited to join us for a family fun outdoors story-time and picnic. Bring along your teddy and enjoy a story told by children’s author Helen Vivienne Fletcher, with help from her playful Labrador, Bindi! There will be biscuits provided and book giveaways.
- Suitable for 2-8 year olds.
- This event is designed for parents/caregivers to enjoy with their little ones, so please no drop-offs.
Wednesday 22 March, Cannons Creek ｜ Thursday 23 March, Whitby｜Saturday 25 March, Pukerua Bay｜ Sunday 26 March, City Centre ｜Tuesday 28 March, Titahi Bay
Summer events offer something for everyone
From January, our parks come alive with footloose and fancy-free-play in Te Rauparaha Park and Ngati Toa Domain. There's a Teddy Bear’s Picnics and yoga. Plus, Battle Hill Farm Day, Eat, Drink & Be Crafty and community snorkel days are all back in Porirua this summer.
During Wellington Anniversary Weekend, great music is front and centre with the Summer Concert Series at Aotea Lagoon featuring The Blueprint, The Beatgirls, Shaun Preston, and The Shenanigans. Parking is available at the police college from 4.30pm before each concert.
Then gather your whānau to celebrate Waitangi Day at Te Rauparaha Park and Pātaka. There’ll be live music from Rob Ruha and more, tasty kai and lots of fun activities. You can even paddle a waka on Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.
Porirua City Libraries Imagine This! 2022-2023 festival programme will be back and run in-person this summer – the first time in three years we’ve been able to say that!
And all you sports lovers be sure to lock in the Bula Sevens at Porirua Park.
Check out the fantastic events happening around Porirua City, visit our events page or check out Facebook.
Sip, snack or feast your way around our city
Long days, sunshine and summer holidays mean outdoor dining is back on the menu, and Porirua has some great options for a leisurely brunch, cheeky brew or your favourite coffee. Make the most of a fun day out when you come and play in our beautiful backyard. We’re spoilt for choice for food to love in Porirua.
Cool off with a refreshing drink during the 2023 Cool As Challenge
For the first time in the competition’s history, 13 Porirua hospitality operators will be going to head-to-head with counterparts in the Hutt Valley to create their own limited edition signature summer refresher drinks for people to enjoy between 12 – 29 January 2023.
With more than 30 cold drinks across the three cities, you’ll be spoilt for choice! And you won’t be disappointed in Porirua’s diverse selection that includes a Mc Banoffface desert style drink from The Karaage Kid, a refreshing pink summer spritzer infused with rhubarb from Café Kaizen, and even a healthy, low carb, refined sugar free drink for those calorie counters from Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café.
Don’t forget to rate what you try using the QR code located in each café or on the Cool As Challenge website from 12 January. Also follow Discover Porirua on Facebook for your chance to win drink vouchers. The winners will be announced on 8 February.
Summer is the perfect time to explore our trails
Pick your pace and walk, run or bike your way around our city.
With hill-top climbs that reward you with views over the harbour and ocean, or gentle meanders around the water’s edge, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy.
Coming soon!
Snap your perfect selfie with one of our epic views using our brand new, gorgeous selfie stands designed by Ngāti Toa.
Life’s a beach
Enjoy coastal walks, safe swimming and rocky pools perfect for snorkelling and exploring.
Nature lovers can go bird spotting on meandering pathways through nature reserves, or just kick back and soak up the sun at one of our seven beaches. Grab some fish and chips and watch the sunset for a quintessential Kiwi experience.
Things to do on a rainy day
We all know summer can throw a few crazy weather days our way, but don’t worry, we’ve got loads of fun indoor options too.
Head to the pool, catch a movie, explore a museum or gallery, or take the little ones burn off some energy at indoor amusement playgrounds where they can bounce and climb.
We’ve got the older ones covered too with go-karting, ten-pin bowling or VR games. Or for some quieter indoor fun, check out our libraries holiday programme.
