CONTENTs
- ABOUT VISA WELLINGTON ON A PLATE 2025
- 2025 THEME
- KEY DATES
- VWOAP BY NUMBERS
- PRESS APPROVED IMAGES AND QUERIES
- 2025 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- BURGER WELLINGTON
- MORE INFO
About Visa Wellington On a Plate 2025
Visa Wellington On a Plate (VWOAP) is the southern hemisphere’s biggest and boldest culinary festival. Running from 1–31 August 2025, the 17th edition of VWOAP showcases the best of the Wellington region’s hospitality and producers.
From burgers and cocktails to chef collaborations and immersive experiences. The 2025 programme serves up over 100 love-themed events and around 200 burgers for the ever-popular Burger Wellington.
The festival will run from 1-31 August with more than 100 events across some of the region’s most iconic venues.
From 4-24 August, Burger Wellington is in full swing. This is the ultimate battle of the burgers, with over 200 burgers in the mix, and public votes will once again help determine the winner.
Visa Wellington On a Plate is brought to you by the Wellington Culinary Events Trust, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Wellington’s local hospitality industry.
Food is Love
The 2025 theme ‘Food is Love’ pays tribute to the joy of connecting over kai and the capital’s vibrant, resilient hospitality scene. VWOAP 2025 is an opportunity to share a great meal, support local hospitality, and enjoy the best of Wellington.
Visa Wellington on a Plate Festival Director Beth Brash says this year’s theme was chosen as a love letter to Wellington and the ability of food to bring us together.
“Food is the way so many of us express love, through memorable meals, traditional family recipes handed down through the generations, or a meal shared with friends.”
“There’s no doubt Wellington has been doing it tough. We want August to feel like one big love letter to the city and the incredible people who call it home – and there’s an event or burger to suit every budget and every taste. We want to celebrate this vibrant city and shine a light on the spirit of community and collaboration woven into our hospitality sector.”
KEY 2025 DATES
Keep up to date with all the VWOAP happenings! Click on the events below to add them to your Google Calendar.
- Wed 11 Jun: Festival Programme Live
- Mon 23–Wed 25 Jun: Visa Pre-Sale
- Fri 27 Jun: General Ticket Release
- Fri 1 Aug: Visa Wellington On a Plate begins
- Mon 4 Aug: Burger Wellington begins
- Sun 24 Aug: Final day of Burger Wellington 2025 and last day to Rate and Win
- Sun 31 Aug: Final day of Visa Wellington On a Plate 2025
- Mon 1 Sep: Festival Awards announced
VISA WELLINGTON ON A PLATE BY THE NUMBERS
- Over 100,000 tickets have been sold for almost 1,700 events since VWOAP started in 2009
- Over 17 years, we've hosted 100+ national and international chefs
- Almost 2.2 million burgers have been consumed as part of Burger Wellington
- More than 950 Wellington venues have participated since 2009
- In 2024 VWOAP generated around $8 million in direct spending on ticketed events, pop-ups and burgers
Press Approved Images and Queries
For any media enquiries please contact:
Hannah Palframan
Thorn PR | Email: hannah@thornpr.co.nz | Phone: +64 20 4100 9362
Jacinda Thorn
Thorn PR | Email: jacinda@thornpr.co.nz | Phone: +61 43 062 0616
Eleanor Stewart
Wellington Culinary Events Trust | Email: eleanor@wellingtononaplate.com | Phone: +64 21 558 937
2025 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
With over 100 events and over 200 burgers, there is something for every taste and every budget. Here are just some of the highlight events to get your tastebuds going.
WELLINGTON ON A GOOD NIGHT
Sky Stadium | Fri 1 Aug, 6pm-late; Sat 2 Aug, 5.30pm-late
Step into a different side of Wellington's Sky Stadium for a unique shared dining experience, brought to you by Food By Fire and talented chefs from around the globe! Forget the usual stadium atmosphere and gather with friends for a delicious four-course meal, designed for sharing and cooked over fire for a rich, communal experience.
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere on the pitch. This is more than just a meal; it's a chance to connect over fantastic food, passionately prepared with Food By Fire's signature style and the exciting techniques promising a truly good night out together in Wellington.
28 HongKong St. Bar Takeover
Dee's Place | Fri 1 Aug, 6pm-late
28 HongKong Street isn’t just a bar – it’s a legend. Widely credited with sparking Singapore’s modern cocktail revolution, 28 HongKong Street will bring their signature style, swagger and world-renowned service to Dee’s Place in Wellington.
With a sharp focus on artisanal spirits and American-style craft cocktails, 28 HongKong Street helped put Singapore on the global cocktail map. Since opening in late 2023, Dee’s Place has redefined Wellington’s bar scene. These two powerhouses will come together for a free-entry, one-night-only international bar takeover. Guests can expect bold flavours, delicious cocktails and hospitality on another level, with drinks from 28’s current menu as well as bespoke creations designed just for the night.
With thanks to our International Chef Collab partner, Singapore Airlines.
MARRY ME
The Library | Sat 2 Aug, 1-5pm
The Library Bar invites you to the most outrageous wedding party of the year. A full-blown, no-holds-barred celebration where everyone’s invited, no RSVP is needed, and the only commitment required is to have fun.
Step into a transformed venue, where a faux chapel and reception hall await, complete with a glittering altar, a Polaroid photo booth, and an MC hosting fake vow renewals. Whether it’s an exchange of vows or a dance-off, the energy will be contagious, as the DJ or live band sets the mood for an unforgettable wedding reception. Enjoy fantastic food, expertly crafted cocktails, and a celebration of love, laughter, and letting loose.
Love At First Bite: 100% Kylie
Australian High Commision | Thurs 14–Fri 15 Aug, 6-9.30pm
Experience the ultimate Kylie Minogue tribute event! Enjoy a 3-course meal, performances by Lucy Holmes, and Aussie wine pairings as The Australian High Commission is transformed into a Kylie-themed venue 'Especially for You'.
Lucy Holmes (100% Kylie) is a professional impersonator endorsed by Kylie Minogue as the ‘Best Kylie Act in the world’ from Melbourne, Australia and in Wellington for two nights only, don't miss out!
LOVE IN SCENT
WORLD Wellington | 19-21 Aug, 6-7.30pm
Join fragrance aficionado Benny Castles for an immersive journey into the WORLD of love, told through the art of scent. In this exclusive olfactive experience, indulge in small bites and sip on a glass (or three!) of something delightful, as you explore the emotional power of fragrance.
Over the course of the evening, you’ll sample up to twelve unique fragrances, each one tied to a captivating love story that inspired its creation. Learn the intimate tales behind these scents and discover how they evoke the passions and emotions that shape our experiences of love.
DRAGONS IS MY USO 2
Dragons Chinese Restaurant | Fri 22 Aug, 5.30-7.30pm and 7.30-10pm
This 2024 festival favourite event returns as Chef Jessica Tang and legendary home chefs Litia Lefaoseu and Lutita Mallon once again draw on the century-long fusion of Chinese and Samoan cuisine.
Through cooking and sharing food together, the chefs honour their culinary heritage, exploring new dishes that highlight culinary staples such as taro, noodles, rice, fish, and pork. Dragons is My Uso was one of the sell-out hits of the 2024 festival - don't miss out!
96 ORIGINALS
Logan Brown Restaurant | Fri 29 Aug, 12-3pm
Indulge in culinary nostalgia at Logan Brown's 25th anniversary lunch with founders and top chefs. Join Steve Logan and Shaun Clouston, alongside members of the original Logan Brown team for a special afternoon filled with fantastic kai and plenty of memories.
When the doors of Logan Brown first opened in 1996, it quickly became one of Wellington’s most beloved dining destinations. This unforgettable event offers a chance to reminisce with the chefs who helped shape the restaurant’s legacy. This is more than just a lunch - it’s a celebration of the friendships, milestones, and moments that have defined one of New Zealand’s most iconic dining experiences. Expect a menu that reflects Logan Brown’s rich history, prepared with passion and paired with great conversation, laughter, and a few tall tales.
LE PETIT CHEF
Intercontinental Hotel Wellington | 1-31 Aug, 6.30-8.30pm (check website for specific dates)
Experience Le Petit Chef’s culinary magic for the first time in New Zealand! A 3D-animated adventure awaits, bringing your dinner to life in a mesmerising journey... International sensation, Le Petit Chef will transport you to his animated world as you follow his quest to gather the finest ingredients and witness the expert preparation of your exquisite dinner in an immersive visual mapping experience. Le Petit Chef has captivated people around the world and is set for its first exclusive season in Aotearoa.
Indian Street Eats
Rogue & Vagabond | Fri 1 Aug, 4-8pm
Indian Street Eats is a one-night-only collaboration between Masque’s Chef Varun Totlani and One80’s Chef Chetan Pangam, popping up at the Rogue & Vagabond.
This laid-back walk-up evening brings the bold, vibrant spirit of Indian street food to Wellington, elevated with a touch of flair and finesse. Expect a cosy, high-energy vibe with Bollywood beats, finger-licking food, and good times flowing all night. Drinks will be available from the Rogue & Vagabond bar team, making it the perfect mix of flavour and fun. You’ll also have the chance to meet the chefs and hear the stories behind the food. No bookings required, just show up hungry.
With thanks to our International Chef Collab partner, Singapore Airlines.
BURGER WELLINGTON
New Zealand’s biggest celebration of burgers remains as popular as ever, with over 200 burgers to try in 2025. This year, Wellington region’s restaurants are exploring the idea of love through their culinary creations. Each event, burger, and experience has a story to tell – and it's your turn to taste — and rate — them!
With proteins as varied as venison, duck, and plant-based options there’s something for everyone. All burgers are priced between $10 and $39 this year, making Visa Wellington On a Plate even more accessible.
Last year, One80 Restaurant took out the first-ever back-to-back Burger Wellington win with their 2024 burger, 'Nawabi Galouti' (right) which followed their 2023 crown burger, the ‘Goan Chicken Ros Pao’ (left). The 'Nawabi Galouti' featured lamb three ways, ghee, coriander, Zany Zeus mint labneh, and chicory in a Clareville Bakery croissant bun, with gunpowder podi fries.
2025 BURGER WELLINGTON SNAPSHOT
Check out what's in these burgers and more on our website–live from 11 June!
Velvet Kiss by The Library ($15): Vegan cream cheese ice cream patty, with dairy-free chocolate cheese and Biscoff sauce in a Dough Bakery vegan red velvet brioche bun.
Meat-Cute by QT Wellington ($29): French-fried chicken, with lettuce, Le Marché Français raclette cheese, candied bacon, caramelised onion, sliced dill gherkins, hash brown and herb aioli in a Brezelmania milk bun, with straight-cut fries.
The Love Stack by The Old Bailey ($30): Beetroot and beef patty, with haloumi cheese, crispy onion rings, cos lettuce, tomato, cucumber pickle, pesto and beetroot relish in a Brezelmania bun, with fries. Vegetarian alternative: Beef patty replaced with a vegetarian patty.
Dip Me Baby One More Time by Hey Coastie ($32): Double M&M Master Butcher beef and kimchi smash patties with cheese, pickles, lettuce, Apostle kimchi ketchup and burger sauce in a brioche bun, with fries and ranch dipping sauce topped with crispy bacon bits.
Āhuru Kai Kōhua Poaka by Te Papa Café ($24): Āhuru Kai Kōhua Poaka, meaning the comforting warmth you feel eating a pork boil up, was inspired by Māori traditions. Traditional boil-up pork roulade, with Pagro lettuce and tomato, puha mousseline and horopito aioli in a toasted Brezelmania watercress milk bun, with hand-cut kumara fries, manuka honey aioli, a shot of bone broth and a heart-shaped raspberry framboise dessert.
Arizona's Smokin' Hot Cowboy by Two Grey ($25): BBQ beef cheek, with campfire chili beans, iceberg lettuce and tequila mayo in a Brezelmania jalapeño cornbread bun, with French fries. This burger is part of Two Grey’s full-blown Arizona Takeover, paying tribute to Wellington's beloved 90's Tex-Mex institution.
Briskedelic Love by Bethel Woods ($27): Inspired by the spirit of Woodstock 1969, and the age of love, this burger channels the peace, love and psychedelic vibes of the era. Smashed brisket patty with slow-cooked Wagyu short rib, bone marrow, American cheddar, Alabama white sauce, Texas hot link mayo and bread and butter pickles in a Poneke Bakery milk bun, with tater tots.
Lady and the Tramp by Arborist Rooftop Bar and Eatery ($26): M&M Master Butchers beef and pork meatball patty stuffed with buffalo mozzarella, with marinara sauce, giardiniera pickles, rocket and balsamic aioli in an Italian herb brioche bun, and carbonara croquettes. Inspired by the iconic spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp, this burger is made for sharing.
Gorkha Munch by Tūtaki Café ($22): Sichuan pepper and cherry ball-chili spiced Randwick free range chicken momo patty, with buttercrunch lettuce, cucumber achar and mustard and turmeric infused Momo chutney in a Brezelmania potato brioche bun, with double cooked Napalese potato chips with sesame and chili salt.
Stag Night by The Polish Sausage Company ($17): House-smoked venison patty, with The Polish Sausage Company beetroot tartare, Zany Zeus cream cheese and cheddar sauce in a Brezelmania milk bun, with The Polish Sausage Company grossini antlers.
HUNGRY FOR MORE DETAILS?
Press releases are available here. For media enquiries, image requests and interviews, please contact:
Eleanor Stewart
Wellington Culinary Events Trust | Email: eleanor@wellingtononaplate.com | Phone: +64 21 558 937