Enjoying a cocktail at Visa Wellington on a Plate
If you’re looking for something to do in August, might we suggest a little weekend jaunt down to Wellington (or longer if you can spare the time!). From the 11-27 August, the Visa Wellington on a Plate event will once again be taking over the city for two weeks. This winter extravaganza features over 100 events, 100 special menus, 100 burgers and 40+ cocktails. Come to think of it, a weekend is not going to be long enough!
A city-wide celebration of food and drink
Visa Wellington on a Plate takes over the city
Whilst New Zealand may be better known for its summer wine festivals, Visa Wellington on a Plate is perhaps one of the biggest food and drink festivals in the country. Wellington’s restaurants, laneways and carparks get the full takeover treatment with exclusive set menus, burgers, cocktails and unforgettable events and pop ups.
The events are a big part of the festival and with over 100 to choose from, no matter when you’re in Wellington during those two weeks, there will always be something going on. From organised ticketed events (be quick, tickets are selling out fast!) to random pop ups that just appear one day and are gone the next, the whole city will be absolutely buzzing with an awesome atmosphere every night. You thought it got lively when the Lions were in town, just wait for the WOAP to kick off!
You can find out more about all the events at the Visa Wellington on a Plate festival here: https://www.visawoap.com/festival-events
Burger Fest
The burgers are a highlight of Visa Wellington on a Plate
A big part of the annual WOAP festival has been the celebration of the humble burger. Every year, the festival includes the Garage Project presents Burger Wellington. This year there will be a whopping total of 123 burgers to try and restaurants and food trucks will battle it out to be crowned Wellington’s Burger King or Queen. You can also try matching these amazing burgers which include things like crumbed chicken thighs with grilled onion rings and wild venison with homemade pickles, with some of the Garage Project’s hand-picked festival brews. The burger and beer matchup is a combination sent from heaven and we highly recommend you get involved (although maybe don’t try for all 123!).
Cocktail Party
One of the expert Mixologists working his cocktail magic at Visa Wellington on a Plate
Another festival favourite is the celebration of cocktails. Wellington’s finest mixologists will be wowing the audience as they create some absolute masterpieces using the finest spirits from around the world. From martinis to margaritas to mocktails – they’ve got you covered! With 43 delicious festival cocktails to choose from, the hardest part will be deciding what you’re in the mood for.
Festival menus
Visa Wellington on a Plate Foodtruck Rally
One of the biggest draws of the Visa Wellington on a Plate festival are the festival special menus. Over 100 restaurants throughout the city participate, putting on special menus at very special prices which means you can eat out at some of the city’s finest eateries and get a great deal to boot. The menus include set lunch and dinner options as well as a Festival Dish – something that is not usually on the menu and that has been created especially for Visa Wellington on a Plate. This is a great chance to eat at some amazing restaurants but also to try something a little bit different.
Whilst the festival finishes on Sunday 27 August, this leaves just enough time for the judges to count up all the votes before the Festival Awards evening on Thursday 31 August where all finalists will cook off, mix off and plate off against one another to be crowned Visa Wellington on a Plate Champion for 2017 – a night not to be missed!
You can find out all you need to know about this awesome festival on the Visa Wellington on a Plate official website and join in the conversation on their social channels.
* All images courtesy and with thanks to Visa Wellington on a Plate