Rainbow groups and events

Wellington Wanderers

A rainbow community walking group and open to all. Join a group of lovely people, take part in banter and traverse our beautiful scenery mostly on Saturday mornings. All walks are events in the facebook group. Join by simply turning up.

Petone to Naguranga Seawall Sunday 17^th May 1pm

Come walk some of the new Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua. We will walk until we get sick of it and turn around - an opportunity for an afternoon tea in Petone afterwards if we wish. Meet at the Wellington Water Ski Clubrooms at 1:00pm - you will find them on the Petone Esplanade - pretty much directly across the road from Bunnings. Please note this is a shared path with bikers. facebook event page

Getting there by public transport:
- no.83 bus leaves east end of Courtenay Place 12:15, via Manners, Willis & Lampton Quay; arrives Petone 12:43 - get off at the first bus stop
- train to the Hutt departs Wellington 12:35pm, arrives Petone 12:47; head to the Petone side footpath
- walk back to the foreshore - the footpath leads to the south side of the Esplanade.

For each walk bring water to drink, snacks and/or lunch, sunscreen and hat, dogs (optional if allowed) on leads. Wear appropriate footwear [tracks may be muddy], suitable clothes for the weather [incl rain/wind proof jacket for exposed walks].

Rainbow Dragon Club

Sunday 24^th May 6pm @ Newtown Community Centre cnr Rintoul and Colombo Streets
You are welcome to bring along your own games, miniatures, and paints. Or just bring yourself and try out a game in their collection! Follow on facebook

Creatives & Coffee

A Wellington-based group of crafters - knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, ceramicists, and other types of artists. They meet once a month, alternating between Wellington City and Petone, usually on the first or second Saturday, and have a coffee and a chat. Some take their crafts along, others don't - it's up to you! More info on facebook

Next event Saturday 30^th May, 11am-2pm @ Te Matapihi Library, Wellington ... facebook event page

LGBTI history walk tours

Sunday 31^st May 1pm: The not-so-straight artists [SEATED] tour

This is a seated tour featuring the same content as the walk tour described below. It will be held in one of the community spaces at Wellington Central Library (exact room confirmed via email one week before the event). More info on the facebook event page - register at walktours.nz/book/

Sunday 7^th June: The not-so-straight artists walk tour

Join this 90-minute walk tour of inner city Wellington, New Zealand and explore some of the locations and stories associated with artists, writers and musicians who are in some way related to Rainbow LGBTI+ communities. It will feature writers Katherine Mansfield and Frank Sargeson, artists Dorothy Richmond and Francis Hodgkins, musicians Douglas Lilburn and the Glamaphones choir, international visitors Rupert Brooke and Somerset Maugham, and visit what is widely considered to be the most homoerotic sculpture in Wellington.
More info on the Walktours webpage and on the facebook event page.

Walk Tours NZ is a Volunteer group that offers free, accessible, inclusive and community-focused walking tours around Wellington highlighting the city’s rich LGBTI rainbow heritage. Usually held on the first Sunday of the month. They walk on flat, accessible public footpaths. Tours are limited to approximately 20 walkers.

CampGround Rainbow Comedy Night

Thursday 11^th June 8pm @ Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba St.

A comedy showcase of our best LGBTQAII+ standup comedians, [usually] on the second Thursdays of the month usually. Featuring polished pros and hilarious up-and-comers. Support your community by laughing with us!

Rainbow Wellington

Rainbow Wellington is an LGBTI+ organisation that focuses on networking, events and lobbying. Their website has information about past and present campaigns as well as directories of local LGBTI+ businesses, groups and activities. Follow on facebook

Social mixer events are held in a congenial bar on the second Friday of the month [usually] - check the website or facebook for updates ... and on other occasions.

• Friday 12^th June 5:30pm @ Southern Cross Garden & Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith St.  - facebook event page

Rainbow Wellington Grants

Rainbow Wellington operates a small grants programme to support individuals experiencing hardship, and people or groups that work with Rainbow and Takatāpui people in Pōneke. Grants are generally under $1,000, unless it is a large project or event that will benefit hundreds or thousands of people in Pōneke. There is a quarterly system:
- round one opened 15 November, closed 16 January - esp. for Pride events
- round two opens 1 April, closes 15 May
- round three opens 1 July, closes 15 August
- round four opens 1 September, closes 15 October
More info on the Rainbow Wellington grants webpage.

Here and Queer  - Celebrating 40 years of Homosexual Law Reform

Saturday 27 June 6pm & St. Andres on the Terrace

July 2026 will mark 40 years since the Homosexual Law Reform Bill was passed, a notable milestone for our rainbow community in Aotearoa. To mark this anniversary, the Glamaphones, led by Michael Stebbings and accompanied by Stephen Clothier, will present a programme of music by queer composers, songwriters, and lyricists. Songs range from well-known rainbow classics and contemporary queer anthems to pieces by lesser-known international queer artists, as well as pieces by Wellington musicians Katie Morton and Hinemoana Baker. This programme will weave together empowering, joyous music with moments of introspection. There will be something for everyone to enjoy ... more on the facebook event page

The Glamaphones

The Glamaphones are Wellington's all-inclusive rainbow choir based at St Andrews on the Terrace. They are a friendly mixed choir and welcome anyone who wishes to sing - no auditions! They sing a range of music including pop, classical, spirituals, world, choral, musical, and jazz classics. Follow the Glamaphones on their website. Rehearsals on Thursdays 6.30pm (usually) at St Andrews on the Terrace.

Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir

Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir is a new choir welcoming rainbow rangatahi and their allies aged 13+ from across the Greater Wellington region. They rehearse from 5-6 pm on Wednesdays during school term.
Find them in Community Room 1 at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, the central library on Victoria Street, Wellington City Centre
No auditions or singing experience needed to join a rehearsal!
More info on their facebook page including registration.

Same sex dancing classes

The Sunday night DANSS classes are for the LGBTI community and friends who wish to learn some classical Ballroom, some funky Latin American and some elegant New Vogue dance moves. A partner is not necessary however an attitude in wanting to learn and having fun is required.
Classes are held at the Thistle Hall, corner of Cuba and Arthur Streets.
Beginner's class start at 7 pm and the Intermediate classes start at 8 pm. Payment is by koha/donation.

Check the DANSS facebook page or website for more information.

Gay bars

Ivy Bar and Cabaret

James Smiths Basement, 49 Cuba Street - ivybar.co.nz - they have lots of shows and events

S&M's - Scotty and Mal's Cocktail and Lounge Bar

176 Cuba Street - www.scottyandmals.co.nz - also has a busy events programme

facebook and other social media groups

• The Rainbow Forecast - weekly Wellington queer events guide
• Rainbow Hutt Valley | Te Ngākau Kahukura o Te Awa Kairangi
• Rainbow Wellington Dogs (& their owners)
• Queer crafters in the Hutt
• Queer whānau building Pōneke
• Queer Network NZ - Wellington Chapter - information sharing network
• Queer Wellington
• Tīwhanawhana is a takatāpui community group in Wellington that welcomes people of all diverse sexualities and gender. The kaupapa of Tīwhanawhana is primarily for takatāpui: building community, telling our stories and leaving legacies.
• Out at Work - union group
• UniQ Victoria - facebook groups for queer students
• UniQ Massey Wellington
• Lost Gay Wellington
• Queer Network NZ Wellington Chapter
• Vinegar Hill Gay Camping for rainbow people and their families over Christmas and the New Year holiday period

and no doubt there are many many more ...