Rainbow groups and events

Vinegar Hill rainbow camping

Vinegar Hill - Aotearoa New Zealand's DIY gay camp - has been a popular camping spot for rainbow people and their families over the Christmas and New Year holiday period since 1977. Check the Vinegar Hill website and the Vinegar Hill Guidebook 2025 which is packed with essential information. The 2025 programme looks delicious so pack your tent and get there. The theme this year is Medieval.
Keep up to date on the facebook group page (a private group ask to join)
Gates open mid December, and the social programme runs from Friday 26^th to Wednesday 31^st December

Rainbow Dragon Club

Sunday 21^st December 6pm @ Newtown Community Centre cnr Rintoul and Colombo Streets

A fortnightly boardgame and tabletop game club for the LGBTQ+ community and for women.
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

LGBTI history walk tours

Sunday 4^th January 1pm: the Not So Straight Artists walk tour

Join us on this free 90-minute community walk-tour to 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
The tour is free but please register at www.taonga.nz/walktours. No bookings no walk!

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.

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.

CampGround Rainbow Comedy Night

Thursday 5^th February 8pm @ Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba St. ... date tbc

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

The Glamaphones

Sounds of the Season

The Glamaphones next concert, in partnership with Faultline Chorus and The Bay Boys is on Saturday 6^th December 4pm @ St Andews on the Terrace ... more info on the facebook event page

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 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.

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].

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)
• Creatives & Coffee - a Wellington-based group of crafters - knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, ceramicists, and other types of artists. Meet monthly
• 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 ...