Porirua will be sizzling with flavour this August as local eateries and venues dive into the love-themed festivities of Visa Wellington On a Plate 2025. The region is celebrating culinary creativity with an enticing lineup of events and burgers, all under this year’s heartfelt theme, “Food is Love.”
From Friday 1 August, Porirua locals can indulge in a packed programme, headlined by “Kai Tahi – Burgers Across the World” on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August. The two-day event offers a one-stop-shop experience to sample every Burger Wellington creation from the Porirua region – a true paradise for burger lovers.
Other standout events include:
- Gear Homestead’s “Homage to Heritage” on Friday 8 August, a four-course degustation dinner honouring New Zealand’s culinary past.
- Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen’s “I-Sarn Thai Kantok” on Wednesdays 6 and 20 August, where chef Daeng invites guests to share in a traditional Thai communal feast.
- Marines Hall Open Air Theatre’s “Love I’Th’Age O’Th’Bard” on Saturday 2 August, blending Shakespearean drama with hearty fare like giant turkey legs and mugs of ale.
Burger Wellington highlights from Porirua include bold entries such as:
- “Burn Baby Burn” from Whitby Co-Op Kitchen & Bar
- “Hi Hangi I’m Home” by Sandbar Mana
- “Gran’s Table” from Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Cafe
- “Pho Real” from Pho Sho Porirua
- “Lu’au With Love” by Pepe’s Cafe
- “The Good Boy” from 4Paws Empire – a special burger just for dogs!
Festival Director Beth Brash says this year’s programme is designed to reignite the joy of connecting over food. “We want August to feel like one big love letter to the city and the incredible people who call it home,” she said.
With over 200 burgers and 100 events planned across the region, the festival is expected to draw big crowds and generate strong economic returns. Last year, it brought in more than $9 million for Wellington’s hospitality sector.
Visa NZ’s Anthony Watson reaffirmed the festival’s importance, stating, “It’s more than just a celebration of food – it’s a powerful engine for economic growth and community pride.”
Tickets for events go on general sale from Thursday 27 June at visawoap.com. Locals are encouraged to support their favourite venues and discover new ones while celebrating what Porirua does best – bringing people together over great kai.