Wellington is the campus for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and the institution is inviting the next generation to come and experience Open Day on Friday 21 August.
With over 5,300 high-school students and their caregivers already registered to attend, including many students from the Kāpiti Coast, the university says it will be a day to remember.
Iconic Wellington landmarks will be lit up green to mark the occasion, contributing to a city-wide celebration. From the moment visitors exit the train station and head to the bus stop outside our Pipitea campus, they will see Wellington through green-tinted glasses.
The event offers prospective students a chance to attend sample lectures, explore the University’s campuses, and get a feel for life as a student in the capital. They will have the chance to ask big questions of the University’s in-house philosophers, use some giant rollers to create a printed design, play some student-created video games, and even sample some ice cream made with liquid nitrogen.
Local retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses are also getting involved, offering discounts and giveaways to visitors through our funky festival wristband.
Vice-Chancellor Bryony James says that while attracting prospective students to Open Day is a key focus, the event is as much about showcasing the city vibe as our three fantastic campuses.
“What an incredible city to be a student in. You’re right in the beating heart of the creative, political, legal, corporate and scientific ecosystem of the country.
“The best thing about Open Day is watching the spark ignite someone’s sense that they might just have found their place in the world.”
The event is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to attract and engage prospective students while supporting the Wellington scene. Open Day 2026 is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of future students in recent years.
Registrations are open now. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/open-day
There are free buses throughout the day between campuses:
Kelburn campus, Kelburn parade, Kelburn
Pipitea campus, Bunny Street, Pipitea
Te Aro campus, Vivian Street, Te Aro