Wellington makes a pop in Auckland

You’ve been to pop up bars, pop up shops and pop up restaurants, but have you ever been to a pop up city?

Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) took over Auckland venue Silo 6, with ‘The Capital’ pop up city transforming the six-pack of concrete silos into a mini culinary capital on Wednesday and Friday this week for more than 400 invited Aucklanders, food lovers and prize winners.

For two nights only, The Capital showcased some of the best bites and bevvies direct from Wellington, including craft beer, bespoke cocktails and tasty cuisine from Logan Brown, Hawthorn Lounge, Grill Meats Beer, Six Barrel Soda, Duke Carvell's, Scopa, The Library, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Flight Coffee, Leeds Street Bakery, Ti Kouka, ParrotDog and Garage Project.

Guests were also treated to live performances from Wellington singer, songwriter and beat maker Estère.

The event trended on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram in Auckland and nationally, showing the event captured people’s imagination.

PWT Chief Executive David Perks says the pop up city was a huge success, showcasing the variety, proximity and personalities of the city’s hospitality industry to Wellington’s largest visitor market.

“The Capital is about introducing people to new haunts and hidden gems, as well as a few Wellington institutions. Silo 6 is a perfect venue for a pop up city as it enables us to replicate the experience of wandering around our compact city to discover what’s around the corner.”

Attendance to the event was through prize and invitation and the team received an influx of requests for invites and how to buy tickets, Mr Perks says.

“It’s that kind of anticipation and excitement that this event was designed to build. Our research tells us that Wellington remains Aucklanders’ favourite domestic city break getaway – they just need constant reminders and triggers as to when to visit next and what to try.”

Organisers, RAW, attribute the success of the event to the fantastic Wellington personalities involved, unique location and the overwhelming interest, particularly across social media.

RAW says the Capital has certainly given Aucklanders an appetite for world-class Wellington cuisine.

The Capital hit Auckland ahead of major events such as the Football United Tour double-header, Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, Lux, World of WearableArt Awards Show and the All Blacks vs South Africa test.