Question 1

When is the event?

Accepted Answer

November 14th 2026 – staggered starting time from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Question 2

How many homes will I visit?

Accepted Answer

You’ll gain access to 8–10 private homes around Wellington. Each home offers a unique design, story and history. Some offer the rare chance to view recent work from some of Wellingtons top architects, interiors and garden designers.

Question 3

How much are tickets?

Accepted Answer

From $119 + GST + booking fees per person.No child or senior discounts.Children under 12 years are not permitted, (due to safety, crowding, and privacy concerns).Please note: tickets are non-refundable.

Question 4

Can I bring my pet?

Accepted Answer

No. Pets are not allowed on any of the properties (including front lawns or driveways).

Question 5

How does entry work on the day?

Accepted Answer

A week before the event you will receive an email with the address of your assigned starting location, this is the property you start the tour on. You will also receive a map with the addresses of the other properties on the tour.
Bring your ticket (digital or printed) and photo ID to your assigned starting location.
Upon check-in, you’ll receive:
– A wristband/lanyard – required for entry to each home.
– A shoe bag with your official Open Wellington guidebook and shoe covers.
You must wear your wristband/lanyard at all times.
Volunteers will scan your pass before entry to each home.

Question 6

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Please wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove. You’ll carry them in your shoe bag when inside homes.Dress for the weather and walking between homes – layers are a good idea.

Question 7

Can I bring a large bag or backpack?

Accepted Answer

Please bring only small handbags or lightweight backpacks. Some homes have narrow hallways and delicate interiors, and large bags pose a risk. We reserve the right to inspect bags on exiting a property.

Question 8

Are bathrooms available?

Accepted Answer

No bathrooms are available inside private homes. Please use public toilets located around the city during your tour breaks.

Question 9

Can I eat, drink, or smoke at the homes?

Accepted Answer

No eating, drinking, smoking or vaping is permitted on any property or in any garden.

Question 10

Can I take photos or videos inside the homes?

Accepted Answer

Please do not take photographs or videos inside any home unless signposted or authorised.

Question 11

What happens if I lose something?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers will collect and log lost property at each home. Lost items can be collected from the Lowe & Co Realty office after the event.

Question 12

Is there parking available at each property?

Accepted Answer

Parking is street parking only. Please:Respect driveways, berms, and no-parking signs.Be mindful of Resident Parking Zones.Walk a short distance if needed – some homes are in high-demand areas.

Question 13

Any tips for getting around?

Accepted Answer

Transport is not provided, it is a self-drive tour. Carpool if possible to reduce traffic and parking stress, (or better still uber). Each house will have clear Open Wellington signage at the front.

Question 14

Is Open Wellington accessible to people with mobility needs?

Accepted Answer

Open Wellington includes a variety of private homes, many with:
Steps, steep driveways, narrow hallways, or multi-level designs.Uneven paths, older flooring, or small entrances, steps to entry. 
Because these are private residences, we cannot guarantee full accessibility. If you have specific mobility or accessibility needs, please contact us before purchasing your ticket: office@loweandcofoundation.nzWe’ll advise which homes are most suitable so you can plan accordingly.

Question 15

What safety measures are in place?

Accepted Answer

Every home has a trained volunteer team, a hazard register, and an emergency plan.Homes have marked exits and designated no-access areas – please respect them.Watch your step indoors – remove shoes and walk carefully in socks or covers and follow all instructions given by volunteers on the day.

Question 16

Can I sit on furniture?

Accepted Answer

Please do not sit on any furniture, open drawers or cupboards, or touch personal items. These are real homes, generously shared by the owners.

Question 17

What is the purpose of the event?

Accepted Answer

Open Wellington is proudly run by the Lowe & Co Foundation to raise funds for the Wellington City Mission. All proceeds of tickets sales are directed to Wellington City Mission helping vulnerable and homeless members of our community.  The event will go ahead rain or shine, so bring an umbrella and dress accordingly.

Question 18

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at office@loweandcofoundation.nz

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Open Wellington's mission is to raise funds to support Wellington City Mission. They enable people and whānau in Wellington to find empowerment, transformation and fullness of life through housing, food, and a range of community support services. Your support changes lives.

LAST YEAR WELLINGTON CITY MISSION HELPED SUPPORT

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People supported through their Community Services and Financial Mentoring in 2025

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6,283

Individuals or families provided with shops in their Social Supermarket in 2025