There's plenty to do in Wellington - so take a peek at our guide to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and more in New Zealand's capital city.

Rated one of the world’s windiest cities, New Zealand’s neat little capital has a reputation for ruining new umbrellas and fancy hairdos, but don’t let that put you off. Wellington has much more to offer than the weather forecast would have you believe.

Chosen as the first major planned settlement for British immigrants in 1839 (and stealing the title of ‘country capital’ off Auckland in 1865), the population of creators, musicians, politicians, business people, students, and travellers will agree that this is a place worth settling down in.

Home to the much-loved Te Papa museum, Wellington hosts many museums, libraries, theatres, and festivals, giving this city the melting pot of culture and fun it is so well known for. Hardly a day goes by without a festival of some sort or another — whether it's the World of Wearable Arts, Wellington on a Plate, or the International Comedy Festival to name a few.

Proud Wellingtonians are known for their dress sense – just take a walk down colourful Cuba Street and you’ll soon see. Their love of eating, drinking, shopping, theatre, and gigs are just a few of the many reasons why this city seems to be constantly buzzing with activity.

12 Hours Wellington

People walking down Hannahs Laneway.

The neatest things to see, eat, and do.

Best Summer Day Trips from Wellington

A view of a white light house at dusk at Castlepoint in New Zealand.
Wellington

Got nothing planned for the weekend? There are plenty of options for an impromptu day trip from Wellington - here are some of the best.

The Best Vegan-friendly Spots in Wellington

Two hands holding a vegan pastry on a plate.
Wellington

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or keen to dip your toes in this culinary world, Wellington is the place to be.

Chasing the sun: Where to Dine Al Fresco in Wellington

People dining outside a bar that has a yellow painted exterior.
Wellington

Found a good day in Wellington? Make the most of it by heading to one of these eateries for a spot of al fresco dining.

Love, Legacy and Tacos: The Story of Wellington’s Best Mexican Food

A man and woman holding a bowl of fresh vegetables smiling to camera.
Wellington

Andrés Pimentel, the man behind Willis Lane’s ‘Hot Like A Mexican’, transformed his life from veteran hairdresser to outstanding chef - crafting a culinary tale as rich and vibrant as his menu.

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Noble Rot

A seating area inside Noble Rot wine bar in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Boasting an almost 1,000-strong wine list, it’s no surprise that Noble Rot is widely considered Wellington's premier wine bar.

Willis Lane

Three delicious looking hot dogs on a table.
Place Wellington
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Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.

Good as Gold

A colourful window display at Good as Gold in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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​​From the giant yellow smiley faces peering down at you to the curiously carpeted walls and display stands, Good as Gold in Wellington is a fashion store that likes to do...

Iris Store + Studio

The front window inside Iris Store + Studio in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Nestled in a creative corner of Wellington and surrounded by like-minded boutique neighbours, Iris Store + Studio is much more than a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.

Jeans

The blue and gold outside of Jeans in Upper Hutt.
Place Wellington Upper Hutt
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Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jeans, you can find plenty of life and character...

K C Café & Takeaway

The white and red exterior of K C Cafe in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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An unassuming takeaway in the eyes of the casual visitor to Wellington, KC Cafe is so ingrained in the culinary history of the capital that it may as well have heritage status.

Indian Alley

A flatlay of curries and naan on plates.
Place Wellington
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Just a short stroll from Oriental Bay in Wellington, Indian Alley is a classy little restaurant that offers something new and exciting to even the most seasoned enthusiasts...

Squirrel

The beautiful entry to Squirrel cafe in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Nestled near the corner of popular Blair Street, Squirrel offers a warm and inviting haven complemented by a menu that showcases the best of Wellington’s producers and suppliers.

Passo

A colourful mural on the wall inside Passo.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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You wouldn’t necessarily expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to...

The Wilderness

Flowers and candles on display on white shelves inside The Wilderness.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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A Kāpiti Coast provider of stunning florals and indoor plants, The Wilderness is your go-to for any occasion that requires a bunch.

The Raumati Social Club

The exterior of Raumati Social Club.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Raumati Social Club is a bit of an institution at Kāpiti Coast.

Duncan's Brewing Company

A decorative wall behind beer taps at Duncan's.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Even though Duncan’s Brewing Company’s production warehouse and off-licence in Paraparaumu is tucked down an alleyway, keep your eyes peeled for a full wall...

Dark Horse

Customers chatting at tables outside the cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
Cafes key icon.

Dark Horse Coffee co. has been providing the people of Kāpiti Coast and beyond with delicious artisan coffee since 2016.

The Common Room

The black exterior of The Common Room photographed from the street.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
Cafes key icon.

If you’re wondering where to grab a great coffee from while out exploring Kāpiti Coast, a simple answer is: The Common Room.

Milk + Ginger

Coats and winter clothes on display on racks.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
Fashion key icon.

A hub of quality, affordable fashion and lifestyle in the heart of Raumati Beach, Milk + Ginger is a store well worth visiting when in town.

Salty's Diner

A close up of a burger on a table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Salty’s is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.