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.
Good as Gold’s Raag Ponnuchetty’s Guide to Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, Wellington
Meet Te Aro local Raag Ponnuchetty. He’s been part of the furniture at Wellington fashion institution Good as Gold (GAG) for seven years. His customer service on the floor is the stuff of legend. Here is more on the GAG journey and his picks for the best spots to uncover within Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, Wellington
Art, Design & Inspiring Finds Within Wellington’s Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
From art galleries to game shops and a clothing store with its own in-house barber, there’s plenty of arts, design and other inspiring finds to explore in Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.
Meet Five Shopkeepers from Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
From beauty salons to clothing stores and ceramic shops to jewellers, these are the people running the Te Ngākau Civic Precinct’s businesses.
Brewing Dreams: Hannah & Andrew Childs of Churly’s CBD
Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Churly’s CBD is the latest venture from Andrew and Hannah Childs – the dynamic duo behind Behemoth Brewing. Andrew, a public servant turned award-winning brewer, and Hannah, a trained chef, butcher and culinary talent, have combined their passions to create a space where exceptional beer meets exquisite charcuterie.
Explore our Directory
View AllShelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street
When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker.
Glou Glou
Located inside Wellington’s iconic Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket casual cafe that is ultra sleek yet laid-back enough to warrant a daily...
Bellbird Eatery
Museum and art gallery cafes have really upped their game in recent years, evolving from simple refreshment pit stops to become attractions in their own right.
La Bella Italia
Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.
Get your Pocket Guide for Wellington
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.
Baylands Brewery
Based in Petone, Baylands Brewery and Taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space offering up a wide range of fresh beer and tasty food.
Abandoned Taproom Petone
The upcycled furniture, the bike frame fence, and of course, the walls covered ceiling to floor in graffiti (literally, there’s writing on the ceiling).
Kaitoke Regional Park
A lush sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Tararua mountains, Kaitoke Regional Park has an ethereal allure that captivates visitors new and old alike - and it’s not just down to its Lord of the Rings connections.
Seashore Cabaret
This café definitely takes out the title for best view of the city.
The Merry Go Round
Head to The Merry Go Round to find out why one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Twenty Eight
Named for their address on Cornwall Street, Twenty Eight is a modern, well lit and welcoming Lower Hutt cafe serving up interesting cabinet food, a thoughtfully crafted...
Take Me Back Traders
Take a trip down memory lane at Take Me Back Traders, a family-run vintage and retro store that specialises in sourcing one-off treasures – from unique collectables to furniture and homeware.
House of Good Fortune
Petone’s myriad side streets hold plenty of delightful surprises, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just stumble upon the House of Good Fortune.
Trade School Kitchen
Described as the ‘living room of the Naenae community’, Trade School Kitchen is a not-for-profit community based cafe doing what it can to give back to its people.
Schrödinger's Books
As the winner of NZ's Best Bookshop Award in 2021, Schrödinger's Books will hold any bookworm captive with its well-curated selection of books housed in a beautifully restored space in Petone.
Comes & Goes
Comes & Goes is a brilliant addition to the Wellington café scene, bringing an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.
Tartines French Cafe
Tartines offers a small slice of French culinary delight, with handmade tarts, pastries, fresh bread and classic dishes that will have you mistaking Lower Hutt for Lyon.
