If you are already wowed by Wellington’s eating and drinking scene, then the promise that you can also take some of the goods that you’ve been consuming home with you should come as tip top news.
Wellington food and beverage makers are a creative and hardworking bunch of crafters who don’t settle for anything but the best. Don’t go thinking that gives them a pretentious air though, Wellington goods makers are nothing but humble, honourable and legends in their craft.
In true Wellington fashion, nothing is too far afield when it comes to buying goods - in fact some of the city’s favourite goods makers share laneways right in the centre city, meaning you can simply meander the streets and happen across some of the country’s best artisan goods. A bean-to-bar chocolate factory sits metres from Wellington’s own peanut butter makers, and the sweet cakes and bread you find at your local café have most likely come from food makers who reside just a stone’s throw away.
Pick up a jar of something pickled, a package of something grainy and grab a cake to-go and suddenly you’ve got an Instagram worthy Wellington lunch at home in your dining room - when you go to give thanks, simply look up on your way home, chances are you will be passing one of the local goods makers on your way from A to B.
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La Bella Italia
Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.
Jean's
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...
The Dutch Shop
The Dutch Shop is a perennial favourite among Petone locals and visitors alike - particularly for those with a penchant for cheese.
Forage Merchants of Wellington
With a range that includes food and drink, health and beauty, art, music and so much more, Forage Merchants celebrates the very best of what the greater Wellington region has to offer.
Hendrix Lifestyle Store
Located just minutes from the beach at Waikanae, Hendrix Home & Lifestyle Store is a one-stop shop for all your seaside living needs.
Penray Gardens
Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.
Dough
It may trace its roots to Upper Hutt, but Dough has certainly made a name for itself among bread lovers in Wellington’s city centre.
Monkfish
A cosy refillery and off-licence that’s strictly about good vibes, Monkfish is your Vivian Street stop for your beer, wine, and spirits needs.
Bottega
Authentic Italian delicatessen Bottega is borne from a desire to bring a taste of home to the neighbourly suburb of Berhampore,
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Six Barrel Soda
Summer is officially here, and local favourite Six Barrel Soda has opened their Lukes Lane soda factory to the public for a cellar door experience.
Commonsense Wellington City
For all things organic, Commonsense Organics is the place to visit – and luckily for Wellingtonians there are four stores to choose from.
ParrotDog Brewery & Nice. Takeaway
Exuding 70’s retro vibes, ParrotDog’s cellar door (‘Nice.
Wellington Chocolate Factory
A dangerously delicious spot for your hot chocolate and sweet treat fix.
Baker Gramercy
It’s the kind of simplistically stylish bakery you’d expect to find on a New York avenue or down a European side street.
Moore Wilson's Tory Street
If you’re into food there’s no doubt you’ll be into Moore Wilson's.
Garage Project
Situated in an old petrol station in the Aro Valley, Garage Project’s vibe is all about producing experimental beers in a perfect, yet unexpected setting.