12 Hours Wellington

Start your day in the capital by climbing through the town belt to the Mount Victoria Lookout. The walkway is well-formed and can be steep, but is more than worth it to gain the iconic, panoramic view from the top. Watch ferries cruising into the harbour to the north, aeroplanes taking off and landing in the south, and houses scattered up and down and along green undulating peaks in all directions. There are several starting points from which you can begin the walk; Courtenay Place (up Majoribanks Street), Oriental Bay (Moeller Street), Roseneath or Hataitai; and it can be turned into a 4.5km loop.

Break your fast at Customs, a well-established local favourite pouring some of the absolute best brews in the city. Alongside your custom cup of Coffee Supreme, indulge in one of the many epicurean toast options for the ultimate a.m. combo (this will casually be a whole lot more glorious and gourmet than any other coffee and toast experience you’ve had). With a checkered floor, dark wooden panelling and elegant black steel shelving, the mid-century modern vibes inside this little café are warm and inviting, and the outdoor seating is primely positioned to soak in the morning sunshine.

Down the side of an industrial building on Jessie Street, a warm glow emanates from a glass shopfront. It’s a tempting little rabbit hole, one that leads you to a wonderland of carefully curated books. GOOD BOOKS is a fiercely independent bookshop that exudes Wellington vibes through and through. The brainchild of local authors Jane Arthur and Catherine Robertson, it’s truly a store created for bibliophiles, by bibliophiles. Spend a while browsing and skimming the extensive range of books and don't be surprised if you walk away with a few. 

Expect a slightly heavier bag courtesy of the many goodies found on Ghuznee Street. Now is the time for shopping the garments at Caughley and Kaukau. Caughley is a carefully curated edit of luxury international brands and emerging New Zealand designers. Kaukau is the purveyor of local and international homewares, jewellery and fashion.

End the morning in Wellington’s coolest precinct, the Hannahs Factory laneway, connecting Ghuznee and Dixon Streets. There’s been a rejuvenation of this once-forgotten part of town thanks to the arrival of small artisan food producers and hospitality heroes. Check out and sample goods from Wellington Chocolate Factory before heading to lunch.

For a lunch with laid-back charm, stop in at Fred’s. This hole-in-the-wall food bar is all about sandwiches, as per the bright orange sign over the doorway, but don’t shrink your expectations! The creative fare here is as far from lunchbox memories of simple and sad (or alas, soggy) sandos as it gets. Saucy, crunchy, punchy flavours and cheese ooze from their perfectly toasted parcels. With weekly specials, vege and vegan options, what Fred’s imagines putting between two thick slices of bread and how they go about it verges on revolutionary.

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic streets in New Zealand, Cuba Street has a palpable energy. The heartbeat of the city, if you will. Visit the likes of Wellington Apothecary, Iko Iko and Duck Island Ice Cream while you stroll around. Take a turn down Left Bank and check out Enjoy gallery, then get lost inside the cosy treasure trove that is Pegasus Books.

Head down to the capital’s waterfront and check out the excellent City Gallery. Established in 1980, it’s the country’s most significant non-collecting gallery and features an ever-changing line up of exhibitions of contemporary art.

Leave the wide waterfront vistas behind and make your way southwest to Aro Street, the start of the quirky and quiet suburb of Aro Valley. Hidden in the hills, almost entirely surrounded by parkland and enclosed by the valley walls, Aro Valley can feel worlds away from the bustling city on its fringes. Check out the village, from a perfumery to a bakery, then head to 91 Aro for happy hour. Aro Valley is an artsy enclave home to students, artists, musicians… and the HQ of proud Pōneke brewers Garage Project. 91 Aro is their funky taproom, located just over the road from the cellar door and brewery itself. From classic lagers to wild ferments, piquant sours and crafted wine, there’s something to quench everyone’s thirst. Too many enticing options? Go for a tasting paddle, four pours of your choice.

In a place mad about hospitality, Wellington makes it pretty damn difficult to decide where to head for dinner. We’ll make it easy for you: go to Mabel’s. Whether you’re in need of authentic, homely food, something new or something to impress, at Mabel’s you can satisfy your cravings and crushes alike. Settle in and soak up the Burmese sense of identity and hospitality.

Puffin is an extravagant speak-easy style wine bar and the perfect setting to converse about the days’ adventures with your favourite people. Slip into a plush velvet booth and while the rest of the night away over a selection of natural and organic vino (or a classic cocktail or beer if you so wish). Oh – and say hi to that cheeky taxidermy peacock for us.