Stories - Wellington - Neat Places

Pull Up a Chair .. These are the Best Mid-Century Modern Furniture Shops in New Zealand

Story Auckland

Mid-century modern is a design philosophy that emerged - ironically enough - in the middle of the 20th century. It is typified by elegance, simplicity and timelessness, which is why it often mixes well with other design styles and aesthetics.

Aotearoa's Underground Haunts, Rooftops and The In-betweens

Story

From rooftop bars to underground haunts and hidden gems in-between, New Zealand has plenty of incredible spots hiding in our cities and towns. They may be a bit hard to find, but the best stuff takes a little effort, right?

Go Plastic-Free with GoodFor’s Top Picks

Story

Banish your everyday plastics with a bunch of nifty replacements courtesy of the clever folks at refillery, GoodFor.

New Zealand’s Top Bakeries to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Story

Carb lovers rejoice, we’ve scoured the country for the best baked goods establishments aka bakeries! No sourdough loaf, flaky almond croissant or pillowy brioche doughnut has been left unturned in this quest.

Follow the Crumbs ... 9 NZ Pâtisseries Worth Knowing

Story

Walking into a pâtisserie is an experience that can overwhelm your senses - in the best way possible.

Recline and Unwind: NZ's Independent Cinema Experiences

Story Auckland

Picture this, it’s Friday night, you’re settling into your favourite reclining lounger, a glass of wine in hand and the opening credits are beginning on the screen in front of you. Sure this situation could be in your living room at home but why not amp up the cosiness vibes and treat yourself to a trip to your local independent cinema.

7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For

Story

In the UK, the term ‘city-break’ is frequently used to describe a weekend away visiting the European city of the moment, exploring everything on offer and most often staying in boutique accommodation. Now, we may be thousands of miles away from being able to achieve a casual few days in a European city, but here in New Zealand, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to urban hotels that are worth travelling around the country for.

Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand

Story

All around New Zealand, we are blessed with incredible wine experiences right in our own urban backyard. No matter your vino preference from a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a Central Otago Pinot Noir or perhaps an interesting blend from a far away European vineyard, you don’t have to travel far to sample and enjoy a glass or two (responsibly of course!).

Chase Candyfloss Skies With The Best Places To Catch A Sunset In NZ

Story

In the light of golden hour, take your seat and let the sunset take centre stage.

Celebrating A Decade of Six Barrel Soda Co.

Story Wellington

On 2nd May, Six Barrel Soda Co. will celebrate 10 years. We chatted to Joe Slater, Co-Founder and Managing Director, about how he feels to be celebrating a decade making these utterly delicious drinks.

Seven Vegetarian Spots to Travel for this Meat Free May

Story Auckland

Challenge yourself and go Meat Free this May. The planet, the animals and your body will thank you for it.

Forget the Chocolate Eggs, Let’s Hunt For The Best Hot Cross Buns

Story Auckland

It’s that time of year; hot cross bun season and we’re all about it.

Miriama Grace Smith's Wellington

Story Wellington

I am a Māori artist based in Wellington. I dabble in a few different areas within the creative arts, as a curator, muralist, illustrator, fashion designer and film art and wardrobe director.

Estère's Wellington

Story Wellington

I’m a sound nerd and an anthropologist. I was born on Waiheke and grew up in Wellington. My mum's a Pākehā New Zealander and my dad's from Cameroon in Central Africa.

Samuel Flynn-Scott's Wellington

Story Wellington

I’m one of the singer-songwriters in The Phoenix Foundation and I make music for film and TV with Conrad Wedde and Lukasz Buda as Moniker. On top of that I write about food for The Spinoff and Cuisine magazine and am generally obsessed with anything delicious.

An Ode to Long, Lingering Lunches Across New Zealand

Story

Is there anything more satisfying than a lingering long lunch?

Stock Up On Vinyl At The 8 Best Record Stores In New Zealand

Story

Give Spotify a rest and throw your money behind local artists and record retailers.

Tick Off Your Reading List At New Zealand’s Independent Bookshops

Story Auckland

Support local and score a good read? You don't have to tell us twice.

Lift Your Gallery Wall Game With Our Guide To Buying Art Online

Story

Wave goodbye to boring blank walls.

Score The Inside Scoop On New Zealand’s Best Ice Cream And Gelato Spots

Story

Because ice cream is categorically the best thing about summer.

What To Eat In Porirua

Story

Whether you want a laidback brekkie at a beachside café or tasty burgers at a historical homestead, there's much to feast on in Porirua.

Shop Feel-Good Fits With 11 Sustainable NZ Clothing Brands

Story

This is feel-good clothing in more than one way.

7 Best Porirua Walks and Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

Story Porirua

Explore the great outdoors (and hospitality) with these walks in the Porirua region.

9 of Our Favourite Wellington Brunch Spots Right Now

Story Wellington

From ocean vistas to inspired menu offerings, there’s never been a better time to get brunch in the nation's capital.

Newtown

Neighbourhood Wellington

Newtown has a distinct scruffiness yet achingly cool feel. Originally a working-class suburb, in more recent years, Newtown has attracted a wave of students, immigrants and young creatives making the neighbourhood a place to seek out for many. The longstanding and much-loved Newtown Festival that takes place every year attracts Wellingtonians from across the city. With diverse cuisine, exceptional coffee, vintage stores and bars, there's much to fall in love with on the quirky side of the city.

Where to Get the Best Hand-Pulled Noodle Spots in NZ

Story

Great hand-pulled noodles are silky, springy, chewy ribbons to savour. Here are a few places across Aotearoa to find the best.

Cure Your Cravings With 10 Locally Made Craft Chocolates

Story

Embrace your inner Willy Wonka, here’s the golden ticket to ten of the best craft chocolatiers in Aotearoa.

Shhh, We've Discovered New Zealand’s Best Hidden Laneways

Story

Go beyond the guidebooks and explore our favourite secret laneways. You won't regret it.

Where to get Down with Donuts

Story

Doughnuts or donuts--who really cares? We've rounded up the best doughy deliciousness you can find in NZ.

Gift Consciously This Holiday Season with Our Wellington Shopping Guide

Story Wellington

With an emphasis on locally made and managed businesses, we’ve compiled a list of our top neat places to shop locally for the holidays in the Wellington region.

Guide to Wellington’s Hidden Art Galleries

Story Wellington

The perfect accompaniment to any decent “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day” day, hit the cobbled streets and take a look around some of these incredible art spaces around the CBD

Aotearoa's Top Emerging Artists

Story

Our guide to some of the best young and emerging artists currently out there doing their thing and representing NZ in their respective fields.

10 Leather Ateliers to Shop in New Zealand

Story

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your daily handbag or want something with a touch of class to complete a new outfit, leather goods have long been the go-to when it comes to sustainability, quality and longevity.

10 NZ Jewellers You Need to Know About

Story

These local artisanal creators are keeping the notion of high end wearable art alive, well and accessible—creating beautifully stunning work to suit any taste and budget.

Discovering contemporary New Zealand ceramists

Story Auckland

Kiwis love getting their hands dirty, and working with clay is a popular discipline among artisan creatives looking to make functional and interesting works of art.

Embracing the Thrift

Story Wellington

Nothing beats the thrill of stumbling across something special on the racks (the best finds are rewarded after a good scavenge) and Wellington is the place to be when hunting for vintage bargains.

12 Hours Porirua

12hr Porirua

Your guide to the best things to do in Porirua

Fried chicken and friends

Story Wellington

Here are our top five fried chicken places to grab a bite to eat in Wellington.

Show Your Home Some Love with New Zealand's Best Online Homewares Stores

Story

Spending heaps of time at home feels like the new normal. Luckily, these New Zealand homeware brands offer an array of goods to spruce up that very environment for maximum enjoyment.

My Desk: Jessie Wong

Story Wellington

Jessie Wong is the founder of Yu Mei, a luxury leather goods label based in Wellington with stockists and clients both in New Zealand and abroad. She has successfully built a brand renowned for its quality and luxury, while keeping the manufacturing local with her team supporting her along the way.

Making Clothes with Heart and Soul

Story Wellington

Rachel Easting and Anjali Burnett know a thing or two about fashion, after all, they've been running their company and brand Twenty-Seven Names since 2006.

Flavours in Jars: Talking 'feel good food' with Esther Lewis

Story Wellington

Esther’s food production kitchen and her “flavours in jars” grew from requests from customers across Wellington.

Sweet eats for Easter in Wellington

Story Wellington

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, we reckon there’s still no better time of year to delve into some chocolately cravings and support some clever local traders at the same time.

Support from the Bottom Up

Story Wellington

Elisha Watson’s business Nisa is simultaneously providing work for refugee women in Wellington while making “kick-ass” undies.

12 Hours Wellington

Story Wellington

The neatest things to see, eat, and do.

Hannahs Laneway

Story Wellington

The laneway to trump all laneways, Wellington’s maze of inner-city alleys are all worth investigating, and none so much as Hannahs Laneway. Cautiously dubbed ‘the world’s tastiest laneway', you'll wander through to find boutique batch peanut butter sold window-side, the capital's very own chocolatier, and plenty of tucked away bars to settle into. Hannahs Laneway is happy to remain a hidden secret that only those clever enough to track down will have the pleasure of enjoying. Be brave and push on through some new doorways, as you never know what you might find on the other side.

Cuba Street

Neighbourhood Wellington

Named after an early settler ship, Cuba Street was once a thoroughfare for Wellington trams, but now this street offers pedestrian-only access to Wellington's most popular street. Channelling bohemian vibes, you’ll find vintage shops galore on Cuba Street, alongside the abundance of world-class cafés, restaurants, and bars. On any given day you’ll see buskers playing instruments, flash mobs dancing to Spanish music, and small children engrossed in the bucket fountain water feature that marks the city’s innermost playground. You’ll be forgiven for eating, sleeping, drinking, and dancing all in the perimeter of Cuba Street and not feeling like you’re missing anything at all.

Loaves to Love