Guidebook for Wellington

Jess
Guidebook for Wellington

Drinks & Nightlife

Great selection of local craft beers, small but well-curated wine list, quirky decor, delightful staff, and high chances of spotting a cute dog. The little porch is perfect for a pint on a sunny day (or a rainy day, it's got a roof and a heater). The place is pretty quiet in the afternoons, so it makes a great remote office or location for a business meeting.
48 locals recommend
Golding's Free Dive
48 locals recommend
Great selection of local craft beers, small but well-curated wine list, quirky decor, delightful staff, and high chances of spotting a cute dog. The little porch is perfect for a pint on a sunny day (or a rainy day, it's got a roof and a heater). The place is pretty quiet in the afternoons, so it makes a great remote office or location for a business meeting.
Delightful brewpub and coffee roastery. Big selection of craft beers and delicious food. Great for dinner (try the fried chicken!), but don't overlook their brunch fare - the shakshuka and crumpets are fabulous.
9 locals recommend
HUSK
62 Ghuznee St
9 locals recommend
Delightful brewpub and coffee roastery. Big selection of craft beers and delicious food. Great for dinner (try the fried chicken!), but don't overlook their brunch fare - the shakshuka and crumpets are fabulous.
One of the first beer bars in Wellington, tucked away down some stairs in what used to be the jail cells of the old police building. Amazing tap and bottled beer selection, plus an off-licence for takeaways. Friendly staff can help anyone find their perfect beer. Great pies if you're feeling peckish. Live music on Saturday nights and b-movies on Sundays. The perfect hideaway on cold rainy days.
19 locals recommend
Hashigo Zake
25 Taranaki St
19 locals recommend
One of the first beer bars in Wellington, tucked away down some stairs in what used to be the jail cells of the old police building. Amazing tap and bottled beer selection, plus an off-licence for takeaways. Friendly staff can help anyone find their perfect beer. Great pies if you're feeling peckish. Live music on Saturday nights and b-movies on Sundays. The perfect hideaway on cold rainy days.
Dog-friendly beer bar just off Glover Park. Good selection of beers. Good bar fare if you're hungry - pizzas, sandwiches, and curly fries (with cheese and gravy!). Cheap tacos on Tuesdays and wings on Wednesdays, and free live music throughout the week. Great on a sunny afternoon when you can take your beer and food into the park and enjoy on a beanbag. Dog friendly!
46 locals recommend
The Rogue & Vagabond
18 Garrett St
46 locals recommend
Dog-friendly beer bar just off Glover Park. Good selection of beers. Good bar fare if you're hungry - pizzas, sandwiches, and curly fries (with cheese and gravy!). Cheap tacos on Tuesdays and wings on Wednesdays, and free live music throughout the week. Great on a sunny afternoon when you can take your beer and food into the park and enjoy on a beanbag. Dog friendly!
Cosy pub with a huge selection of beer and great food. Great for a beer before or after heading across the alley to the Capital Markets for food. Usually quiet in the afternoons, so a great place to bring a laptop and get some work done.
30 locals recommend
Little Beer Quarter
6 Edward St
30 locals recommend
Cosy pub with a huge selection of beer and great food. Great for a beer before or after heading across the alley to the Capital Markets for food. Usually quiet in the afternoons, so a great place to bring a laptop and get some work done.
Good local music venue with a wide variety of local and international acts.
20 locals recommend
San Fran
171 Cuba St
20 locals recommend
Good local music venue with a wide variety of local and international acts.

Food Scene

Beautiful local, seasonal food in a laid back environment. Friendly staff, spectacular beer and wine selection, and delicious ever-changing menu of food.
15 locals recommend
Shepherd
5 Eva St
15 locals recommend
Beautiful local, seasonal food in a laid back environment. Friendly staff, spectacular beer and wine selection, and delicious ever-changing menu of food.
Seasonal 'European comfort food' restaurant with a menu that changes weekly. Everything they make is beautiful, but don't miss their cheese souffle if it's on the menu when you're here. Save room for the homemade ice cream and sorbet for dessert.
Field & Green
262 Wakefield St
Seasonal 'European comfort food' restaurant with a menu that changes weekly. Everything they make is beautiful, but don't miss their cheese souffle if it's on the menu when you're here. Save room for the homemade ice cream and sorbet for dessert.
Great cafe nestled in the City Gallery. Perfect for breakfast or brunch while exploring along the waterfront. The sage fried eggs are one of the best breakfasts in Wellington. The lunch specials change weekly, but the pasta is always delicious.
19 locals recommend
Nikau Cafe
101 Wakefield St
19 locals recommend
Great cafe nestled in the City Gallery. Perfect for breakfast or brunch while exploring along the waterfront. The sage fried eggs are one of the best breakfasts in Wellington. The lunch specials change weekly, but the pasta is always delicious.
Indoor street market full of food stalls featuring food from all over the world. New vendors come and go all the time, but it's always a great option for big groups with picky eaters - order whatever you want, then all sit together.
17 locals recommend
Capital Market
151 Willis St
17 locals recommend
Indoor street market full of food stalls featuring food from all over the world. New vendors come and go all the time, but it's always a great option for big groups with picky eaters - order whatever you want, then all sit together.
One of the best restaurants in Wellington. A bit spendy, but worth it for that special occasion. Laid back rustic decor, amazing food, and lovely service. Specialises in seafood, but also serves a mean steak. The tagliatelle with garlic prawns is Jess's go-to, and whatever fish is on special will be delicious.
57 locals recommend
Ortega
16 Majoribanks St
57 locals recommend
One of the best restaurants in Wellington. A bit spendy, but worth it for that special occasion. Laid back rustic decor, amazing food, and lovely service. Specialises in seafood, but also serves a mean steak. The tagliatelle with garlic prawns is Jess's go-to, and whatever fish is on special will be delicious.
Great bakery and coffee shop just outside the front door. Perfect for fresh bread in the morning, or a quick coffee and breakfast before heading out for the day. The salted caramel cookies are amazing.
15 locals recommend
Leeds Street Bakery
14 Leeds St
15 locals recommend
Great bakery and coffee shop just outside the front door. Perfect for fresh bread in the morning, or a quick coffee and breakfast before heading out for the day. The salted caramel cookies are amazing.
Great little BYO restaurant on Cuba Street. Chilli oil dumplings are their speciality, and if you have a big group, definitely get the potato tower.
Ram's Restaurant
171 Cuba St
Great little BYO restaurant on Cuba Street. Chilli oil dumplings are their speciality, and if you have a big group, definitely get the potato tower.
Some of the best Malaysian in Wellington - great for takeaway on a lazy night, or stick around and dine in.
26 locals recommend
Little Penang
179 Victoria St
26 locals recommend
Some of the best Malaysian in Wellington - great for takeaway on a lazy night, or stick around and dine in.
Best Mexican food in Wellington, tucked away down the Left Bank of Cuba Street. Queso, margaritas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more. Anything with their homemade salsa verde is a winner. Also great breakfast/brunch options. Sadly closed Mondays.
13 locals recommend
Viva Mexico
161 Riddiford Street
13 locals recommend
Best Mexican food in Wellington, tucked away down the Left Bank of Cuba Street. Queso, margaritas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and more. Anything with their homemade salsa verde is a winner. Also great breakfast/brunch options. Sadly closed Mondays.
Amazing Vietnamese street food disguised as a fish and chip shop. Get the pho on a rainy day.
Fisherman's Plate Seafood
12 Bond St
Amazing Vietnamese street food disguised as a fish and chip shop. Get the pho on a rainy day.
Saturday night market of food trucks and snacks from around the world. Great for grabbing a bite before heading out for the evening. Most of the same vendors are also in the Left Bank of Cuba Street on Friday nights.
Wellington Saturday Night Market
Cuba Street
Saturday night market of food trucks and snacks from around the world. Great for grabbing a bite before heading out for the evening. Most of the same vendors are also in the Left Bank of Cuba Street on Friday nights.
Best takeaways in town - tiny little shop featuring amazing, gigantic hand pulled noodles and delicious five-spice fried chicken. Daily specials are also worth trying. They close at 8 PM though, so get in quick.
7 locals recommend
TASTE OF HOME
128 Vivian St
7 locals recommend
Best takeaways in town - tiny little shop featuring amazing, gigantic hand pulled noodles and delicious five-spice fried chicken. Daily specials are also worth trying. They close at 8 PM though, so get in quick.
Fantastic Latin American food (and bonus points for being an ethical, sustainable, and living wage employer), good cocktails and beer, and open late. Try the fried grasshoppers! The tortilla chips (with salsa or guac) are quite possibly the best you'll ever eat.
7 locals recommend
El Culo Del Mundo
2 Roxburgh St
7 locals recommend
Fantastic Latin American food (and bonus points for being an ethical, sustainable, and living wage employer), good cocktails and beer, and open late. Try the fried grasshoppers! The tortilla chips (with salsa or guac) are quite possibly the best you'll ever eat.
Best fried chicken in town. Try the level 4 spice at your own risk!
Soul Shack
120 Victoria St
Best fried chicken in town. Try the level 4 spice at your own risk!
Amazing brownies and other sweet treats, plus excellent cheese rolls and cheese scones.
Lashings
31 Dixon St
Amazing brownies and other sweet treats, plus excellent cheese rolls and cheese scones.
If you want an unforgettable meal, this is the place. Features traditional Māori cooking methods and ingredients.
HIAKAI
40 Wallace St
If you want an unforgettable meal, this is the place. Features traditional Māori cooking methods and ingredients.

Arts & Culture

Contemporary art gallery. Mostly free, with an occasional paid exhibit. First Thursday of every month is late night at the gallery, with live music, food, talks, and other special events. Koha entry.
72 locals recommend
City Gallery Wellington
72 locals recommend
Contemporary art gallery. Mostly free, with an occasional paid exhibit. First Thursday of every month is late night at the gallery, with live music, food, talks, and other special events. Koha entry.
New Zealand's national museum - art, culture, history, everything. Mostly free with some paid exhibits. Great for kids and families, but fun for adults too.
65 locals recommend
Te Papa Tongarewa
65 locals recommend
New Zealand's national museum - art, culture, history, everything. Mostly free with some paid exhibits. Great for kids and families, but fun for adults too.
Wellington's best theatre (in my humble opinion). Three spaces inside the venue, so there are usually a few shows on each night. Ranges from comedy to drama to improv to experimental - something for everyone. The bar downstairs is also delightful for a drink before or after the show.
79 locals recommend
BATS Theatre
1 Kent Terrace
79 locals recommend
Wellington's best theatre (in my humble opinion). Three spaces inside the venue, so there are usually a few shows on each night. Ranges from comedy to drama to improv to experimental - something for everyone. The bar downstairs is also delightful for a drink before or after the show.
Cool little museum of Wellington history, culture, and geography.
70 locals recommend
Wellington Museum
3 Jervois Quay
70 locals recommend
Cool little museum of Wellington history, culture, and geography.
The home of queer, feminist, and avant-garde performance in Wellington - drag kings and queens, poetry, naked folks reading, burlesque cabarets - you name it, it's at the Fringe. Bonus stage karaoke after the show on Friday nights. Shows are affordable (up to $25 or so) and many are free or have sliding scales.
The Fringe Bar
26-32 Allen St
The home of queer, feminist, and avant-garde performance in Wellington - drag kings and queens, poetry, naked folks reading, burlesque cabarets - you name it, it's at the Fringe. Bonus stage karaoke after the show on Friday nights. Shows are affordable (up to $25 or so) and many are free or have sliding scales.
Cosy little cinema with a mix of indie, arthouse, and Hollywood films. Soft couches instead of seats, so great for a date.
52 locals recommend
Light House Cuba
29 Wigan St
52 locals recommend
Cosy little cinema with a mix of indie, arthouse, and Hollywood films. Soft couches instead of seats, so great for a date.

Parks & Nature

Beautiful gardens near downtown Wellington. Everything from manicured rose gardens to wild forests. Take the cable car to the top, bring a picnic, and wander down for a peaceful, beautiful afternoon (good strategy for avoiding walking up the steepest of the hills). There's also a playground for the kids.
203 locals recommend
Wellington Botanic Garden
101 Glenmore St
203 locals recommend
Beautiful gardens near downtown Wellington. Everything from manicured rose gardens to wild forests. Take the cable car to the top, bring a picnic, and wander down for a peaceful, beautiful afternoon (good strategy for avoiding walking up the steepest of the hills). There's also a playground for the kids.
Green space running through the middle of Wellington. Perfect for a hike or jog. Head uphill to find gorgeous views of the harbour and cityscape.
23 locals recommend
Town Belt
23 locals recommend
Green space running through the middle of Wellington. Perfect for a hike or jog. Head uphill to find gorgeous views of the harbour and cityscape.
Meandering trail up to the top of Mt Victoria for beautiful views of the city.
178 locals recommend
Mount Victoria Lookout
Lookout Road
178 locals recommend
Meandering trail up to the top of Mt Victoria for beautiful views of the city.
Beautiful beach and hiking trail along the rugged South Coast. Head around the shore to Sinclair Head, home of a bachelor fur seal colony from May - October to get up close and personal with some local wildlife (not too close though!). 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your speed and time spent seal-watching. Accessible by bus from the city, or a short drive. https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/red-rocks-reserve/
48 locals recommend
Red Rocks - Pariwhero
48 locals recommend
Beautiful beach and hiking trail along the rugged South Coast. Head around the shore to Sinclair Head, home of a bachelor fur seal colony from May - October to get up close and personal with some local wildlife (not too close though!). 2-3 hours round trip, depending on your speed and time spent seal-watching. Accessible by bus from the city, or a short drive. https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/red-rocks-reserve/
Protected nature/bird reserve just outside of town. Features a predator fence and thriving native bird populations. Peaceful walking trails and a great cafe by the lake. They also offer night tours - your best shot at seeing a kiwi in the wild.
255 locals recommend
ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
53 Waiapu Road
255 locals recommend
Protected nature/bird reserve just outside of town. Features a predator fence and thriving native bird populations. Peaceful walking trails and a great cafe by the lake. They also offer night tours - your best shot at seeing a kiwi in the wild.
Closest beach (walking distance) to the city. Lively in summer time, with ice cream available nearby and a playground for the kids. Walk a little further along the waterfront for a larger beach if it's too crowded. Swim out to the platform if you don't mind cold water!
Freyberg Beach Play Area
162 Oriental Parade
Closest beach (walking distance) to the city. Lively in summer time, with ice cream available nearby and a playground for the kids. Walk a little further along the waterfront for a larger beach if it's too crowded. Swim out to the platform if you don't mind cold water!

Essentials

The 'fancy' grocery store in town - amazing cheese selection, huge bottle shop, and fresh produce.
102 locals recommend
Moore Wilson's
College Street
102 locals recommend
The 'fancy' grocery store in town - amazing cheese selection, huge bottle shop, and fresh produce.
Big grocery store for all your staples.
90 locals recommend
New World Wellington City
279 Wakefield St
90 locals recommend
Big grocery store for all your staples.
The smaller city version of the New World grocery store - handy if you're coming from that side of town.
30 locals recommend
New World Willis Street Metro
70 Willis St
30 locals recommend
The smaller city version of the New World grocery store - handy if you're coming from that side of town.
Best local dairy in the neighbourhood - friendly staff and open late for all your spontaneous food and household needs.
Montys Cuba Foodmarket
140 Cuba St
Best local dairy in the neighbourhood - friendly staff and open late for all your spontaneous food and household needs.
The other good dairy in the neighbourhood - handy for topping up your snapper and picking up snacks en route to the bus.
City Stop Manners St
107 Manners St
The other good dairy in the neighbourhood - handy for topping up your snapper and picking up snacks en route to the bus.

Getting Around

Bus stop where virtually every bus in the city will stop (Arty Bees if train station/northbound, Burger King if airport/southbound). There's almost always someone waiting or wanting to get off, so you usually don't need to remember to press the button to stop.
Manners Street at Cuba Street (near 79) station
Bus stop where virtually every bus in the city will stop (Arty Bees if train station/northbound, Burger King if airport/southbound). There's almost always someone waiting or wanting to get off, so you usually don't need to remember to press the button to stop.
If you need a car for day trips, check out Mevo - electric cars that can be hired and returned anywhere in the city (including the airport). Petrol, insurance, cleaning all included - only pay for the length of your journey.
Mevo New Zealand Limited
29 Manners St
If you need a car for day trips, check out Mevo - electric cars that can be hired and returned anywhere in the city (including the airport). Petrol, insurance, cleaning all included - only pay for the length of your journey.

Shopping

Saturday morning market in a car park near the waterfront - arts, crafts, and other handmade goodies.
13 locals recommend
Wellington Underground Market
102 Oriental Parade
13 locals recommend
Saturday morning market in a car park near the waterfront - arts, crafts, and other handmade goodies.