Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore in Porirua with our guide.
Toi Store at Pātaka
Gallery and museum gift shops are sometimes seen as a nice-to-have, a neat place to peruse some trinkets on the way out.
Kai Tahi
Porirua is well-known as a proud harbour city, with its glistening waters an indelible part of its social and aesthetic identity.
The Cake Cafe Plimmerton
Baked goods and beaches are two of the best things about Wellington, and you can find both in close proximity in a cosy corner of Plimmerton.
IndoKiwi Dhaba
If there’s anything better than an Indian restaurant, it’s one with an Indian grocery conveniently attached to it.
Tunapo Escape
Located just 35 minutes from central Wellington atop the picturesque Paekākāriki Hill, Tunapo Escape is a tiny house getaway that provides an escape in every sense of the word.
Supply Room
Is there an eatery in Porirua with a view better than the one at Supply Room? You’d be hard-pressed to find one.
Panikeke
Bringing a vibrant splash of Pacific colour to Porirua, Panikeke is a lively little gift shop that aims to highlight and celebrate the local Pasifika community.
Sushil's Musclechef
A former top-six contestant on Masterchef New Zealand and a self-confessed fitness aficionado, there’s no doubt Sushil Ravikumar knows his stuff when it comes to...
Karehana Bay Beach
Tucked away in a small nook at the north-western end of Plimmerton, Karehana Bay is often overlooked by visitors to Porirua.
Abandoned Brewery
Rising from the ashes of—literally—an abandoned brewery in Lower Hutt, Abandoned Brewery is doing its part to put Porirua on the map as a top beer lover’s...
Little City Kombucha
For a brand that’s all about minimising its impact on the environment, Little City Kombucha is certainly making a splash from its very own slice of Porirua.
6 Best Porirua Walks and Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
The Beer Engine
Tītahi Bay is a thriving, buzzing corner of Porirua, thanks in part to The Beer Engine for helping to power it forward.
The Karaage Kid
A plucky little outfit that packs plenty of punch, The Karaage Kid—brought to you by the team behind Dirty Burger—is out to serve a hearty dose of Asian fusion...
The Regal Shortbread Co.
The Regal Shortbread Co. is a micro-bakery in Whitby specialising in decadent, high-end shortbread - six decadent flavours to be exact.
Te Ara Piko Walkway
The Te Ara Piko pathway is one of the best long walks in the Porirua region, taking you along the entire northern side of the Pāuatahanui Inlet, across diverse and stunning terrain.
Bites, Beers and Beaches: The Porirua Edition
Aloha Friday
A homely little spot where the locals come to kōrero, Aloha Friday perfectly epitomises the character of Tītahi Bay—fitting, then, that it's right on the beach’s doorstep.
Blue Bell Club
Venture out to Porirua’s harbourside and it won’t be long before you’re drawn in by the colours of the Blue Bell Club, a vibrant splash of Pasifika right on the water’s edge.
Little Green Olive
A compact but beautiful coffee spot perched on Mana Esplanade in Porirua, Little Green Olive offers superb views along with a range of filling snacks and coffee with a conscience.
t bay café
Starting out as a project to bring a much-needed eatery to Porirua’s Tītahi Bay, t bay café now serves as a cornerstone of the local community, bringing its residents and visitors together.
Nish Café
A small, modest spot in the heart of the Whitby shopping precinct, Nish Café may look unassuming, but it packs a whole lot of heart.
Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve
Originally developed as a sanctuary for birds and other creatures populating the area, the Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve doubles as a quiet retreat for humans as well.
Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen
Aside from serving excellent food, Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen has one clear goal: to make customers feel like they’re in Thailand, without having to leave Porirua.
Topor Bistro
Those clued up on Polish cuisine will feel right at home at Topor Bistro, with a menu featuring the classics: dig in to pierogi, bigos, and golabki.
Moore Wilson's Porirua
An institution and a household name in Wellington, not many people know that Moore Wilson’s is also a stalwart of Porirua’s grocery scene.
Pukerua Bay
Looking for a beachside walk that’s not like the others? Hidden gem Pukerua Bay is exactly what you’re after.
Escarpment Track
Escarpment Walk is a beautiful coastal trail that boasts stunning views of the Kāpiti Coast nearly all the way through.
Backyard Café
Backyard Café in Porirua knows that plant shopping isn’t complete without a coffee and scone on the side.
Dine Around the World in Porirua
Plimmerton Fish Supply
Every happy neighbourhood needs a good fish and chip spot, and for lucky Plimmerton locals that exists in the form of Plimmerton Fish Supply.
The Big Salami
The Big Salami is where locals come to get super tasty pizza, coffee on the go and sweet slices like you remember from your childhood days.
Reds Hairdressing
This salon has been on the receiving end of many local and national awards, and is something of a community hub.
Te Rauparaha Arena
Te Rauparaha Arena is the place to come when you feel like moving your body.
One of a Kind Finds in Porirua
Café Kaizen
Café Kaizen is the kind of well-oiled machine that you can tell has been a locals' favourite hangout for a long time.
Adrenalin Forest Wellington
If you’re a seeker of thrills, you’ll likely have a lot of fun at the aptly named Adrenalin Forest in Porirua.
Samoa's Finest
If you’ve called Samoa home at some point in your life then this place is undoubtedly going to stir up all kinds of nostalgia.
Pātaka Art + Museum
Pātaka Art + Museum is a true gem in the crown that is the valuable resource of Porirua art and history.
Light House Cinema Pauatahanui
Light House Cinema Pauatahanui is the only independent movie spot for some miles around.
Local Authority
Less about enforcing rules and more about creating a chill place to enjoy good coffee and food, Local Authority is a pocket-sized coffee spot that packs a punch.
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
About 500 hectares make up the rolling hills of the Forest Park and a range of walking tracks take you through fields and along stream beds.
Rangituhi Colonial Knob
If you feel like working up a sweat, and gyms have never been your thing, then set your sights on a big old stroll up Rangituhi.
Whitireia Park
Take a breather from the city and recentre yourself in this picturesque spot that has million-dollar views in every direction.
