There's plenty to do in Wellington - so take a peek at our guide to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and more in New Zealand's capital city.
Rated one of the world’s windiest cities, New Zealand’s neat little capital has a reputation for ruining new umbrellas and fancy hairdos, but don’t let that put you off. Wellington has much more to offer than the weather forecast would have you believe.
Chosen as the first major planned settlement for British immigrants in 1839 (and stealing the title of ‘country capital’ off Auckland in 1865), the population of creators, musicians, politicians, business people, students and travellers will agree that this is a place worth settling down in.
Home to the much-loved Te Papa museum, Wellington hosts many museums, libraries, theatres and festivals, giving this city the melting pot of culture and fun it is so well known for. Hardly a day goes by without a festival of some sort or another - whether it's the World of Wearable Arts, Wellington on a Plate or the International Comedy Festival to name a few.
Proud Wellingtonians are known for their dress sense - just take a walk down colourful Cuba Street and you’ll soon see. Their love of eating, drinking, shopping, theatre and gigs are just a few of the many reasons why this city seems to be constantly buzzing with activity.
The Best Pizza in Wellington: 7 Spots to Try (2026)
From the tried and tested classics to more contemporary twists, there are plenty of fantastic pizzas to be found around Wellington.
The Best Cheap Eats in Wellington (2026)
Noodles, burgers, pasta and more - here are some of our top picks in Wellington for a meal that won’t blow your budget.
The Best Barbers & Hairdressers in Wellington (2026)
When it comes to looking your best, it helps to have a hairdresser you can trust. With so many options in the capital you might be overwhelmed by choice, so here is your guide to some of Wellington’s top hair professionals.
The Best Brunch in Wellington: 8 Cafés to Try (2026)
From ocean vistas to inspired menu offerings, there’s never been a better time to get brunch in the nation's capital.
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View AllCranfields
Cranfields has been making a case for buying better things since 1991.
House of Puck
Raumati Beach’s House of Puck is a treasure trove of colour, character, and curiosities, where the joy is as much in the hunt as it is in the find.
Treacle Lane
Standing proudly at the heart of the Raumati Village shopping precinct, Treacle Lane is the kind of shop that refuses to be boxed into a category.
The Big Egg Ōtaki
A dozen eggs might be what brings you through the door, but at The Big Egg, it’s rarely the only thing that makes it into the basket.
Get your Pocket Guide for Wellington
There's plenty to do in Wellington - so take a peek at our guide to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and more in New Zealand's capital city.
Boss Bagels
Refreshingly uninterested in taking itself too seriously, Boss Bagels arrived on the Kāpiti Coast with one mission - to turn the humble bagel into a proper meal.
ATB Tattoo Studio
Nestled in a quiet corner of Ōtaki, ATB is the kind of creative space where you come in for a tattoo and end up staying for the conversation and maybe even a coffee and a...
The Hide Kāpiti
A stay at The Hide Kāpiti is an invitation to slow down, switch off, and reconnect with the things that matter - with just the right dash of luxury thrown in.
Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre
The best kinds of creative spaces don’t ask you to admire from a distance; they invite you to wander, wonder, and see the world a little differently.
The Custard Pie
Camped neatly beside a local church with ample parking available, The Custard Pie is the kind of sweet, sugar-filled discovery that makes you sing Hallelujah.
Commonsense Kāpiti
A household name in New Zealand’s organic food scene, Commonsense has been making ethical shopping feel refreshingly accessible for decades.
Punjabi Rasoi Newlands
Newland’s Punjabi Rasoi has earned a reputation as one of Wellington’s top-rated Indian restaurants - and its Google rating speaks for itself.
Area 51
Fashion sometimes has a habit of moving quickly, but Area 51 has built its reputation by knowing exactly when not to follow the crowd.
Luisa Farah Jewellery
At Luisa Farah Jewellery in Wellington, every piece begins as an idea shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a fascination with form, before being carefully brought to life...
Willis Lane
Wellington’s city streets are constantly humming with life and energy, but for a playful excursion that breaks the norm, you’ll want to head underground.
Chaat Street
Big flavours, playful energy, and dishes designed for sharing over good times - Vaibhav Vishen’s Chaat Street has carved out a space all of its own.
Numa Skin Club
The first rule of Numa Skin & Body Club: you tell absolutely everyone you can about it, because it’s just that good and some things shouldn’t be gatekept.
Wētā Workshop Experiences
Your gateway to immersive filmmaking experiences.
