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.

12 Hours Wellington

A customer and baristas standing inside the timber-lined Customs coffee shop.

The neatest things to see, eat, and do.

The Ultimate Wellington Coffee & Treat Trail

Rows of donuts from Wellington's Belen.
Wellington

Wellington's love affair with coffee is no secret - it’s a city built on strong brews, passionate baristas, and cabinets full of temptations you can’t say no to.

Key Ingredients to Wellington Hospitality with Cosmo

Cosmo holding a bottle of Fruit Cru.
Wellington

Few people know Wellington hospitality as intimately as Cosmo Hawke, owner of iconic bars Ascot and Regent and co-founder of Fruit Cru, an organic fruit winery.

The Heart of Thorndon Quay: Four Traders Who Have Stood the Test of Time

A woman leaning on a couch.
Wellington

A walk down Thorndon Quay is a quick reminder of the strength, resilience and creativity of Wellington’s business community. Even as challenges have reshaped the area, a collection of beloved local businesses remain as an enduring anchor of the community. From handcrafted furniture and authentic French cuisine to vibrant textiles and personalised hairstyling, these enduring traders reflect the heart of the Quay – inviting visitors to explore, enjoy, and support the places that have long been part of its fabric.

Rediscovering Thorndon Quay: Where History Meets Modern Design

The grand brick exterior of a building in Wellington.
Wellington

Tucked away but not to be overlooked, Thorndon Quay is a place worth wandering. Steeped in history and creativity, this corridor of the capital city boasts a unique blend of old and new – with a rich mix of contemporary design, heritage buildings, cosy eateries and eclectic boutiques ready to welcome you in.

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Hei

Wide shot of the dining room including booth seating at Hei.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

From the creator of that Wellington institution KC Cafe comes Hei, a refreshingly contemporary take on Chinese cuisine.

Cuba St Tavern

Exterior of Cuba St Tavern.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A fresh, funky tribute to Wellington’s most iconic street, Cuba St Tavern is a celebration of everything that makes the capital’s hospo scene one of the most...

Sully's

Shop view of Sully's including decorative lighting.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

Clothing stores abound in Wellington, but Sully’s is one of those that feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you walk in.

Eva's Garage

Customer and his dog sitting outside Eva's Garage.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Services key icon.

Who knew you could fit so much into a garage? Wellington’s Eva’s Garage isn’t your average coffee stop - it’s a one-of-a-kind inner-city escape built...

Get your Pocket Guide for Wellington

A photo of the latest Neat Places Wellington pocket guide.

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.

Le Ciel

Tray of eclairs at Le Ciel.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

A true labour of love, Le Ciel is a plucky little bakery that brings tastes and techniques from around the world right to the heart of Wellington’s Tory Street.

Shelly Bay Baker on Karori Road

Interior of Shelly Bay Baker on Karori Road.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Having long been a household name in Wellington, the opening of Shelly Bay Baker’s Karori branch means New Zealand’s largest suburb now has easy access to some...

Wonderland Chocolate

Wider view of the exterior of Wonderland Chocolate.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

Evoking the spirit of a long-lost local amusement park, Wonderland Chocolate brings something truly magical to Wellington’s Lyall Bay and beyond: plant-based vegan...

The Ram

A dish on the table at The Ram.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Rubbing shoulders with Cuba Street institutions, The Ram is a classy, contemporary bistro that blends sophistication with an unmistakably laid-back Wellington vibe.

Escarpment Domes

A view of a bay from inside Escarpment Domes Porirua.
Place Porirua
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Some of the best ideas are born out of midlife crises.

New Zealand Police Museum

An exhibition inside New Zealand Police Museum.
Place Porirua
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Showcasing and immortalising a true institution of New Zealand society, the New Zealand Police Museum acts as a unique catalogue of this country’s history, drawing...

Kai Tahi

The dining area inside Kai Tahi Porirua.
Place Porirua
Cafes key icon.

Porirua is well-known as a proud harbour city, with its glistening waters an indelible part of its social and aesthetic identity.

Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street

Man with tattooed arm holding a loaf of sourdough bread in brown paper bag
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker.

Glou Glou

Wooden bar leaner with green tiles holding plates of sweet and savoury crumpets and ube and matcha lattes
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Located inside Wellington’s iconic Exchange Building on Allen Street, Glou Glou is an upmarket casual cafe that is ultra sleek yet laid-back enough to warrant a daily...

Bellbird Eatery

A glass counter inside a cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
Cafes key icon.

Bringing its own flair to a famed building with its relaxed glam feel, Bellbird Eatery is a fine example of a museum cafe in the Hutt.

La Bella Italia

Italian food in jars on shelves at La Bella Italia.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Discover Lower Hutt's very own Little Italy down an unassuming side street in Petone.

Percy Scenic Reserve

Grassy picnic spot with benches and ducks wandering around in Percy Scenic Reserve
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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A private family garden in the late 1800s, Percy Scenic Reserve is now one of Lower Hutt's most cherished public spaces to take in serene vistas, explore historic plant collections and picnic by the duck pond.