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

Woman holding up clothing in That Was Then This Is Now.

The neatest things to see, eat, and do.

One of a Kind Finds: Te Ngākau Precinct

Customer browsing clothing racks in a vintage store.
Wellington

Art galleries, boutique shops, jewellers, and more, there are plenty of places in the Te Ngākau precinct where you can nab a one-of-a-kind find.

Te Ngākau Precinct After Dark

Bartender behind the bar at Fork & Brewer.
Wellington

Whether you're in search of a refined glass of wine, a fresh sashimi platter, or a cosy booth with an ale and live music, the Te Ngākau precinct is the place to hit once the sun sets.

Dine Around the World in Central Wellington

Table full of plates of Asian dishes and chopsticks.
Wellington

Not only is central Wellington an incredibly walkable place, it’s also home to some outstanding eateries with dishes hailing from across the globe.

City of Makers: Inside Wellington's Creative Culture

A woman with her hand on her hip in front of a gallery space.
Wellington

Behind every great creative city is an army of talented individuals who call it home and help put it on the map.

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WORLD

Black shop exterior of WORLD.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

WORLD is hardly a brand that needs introducing, and the simple, jet-black exterior of its Manners Street store in Wellington certainly gives little away.

Aurora Argentinian Bakery

Exterior of Aurora Argentinian Bakery with signs outside.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

You can tell right away that Aurora Argentinian Bakery is the kind of place that was built from scratch with love, and that’s because it was.

Preloved Charlies

Pedestrians on the footpath walking past shop exterior and signage of Preloved Charlies.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

Preloved Charlies on Wellington’s Victoria Street is a burst of glitter, nostalgia, and unapologetic fun, a place where Y2K dreams, sustainable style, and community...

Salut Pies

Cabinet full of pies and the front counter at Salut Pies.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

What do you do when you can’t find a decent pie and coffee for your 5am commute? You make them yourself, of course and in the process, create a Wellingtonian cult...

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.

Amuse Snack Bar

Front counter and coffee machine at Amuse Snack Bar.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

With a delightful menu that evolves throughout the day, Amuse Snack Bar on Wellington’s Willis Street blends European aperitivo with Australasian coffee culture for an...

Hummingbird

Exterior view of Hummingbird's corner location in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Occupying a prominent corner spot on Courtenay Place, there’s something magnetic about Hummingbird, a perennial energy that hums beneath the surface, pulling you into...

Everybody Eats

Dining room space at Everybody Eats.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Who knew that making a difference to the community could taste so good? At Everybody Eats on Wellington’s Dixon Street, the heart of hospitality beats loud and clear.

Three Rabbits Tattoo

Exterior of Three Rabbits Tattoo in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Services key icon.

Just a stone’s throw from the noise and busyness of Courtenay Place lies Three Rabbits Tattoo, an intimate, creative sanctuary where every detail has been thoughtfully...

that was then, this is now.

Exterior of that was then, this is now.
Place Wellington

Walking through the doors of that was then, this is now feels a bit like stepping into a perfectly distilled version of Cuba Street’s spirit: textured, effortlessly...

Supra

Supra signage.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

As far as hidden gems go, Supra is about as hidden as they get.

Völco Egmont Street

Exterior view of Volco's laneway location.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

Völco’s latest outpost is a warm, welcoming addition to Wellington that takes over the former site of the much-loved Egmont Street Deli & Diner.

Damascus

Customers in the dining room at Damascus.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

With a menu that reads like a love letter to Syrian cooking, Damascus, found in the heart of Wellington, is a place where all are warmly invited to delight in the food from...

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.

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...

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.