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.
Meet the Makers of Lyall Bay
Maybe it’s the impressive beachside backdrop that acts as inspiration, but Lyall Bay is fast growing into a thriving creators’ hub.
One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to the Hutt Valley
The Hutt Valley: severely underestimated, often misunderstood, and full of surprises for every type of visitor.
Meet Christopher Menges, Master Swordsmith at Wētā Workshop
Behind the fascinating characters, costumes and props that make Wētā Workshop Experiences one of Wellington’s most unique attractions, there’s a team of supremely talented creators who bring it all to life. One of these individuals is master swordsmith Christopher Menges, who has been handling swords since he was a kid and has forged a reputation as one of the country’s finest craftsmen. We asked Christopher about what drives his creative process and what life is like at Wētā Workshop.
Cosy Corners, Filling Foods and Winter Warmers around Wellington
Wherever you go in Wellington, you’ll be sure to find a cosy corner offering a hearty meal or a punchy cocktail to keep you warm in winter.
Explore our Directory
View AllWillis 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.
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.
Natty
Part studio, part shop, this sweet space in the middle of Beramphore has come a long way from its previous life as a butchery.
QT Wellington
From the moment you spot the giant golden hippo standing guard outside, you can tell QT Wellington is a hotel that’s comfortable doing things its own way.
Reform Wellington
At Reform Wellington, owner Kenzy has created more than just a pilates studio – it’s a space people genuinely want to spend time in.
Moore Wilson's Tory Street
If you’re into food there’s no doubt you’ll be into Moore Wilson's.
The Polish Sausage Company
Smoke curls through the Lyall Bay air long before you spot the source, a quiet signal that something seriously good is being made by hand.
Stackhouse Knives
Sparks fly, hammers ring out, and raw steel slowly takes shape under steady hands at Stackhouse Knives, a working studio where craftsmanship is celebrated and shared.
Lib & Lu
With its pristine white walls and shelves resembling - literally and metaphorically - a blank canvas, Lib & Lu is the kind of homeware store that encourages you to...
Real Aotearoa
Peppered with tight rows of the most beautiful glass and pounamu pieces, Real Aotearoa is a gallery that is intentionally small.
Hotel Catalina
Unlike the planes you can watch whizzing overhead, Hotel Catalina is a place that leans into the simple pleasure of being exactly where you want to be, for as long as you...
The Botanist
Who said plant-based had to be boring? At The Botanist, the dishes are anything but run of the mill.
Empire of Genius
As much a working studio as it is a boutique, Empire of Genius presents a slower, more considered way to shop for clothes.
Real Surf
Having built surfboards for more than 30 years, Roger Titcombe certainly knows what he’s doing, and his beloved Real Surf is built on a lifetime in the water and on...
Pick a Posy
Bringing a touch of colour and fragrance that blends seamlessly with the sea spray from across the road, Pick a Posy is the go-to stop at Lyall Bay Junction for bouquets for...
