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.
City Icons: 10 Long-Standing Eateries in the Heart of Courtenay Precinct
In the heart of the Courtenay Precinct sits a cluster of long-standing eateries that have helped shape the flavour (literally) of Wellington’s food scene and central cultural identity. Decades in, these icons continue to anchor the precinct with good stories, honest hospitality, and the kind of dishes locals return for again and again.
The Class of '25: Wellington's Best Openings
If there’s one thing 2025 has taught us, it’s that while times will change, Wellington will always be one of New Zealand’s leading culinary hubs.
Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa
Welcome to the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025, packed with beautiful, practical, and interesting finds from local businesses across Aotearoa.
One of a Kind Finds: Te Ngākau Precinct
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllMonsoon Poon Wellington
Providing nourishment in abundance (as the name would suggest), Wellington’s Monsoon Poon has been a Blair Street fixture for a quarter of a century and counting.
Fork & Brewer
From the moment you cast your eye on the row of gleaming brew vessels and polished tap handles, Bond Street’s Fork & Brewer in Wellington signals that here, beer...
Slice
Decked out in a neon green that you just can’t miss if you’re anywhere near Lombard Street, there’s something joyfully unpretentious about Slice.
J & M Fastfoods
Crowned by a giant Coca-Cola bottle that's become a Courtenay Place landmark, J&M Fastfoods has been satisfying Wellington's lunch crowds and night owls for nearly two...
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.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a hidden oasis within Wellington’s Courtenay Place, lively yet intimate, this modern Asian venue has cultivated an unrivalled atmosphere and service in...
Kazu Yakitori & Sake Bar
Hidden within the second floor of the historic Stewarts Building on Courtenay Place is Kazu Yakitori & Sake Bar.
Phoenician Falafel
Proudly serving traditional Lebanese from a small shop beside the Embassy Theatre on Kent Terrace, Phoenician Falafel is Wellington's window into Beirut's street-food scene.
FJ Noodles and Dumplings
Tucked within the humming heart of dynamic Courtenay Place, FJ Noodles and Dumplings could be one of the nation’s most unassuming noodle artisans.
Jhana Millers Gallery
Housed in Wellington’s heritage-listed Mibar building, Jhana Millers Gallery is both a celebration of emerging art talent in Aotearoa and a quiet oasis from the noise...
WORLD
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
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.
Amuse Snack Bar
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...
Salut Pies
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...
Preloved Charlies
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...
Everybody Eats
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.
Hummingbird
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...
Three Rabbits Tattoo
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...
