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Rediscovering Thorndon Quay: Where History Meets Modern Design

The grand brick exterior of a building in Wellington.
Story 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.

Toi Store at Pātaka

The inside of Toi Store at Pātaka.
Place Porirua

Gallery and museum gift shops are sometimes seen as a nice-to-have, a neat place to peruse some trinkets on the way out.

The Dowse

The white exterior of The Dowse Museum in Lower Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
Galleries and museum key icon.

Renowned for its creative spirit, the Wellington region is home to an enviable array of world-class art galleries and museums.

Whirinaki Whare Taonga

The large imposing exterior of Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
Galleries and museum key icon.

Whether it’s dinosaurs or the Mona Lisa, this arts centre simply refuses to do boring.

Cars Inc.

A black car in front of a large fluorescent 'Cars' sign.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
Cafes key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

A family-owned passion project cafe and car museum, with over 60 cars of special interest.

Toi MAHARA

Weaved bags and mats on display inside a gallery.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Galleries and museum key icon.

Toi MAHARA is the district public gallery for the Kāpiti Coast. It stands in pride of place in the heart of Waikanae in a purpose-built building designed by Athfield Architects.

Toi Matarau

A large gallery full of colourful works of art.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Galleries and museum key icon.

Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.

play_station

A spotlight shining on a wall of two small art works.
Place Wellington
Galleries and museum key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

It’s no secret Wellington is the creative capital of New Zealand.

Light House Cinema Cuba

Seats and tables sitting underneath movie posters in the waiting room.
Place Wellington
Theatre and performance key icon.

Light House Cuba creates the ultimate film going experience and all you need to do is sit back and relax.

Enjoy Contemporary Art Space

Lucy Meyle, Soft Spot, 2020.
Place Wellington
Galleries and museum key icon.

With a regularly rotating schedule of work on display in Enjoy's two separate exhibition spaces, you will always find something new and exciting to draw you in.

Old St Paul's
Place Wellington

While Old St Paul’s is no longer affiliated with the Anglican Church (or any church for that matter) it still makes a beautiful spot to come and reflect no matter if you’re atheist, agnostic or still deciding.

City Gallery

Exterior of Wellington City Gallery
Place Wellington
Galleries and museum key icon.

The hub for art-life in New Zealand’s capital, City Gallery Wellington is a contemporary art gallery with a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events.

Bats Theatre

The front of the building.
Place Wellington
Theatre and performance key icon.

Needing no introduction, BATS Theatre is one of Wellington’s cultural institutions.

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

A woman leaning on a couch.
Story 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.

Te Papa

The interior of the museum.
Place Wellington
Galleries and museum key icon.

Te Papa is one of New Zealand’s most prized museums.

Empire Cinema & Eatery

Black and white letter 3 on a white tiled wall.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Theatre and performance key icon.

Empire is fitting for a cinema that pre-dated ‘talkies’ when it played its first reel in 1925, but as far as movie theatres go, this one is more for those who’d pick pinot over popcorn.