Rediscovering Thorndon Quay: Where History Meets Modern Design

The grand brick exterior of a building in 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.

Kai Tahi

The dining area inside Kai Tahi Porirua.
Place Porirua
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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

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Place Wellington
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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
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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

Scrambled egg and mushrooms on toast.
Place Hutt Valley
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Museum and art gallery cafes have really upped their game in recent years, evolving from simple refreshment pit stops to become attractions in their own right.

La Bella Italia

A delicious counter at La Bella Italia in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy.

Trade School Kitchen

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Described as the ‘living room of the Naenae community’, Trade School Kitchen is a not-for-profit community based cafe doing what it can to give back to its people.

The Dutch Shop

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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The Dutch Shop is a perennial favourite among Petone locals and visitors alike - particularly for those with a penchant for cheese.

Hive Café

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Place Hutt Valley
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Established in 2016, Hive is intended as a cafe for everyone.

Keihei Chicken

A plate of fried chickens and burgers.
Place Hutt Valley
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A bright, bold splash of yellow on Fergusson Drive, Keihei Chicken brings more than just warmth and colour to this otherwise grey corner of Upper Hutt.

Tricky's Sandwich Co

Chicken sandwich being placed on the table at Tricky's Sandwich Co
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – and Tricky’s Sandwich Co is a family-run sandwich joint that have made it their business to be unbeatable.

Brewtown Eat & Drink

Full of people eating and drinking at Brewtown.
Place Hutt Valley
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Widely regarded as Wellington’s premier craft beer destination, Brewtown isn’t just a mecca for beer lovers, but also for those who simply appreciate good food...

Comes & Goes

Coffee brewing equipment on the counter at Comes & Goes café in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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Comes & Goes is a brilliant addition to the Wellington café scene, bringing an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.

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

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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.

Fig Tree Café

A large cafe space with a green painted wall.
Place Hutt Valley
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Nestled in the leafy green suburb of Heretaunga, the Fig Tree Cafe has made its home in a converted church.

House of Good Fortune

Exterior of mint-green character house in Petone Wellington
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Petone’s myriad side streets hold plenty of delightful surprises, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just stumble upon the House of Good Fortune.

Cars Inc.

A black car in front of a large fluorescent 'Cars' sign.
Place Hutt Valley
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What started out as simply a young boy with a passion has turned into a lifelong project for car enthusiast Paul Boden, and the opening of Cars Inc.

Abandoned Taproom Petone

Graffiti on walls at Abandoned Taproom in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley
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The upcycled furniture, the bike frame fence, and of course, the walls covered ceiling to floor in graffiti (literally, there’s writing on the ceiling).

A Guide to Asian Cuisine in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

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The Courtenay Precinct is Wellington’s premier place to play, packed with hundreds of businesses, theatres and hidden treasures – and it’s also home to some of the city’s best Asian cuisine. From bustling hotspots to hidden gems, here’s our guide to the rich selection of Asian cuisine in the Courtenay Precinct.

Baylands Brewery

Interior of taproom at Baylands Brewery in Lower Hutt
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Based in Petone, Baylands Brewery and Taproom is a relaxed, welcoming space offering up a wide range of fresh beer and tasty food.

Dough Upper Hutt

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Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Come for the art, stay for the coffee and doughnuts at Dough Bakery in Upper Hutt – conveniently located in one of the town's most popular cultural haunts.

Kilim Petone

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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A revered name in Wellington’s Turkish scene, Kilim is synonymous with quality, hearty kebabs done well, with its reputation extending far beyond the Hutt Valley.

Jean's

The blue and gold outside of Jeans in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Upper Hutt’s Fergusson Drive may often feel like a long, monotonous road, but thanks to its little boutique shops like Jeans, you can find plenty of life and character...

Cake & Kitchen

A fake living wall inside a brightly lit cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Cake & Kitchen is a cafe in Upper Hutt, bringing people together over delicious food and coffee.

Seashore Cabaret

View from inside the first floor Seashore Cabaret cafe out to their deck area where people are dining with a view across the harbour to Wellington city beyond.
Place Hutt Valley
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This café definitely takes out the title for best view of the city.

Viva Mexico

Interior of Mexican restaurant with exposed brick walls, Mexican skull mosaics and Day of the Dead decor
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This is not the place to be ordering chili con carne or hard-shell tacos. At Viva Mexico, you'll be treated to a true taste of Mexican in the Hutt.

Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This small but mighty Petone-based coffee roaster has well and truly established itself as a trusty local for many Hutt goers.

Tartines French Cafe

Fresh tuna salad and aperol spritz on an outdoor French style table
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Tartines offers a small slice of French culinary delight, with handmade tarts, pastries, fresh bread and classic dishes that will have you mistaking Lower Hutt for Lyon.

Gerry's Charcoal Chicken

A large counter at Gerry's in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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On a small side street in the sleepy suburb of Elderslea, you’ll find what appears to be an unassuming - if not slightly dated - takeaway shop.

Twenty Eight

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Named for their address on Cornwall Street, Twenty Eight is a modern, well lit and welcoming Lower Hutt cafe serving up interesting cabinet food, a thoughtfully crafted...

Miss Fortune's

Coffee machine and bags of coffee on a colourful counter in Miss Fortune's cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Lower Hutt’s industrial precinct isn’t exactly where you’d think to head for a slice of quintessential Wellington hospitality, but at Miss Fortune’s, you’ll find one of the region’s most charismatic little brunch spots.

Dinner and a Show: Where to Eat, Drink, and Be Entertained in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

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Courtenay Precinct is where Wellington’s nightlife and culture collide. Packed with theatres, cinemas, bars and restaurants, you’ll find top-notch spots to eat, drink, and be entertained – all within a few blocks. Here’s our guide to the perfect pairings for an evening well spent.

Forage Merchants of Wellington

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Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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With a range that includes food and drink, health and beauty, art, music and so much more, Forage Merchants celebrates the very best of what the greater Wellington region has to offer.

Montfoort

A Dutch Pancakes caravan.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.

The Lockup

The outdoor seating are at the Lock Up in Kapiti.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Situated a stone's throw away from the beach at Paraparaumu, The Lockup is the ultimate ocean-side cafe, complete with a large outdoor area and a chilled vibe.

Long Beach Tavern

Graffiti art on an exterior wall.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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The ultimate community restaurant, Long Beach, is a Waikanae institution.

One of a Kind Finds in Porirua

Homewares on display inside Toi Store Porirua.
Shopping is one of the best ways to explore a city, and by sifting through Porirua’s many unique local businesses, you’ll uncover a true melting pot of cultures.

Joe & Joy

A large glass cabinet at the counter of Joe and Joy cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Joe & Joy is a husband-wife-run bakery and cafe in the heart of Waikanae village.

Bus Stop Cafe

A vintage living room sitting next to large windows.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Bus Stop Cafe is a hidden secret, a stone's throw away from Te Horo Beach.

The Salt and Wood Collective

Loaded fries and other plates of food on an outdoor table.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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A self-acclaimed carnivore haven, The Salt and Wood Collective in Waikanae is all about big, bold, meaty meals.

Penray Gardens

A fruit and vegetable display inside a large barn.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Penray Gardens is a pick-your-own paradise located in Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast.

Peoples Coffee Roastery

A man with child sitting on a couch at Peoples Coffee in Wellington, New Zealand.
Place Wellington
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Head to Newtown, venture a bit further past the chaotic and colourful Riddiford Street, and you’ll stumble across Peoples Coffee’s roastery HQ café, the...

Noble Rot

A seating area inside Noble Rot wine bar in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Boasting an almost 1,000-strong wine list, it’s no surprise that Noble Rot is widely considered Wellington's premier wine bar.

Willis Lane

Three delicious looking hot dogs on a table.
Place Wellington
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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.

KC Café & Takeaway

A close up of a plate of duck on thin noodles with steamed greens.
Place Wellington
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An unassuming takeaway in the eyes of the casual visitor to Wellington, KC Cafe is so ingrained in the culinary history of the capital that it may as well have heritage status.

Indian Alley

A flatlay of curries and naan on plates.
Place Wellington
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Just a short stroll from Oriental Bay in Wellington, Indian Alley is a classy little restaurant that offers something new and exciting to even the most seasoned enthusiasts...

Squirrel

The beautiful entry to Squirrel cafe in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Nestled near the corner of popular Blair Street, Squirrel offers a warm and inviting haven complemented by a menu that showcases the best of Wellington’s producers and suppliers.

Passo

A colourful mural on the wall inside Passo.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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You wouldn’t expect to stumble upon an authentic Sicilian restaurant serving up mouthwatering dishes in the heart of Paraparaumu, but Passo is here to challenge your expectations.

Dark Horse

Customers chatting at tables outside the cafe.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Dark Horse artisan coffee roaster is committed to sustainable practices; its ethos is to Leave Less Hoofprints.

Dine Around the World in Porirua

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Porirua isn’t just spectacular coastal views and chilled out beaches - it’s also home to a surprisingly diverse range of eateries.

The Raumati Social Club

Customers sitting at tables inside a wooden decorated Raumati Social Club.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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Everything from an early risers' coffee stop to a late-night live music venue.

Duncan's Brewing Company

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Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Known for dessert-style beers of sours and stouts, Duncan’s is on a mission to create wacky and interesting flavours that surprise and arouse curiosity.

50-50

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Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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Located in the heart of Paraparaumu Beach township, 50-50 is a destination restaurant with a dining experience not to be missed.

Sunday Cantina

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Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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A delightful café in Raumati South providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful environment.

Our Kid-Friendly Guide to Porirua

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There’s no shortage of things for the kids to see, do, and eat in Porirua - here are our top picks for a kid-friendly day out in Porirua.

Salty's Diner

A close up of a burger on a table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu Editor's Pick
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A hybrid between a pub and a restaurant, Salty's is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Kāpiti Coast.

Beach Road Deli

The brightly lit interior of Beach Road Deli on a sunny day.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paekākāriki Editor's Pick
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A bright and beachy café offering great coffee and quality kai in the cute seaside town of Paekākāriki.

Olde Beach Bakery

A view of the inside of Olde Beach Bakery on sunny day.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paekākāriki
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Olde Beach Bakery pumps out delicious baked goods in the heart of Paekākāriki for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

Customs

A female staff member looking down at the floor behind the counter at Customs.
Place Wellington
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Some of the finest coffee in town since 2010, Wellington's Customs is the flagship café co-owned by Coffee Supreme and their long-time employee, Tim Norriss.

CGR Merchant & Co

A female bartender making a pink cocktail behind the bar at CGR Merchants.
Place Wellington
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Look for an unassuming red door in the heart of Courtenay Place in Wellington and you’ll be whisked away to one of the city’s best cocktail lounges.

BambuchiSan

A colourful tiger cartoon painted on to a white brick wall inside Bambuchisan Wellington.
Place Wellington
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You’re in good hands at Hataitai’s very own neo-Japanese paradise.

Margot

The window seat inside Margot Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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Tucked away in the heart of Newtown in Wellington is the little restaurant, Margot.

Dough

A hand putting a burger on a plate on to a blue table.
Place Wellington
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It may trace its roots to Upper Hutt, but Dough has certainly made a name for itself among bread lovers in Wellington’s city centre.

Graze Wine Bar

The small seating area inside the brightly lit Graze Wine Bar in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Wellington’s central city eateries are revered across the country, and for good reason.

Huckle & Co

A flatlay of fish and chips and burger with a little pottle of sauce on an outdoor table.
Place Wellington
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The perfect summer afternoon doesn’t exis… oh wait, it does, and you’ll find it in Seatoun in Wellington.

August Eatery

The red and glass exterior of August Eatery.
Place Wellington
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August conjures many things in the minds of Wellingtonians: the last throes of a bitingly cold winter, the promise of warmer days ahead, the prospect of the country’s...

Kisa

Inside Kisa Restaurant Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Middle Eastern dining revolves around sharing - of food, conversation, and good times.

Eat, Play, Explore: A Family Weekend in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

Astronauts in a window.

Courtenay Precinct might be well-known as Wellington’s go-to for nightlife, but it’s also packed with plenty of family-friendly fun.

With its mix of food, entertainment, and outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s how to spend a fun-filled family weekend in and around Wellington’s bustling Courtenay Precinct.

Mabel's

Salad from Mabel's, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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When it comes to evoking a sense of identity through spatial design, few restaurants in the capital do it better than Mabel’s.

Belén

Person holding a vegan pastry with strawberries at Belén, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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The vision for Wellington bakery Belén was simple: to prove there are no limits to what can be created with plants.

Fred's

Sandwich on a wooden bench top at Fred's, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Wellington loves a little food bar and a small but punchy Cuba Street shop simply named Fred's might just be the hottest place in town to grab a sandwich.

The Oatery

Interior view of the pristine walls and minimalism interior at The Oatery.
Place Wellington
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Having built a reputation for feeding Wellingtonians healthy breakfasts on the go, it was only a matter of time before food caravan The Oatery set up a permanent shop.

Dinner, Dessert & Dancing: An After-Dark Guide to Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

When the sun goes down, Courtenay Precinct lights up. Whether you're after a bite to eat, a round of drinks, or a night of dancing with friends, this is where Wellington goes to let their hair down. Here’s our guide to making the most of the Courtenay Precinct after dark.

Myrtle

Exterior of Myrtle, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Offering a local taste of New York chic, Myrtle is the spinoff bakery everybody wanted from one of Wellington’s most revered suburban eateries.

Monkfish

Man filling up a rigger with backdrop of psychedelic orange swirls at Monkfish, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A cosy refillery and off-licence that’s strictly about good vibes, Monkfish is your Vivian Street stop for your beer, wine, and spirits needs.

Next Door

Exterior of Next Door, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Positioned right next to neighbourhood favourite Margot, Next Door makes up one...

Dragons

Stacks of bamboo steamer baskets with different types of dumplings inside each.
Place Wellington
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A name synonymous with yum cha in Wellington, Dragons is an institution in the capital’s Asian dining scene.

Duck Island Wellington

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Place Wellington
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It was only a matter of time before Hamilton’s Duck Island ice cream came knocking on Wellington’s door.

Fortune Favours

Close up of beer being poured from tap.
Place Wellington

A giant wooden hand reaches out from the side of the building, beckoning passersby with a simple proposition: Fortune Favours the brave.

Wilson Barbecue

Customer at Wilson Barbecue enjoying the food.
Place Wellington
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Wilson Barbecue has a new permanent home after wowing Wellingtonian's with their food truck delights and pop-up stints. Wilson Barbecue is loudly and proudly “all about the meat”, and their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all cooked low ‘n slow, enjoy a richly deserved reputation.

Los Banditos

Colourful Mexican bar at Los Banditos
Place Wellington
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Los Banditos brings Wellington flavoursome Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, exciting drinks and friendly service.

Bottega

New Italian deli food shop Bottega.
Place Wellington
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Authentic Italian delicatessen Bottega is borne from a desire to bring a taste of home to the neighbourly suburb of Berhampore,

Zelati

Woman holding ice cream on cone.
Place Wellington
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From the texture to the rich, bright flavours, their range of sorbet and gelato offerings are impressive on the palate and pleasing to the eye.

Six Barrel Soda

Blue and pink soda bottles.
Place Wellington
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Summer is officially here, and local favourite Six Barrel Soda has opened their Lukes Lane soda factory to the public for a cellar door experience.

Fidel's Café

Viva Fidels signage on a villa wall.
Place Wellington
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Fidel's is a Cuba St institution and a go-to for those in search of great food, sharp service and good vibes in the heart of the city.

Meat Masters: Inside the Rise of Wilson Barbecue

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From humble beginnings to roaring local success story. Meet Blair and Casey, the couple behind Wellington’s beloved Wilson Barbecue, who built a locally famous multi-venue business that draws crowds from near and far – smoking and serving some of the best authentic American barbecue with a distinctly Kiwi touch.

Puffin

Bar sign in a dark hallway.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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Welcome to Puffin, a “wine bar with a focus on organic and minimal intervention wines”.

Highwater Eatery

Long narrow restaurant with people dining in rows.
Place Wellington
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This new eatery combines its efforts of sustainability with celebrating the good times - meaning you can eat and drink and have a great time with the knowledge that you're supporting the good guys.

Taste of Home

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Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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This place has a cult following simply due to word of mouth - proof that the flavours here are something Wellingtonians just can’t get enough of.

Ascot

Woman holding hotdog.
Place Wellington
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Hotdogs and wine might seem like an unlikely combination, but at The Ascot, no one’s going to judge you holding a glass of wine in one hand and a saucy dog in the other.

Good as Gold’s Raag Ponnuchetty’s Guide to Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, Wellington

A man wearing a casual clothes smiling to camera outside a shop in Wellington.
Meet Te Aro local Raag Ponnuchetty. He’s been part of the furniture at Wellington fashion institution Good as Gold (GAG) for seven years. His customer service on the floor is the stuff of legend. Here is more on the GAG journey and his picks for the best spots to uncover within Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, Wellington

Swimsuit

Exterior blue cafe with patrons eating outside.
Place Wellington
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Community is definitely the feel you get here too - expect to see people reading books, catching up on university goss, and all with impeccable coffee in hand.

Peoples Coffee - Lukes Lane

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Place Wellington
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If you know Peoples Coffee in Wellington, you’ll know the business is much more than just a café and roastery.

Betsy

Place Wellington
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In a suburb that seems like it’s perpetually on holiday, easy-going modern deli Betsy feels right at home in Island Bay.

Coffee Supreme Midland Park

Customer reads a journal at Coffee Supreme Midland Park, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Midland Park marks new beginnings for Coffee Supreme.

Charley Noble

Chef at work in the kitchen at Charley Noble, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A favourite spot for nearby business people, don't be surprised to see Charley Noble buzzing with guests even early in the week right through from breakfast till dinnertime.

Heyday

Outdoor courtyard at Heyday, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A fun and easy going brewery and bar, with plenty of games (including table tennis!) to keep you entertained.

1154

Waiter holds three dishes at 1154, Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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A pastaria with style in the heart of Cuba Street.

Parrotdog Bar

Two meals and a selection of beers - Parrotdog Bar.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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A brilliant retro-fit bar that welcomes tradies, business folk, families, children and even dogs.

Maranui Café

People chatting at tables at Maranui cafe Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A café housed in a heritage surf lifesaving building that once had a close call with a fiery fate

Queen Sally's Diamond Deli

Front window of Queen Sally's Diamond Deli and cafe Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A Lyall Bay mainstay, Queen Sally's is the amazingly kitsch and eclectic café which services the residents of, and visitors to, this rather lovely Wellington suburb.

Burger Liquor

The entrance to Burger Liquor.
Place Wellington
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Here, the burgers are fist-sized and delicious.

Frank's Newtown

Doughnuts on a counter inside Frank's Newtown cafe in Newtown Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Frank’s Newtown is a little replica of its sibling café on The Terrace and has found itself to be a quickly loved part of Newtown culture.

Eat Your Heart Out: Culinary Delights in Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct

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Here are the best places to eat in and around Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, the heart of Wellington city.

Ombra

A plate of food on a table.
Place Wellington
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Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.

Staple Espresso

A woman pouring coffee.
Place Wellington
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Sleek and simple, Staple Espresso speaks volumes about letting a product do the talking – and in this case it’s the coffee that’s got people chatting

LUCKY

A person wearing a yellow backpack waits at the counter at LUCKY on Courtenay Place.
Place Wellington
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Keeping things simple, LUCKY takes its vibes from the West Coast skate scene, where doing your own thing comes with a hint of rebellion.

Tomboy

Close up of donuts with fresh strawberries from Tomboy, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A small boutique café, cakery and catering business with the feel of a country cottage kitchen.

Brewing Dreams: Hannah & Andrew Childs of Churly’s CBD

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Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Churly’s CBD is the latest venture from Andrew and Hannah Childs – the dynamic duo behind Behemoth Brewing. Andrew, a public servant turned award-winning brewer, and Hannah, a trained chef, butcher and culinary talent, have combined their passions to create a space where exceptional beer meets exquisite charcuterie.

Moon 1

Pizza on plates by kitchen.
Place Wellington
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True to name, things gets pretty cosmic inside Moon 1.

Pickle and Pie

The cafe space.
Place Wellington
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After many a lunchtime spent hankering for just a ‘good old sandwich’, Tim Tracey and Mia Freeman decided to take matters into their own hands.

Havana Bar

Cocktails being made.
Place Wellington
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Part restaurant, part bar, Havana is an absolute essential in every sense of those two words.

Bicycle Junction

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Place Wellington
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Catching on to the retro cycles trend, the clever people behind Bicycle Junction's new neighbourhood bikery, describe themselves as “Urban Specialists”.

Pizza Pomodoro

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Place Wellington
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Wellington's favourite Neapolitan pizza.

Mr Go's

Exterior Mr Go's sign.
Place Wellington
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A happy mix of West meets East, pink meets green, and beer meets bao, Mr Go’s is proof that an eatery needn’t stick to one concrete theme.

91 Aro

A man pouring beer.
Place Wellington
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Welcome to hop-head heaven.

Olive

Interior wooden tables and chairs.
Place Wellington
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Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.

Mystic Kitchen

A woman eating at a counter by the window inside Gispy Kitchen cafe Wellington.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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You have no doubt heard of this café’s laid-back vibes, easy-going staff and damn good food.

Black Coffee

View of outdoor seating area.
Place Wellington
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A coffee shop, music shop and art gallery all in one, Black Coffee has quickly cemented itself as one of the favourite Newtown hangouts.

Hanging Ditch

People sitting in the bar.
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Hanging Ditch, for those who are yet to visit, is Leeds’ Street best little slice of stealth.

Moore Wilson's Tory Street

Fresh fruit and vegetables.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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If you’re into food there’s no doubt you’ll be into Moore Wilson's.

Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown

People walking under a large 'Brewtown' stign.
Just a stone’s throw from Upper Hutt train station lies Brewtown, a 6,000 square metre entertainment and dining hub that effortlessly attracts families, parties, and thrill seekers from around Wellington and beyond.

Scopa Pizzeria

Close up of pizza.
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A great option for pizza or a late night chocolate hit, this little landmark has you covered.

Hillside Kitchen & Cellar

Seating inside the restaurant.
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Without any conventional marketing, Hillside’s profile has been built by partnering with great local producers like Six Barrel Soda, Fig & Fog, Two Sisters wine, and Noble Estate Olive Oil.

Cicio Cacio

Art on white brick.
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You might try Cicio Cacio before a gig next door but the food in itself is worth a quick 10-minute bus trip or Uber from the city.

Empire Cinema & Eatery

White tiled front counter.
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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.

10 Trails in the Hutt Valley and Where to Treat Yourself After

People biking on a trail in native bush.
Nestled within the lush, rolling landscapes that make up the lower North Island, the Hutt Valley offers an expansive network of interesting walks appealing to both seasoned hikers and casual strollers alike. Whether you’re after a leisurely meander or a more challenging multi-hour ‘slog’, the Hutt Valley trails offer a variety of native bush landscapes and panoramic vistas, meaning there really is something for everyone. Fortunately, the adventure doesn’t have to end with the last step of the walk; the Hutt Valley also offers a yummy selection of culinary spots to reward the tired explorer. Our guide below unveils ten of the best walks in the Hutt Valley and our suggestion of the perfect places to treat yourself afterwards.

Hawthorn Lounge

Green lamps on bar counter.
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The service at Hawthorn Lounge is impeccable, in the sense that they're attentive without being overbearing. It's novel enough to make you realise that most places have forgotten the hospitable out of hospitality.

Crumpet

A man working behind the bar.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
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Crumpet on Manners Street is a quaint café / bar and quite possibly Wellington’s best kept secret.

Golding's Free Dive Bar

A woman behind the bar.
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The ideal no-nonsense neighbourhood bar.

Baker Gramercy

Two bakers working in the empty bakery in the dark morning.
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It’s the kind of simplistically stylish bakery you’d expect to find on a New York avenue or down a European side street.

Best Ugly Bagels Wellington

Best Ugly Bagel front sign.
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Located in the lively neighbourhood of Te Aro, they serve what they do best, delicious bagels accompanied with classic Havana coffee.

Havana Coffee Works

Interior view of Havana Coffee Works.
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This cozy, retro café on Tory Street moves through to an open-air, garage-style roastery.

Deluxe Espresso Bar

The exterior of Deluxe with its red-framed door and window and round tables and chairs set out on the brick-paved footpath.
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Open till late in the evening, this has, for years, been a popular coffee spot with young and old, hipsters and working folk – anything goes.

Meow

People outside area.
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Live music, slam poetry readings, stand-up comedy and a thumping happy hour make Meow a versatile venue.

Stories Espresso Bar

Coffee cups on the machine.
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Stories Espresso Bar is unique in more ways than one.

Rich Coffee Roasters

A coffee being made.
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Although the relative new guys on the block, Rich Coffee Roasters are by no means amateurs.

Ortega Fish Shack

Table by photo frames on wall.
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A favourite amongst Wellingtonians, Ortega Fish Shack is a must go-to seafood restaurant within the city.

Little Beer Quarter

Yellow exterior of Little Beer Quarter.
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With 12 craft beers on tap and over 100 bottles of beer from New Zealand and around the globe this inner-city pub truly is a gem.

A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast

The ocean view along Kāpiti Coast.
Kāpiti Coast is renowned for its stunning views, beautiful coastline and petite villages brimming with interesting discoveries. Tucked between the mountainous Tararua Range and the Pacific Ocean, this narrow strip of land is home to creative communities, bakers and brewers, nature lovers and ocean enthusiasts, culinary aficionados, and those in search of a slower pace of life.

Wellington Chocolate Factory

The making of an iced choclate.
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A dangerously delicious spot for your hot chocolate and sweet treat fix.

Rogue & Vagabond

Inside the bar.
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A great spot for meeting friends, socialising or just watching the Wellington crowd do their thing.

The Library

A booth beneath a shelves of books at The Library bar Wellington.
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Hidden behind an unassuming ground floor entrance, The Library is another well-known establishment that overlooks the go-go crowd of Courtenay Place.

ParrotDog Brewery & Nice. Takeaway

Woman filling rigger with beer and takeaway bar section of Parrotdog in Wellington
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Exuding 70’s retro vibes, ParrotDog’s cellar door (‘Nice.

Lydia Harfield of Apostle Hot Sauce - Her Guide to Kāpiti Coast

A woman wearing a stripped top smiling.
Meet Kāpiti Coast local Lydia Harfield. She runs Apostle Hot Sauce with her partner Mat; they make a range of noteworthy small-batch chilli-based condiments. Lydia also works as a graphic designer for One & Only Agency, a Kāpiti-based design agency. Here are her picks of the best places to experience on Kāpiti Coast.

Garage Project

Coloured framed art on wall.
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Situated in an old petrol station in the Aro Valley, Garage Project’s vibe is all about producing experimental beers in a perfect, yet unexpected setting.

Peoples Coffee

Inside Peoples Coffee in Newtown, looking through the steel frame opening to where customers are dining.
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Championing ethical and sustainable coffee from its Newtown cafe.

Commonsense Kilbirnie

A woman at work in the aisles.
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A boutique and thoughtful shopping experience.

Salty Pidgin

Inside the restaurant.
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A suburban eatery with city sophistication.

Commonsense Wellington City

Crates of fresh produce.
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For all things organic, Commonsense Organics is the place to visit – and luckily for Wellingtonians there are four stores to choose from.

Apache

A table setting.
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Apachè takes a modern approach to Vietnamese hawker food.