Upon arriving in New Zealand’s fun little capital, it will not be long before you stumble across your first Wellington café, and that is because they are everywhere.

Rumoured to have more cafés, bars and restaurants per capita than New York, the café scene in Wellington punches well above its weight on the world stage.

It would be rude not to immediately partake in drinking some of the best coffee around, so once you have stepped off the ferry or plane, make your way into the CBD and get your hands around a cup of the good stuff. Hosted by fun-loving, cheerful waitstaff, cafés in Wellington are a huge part of what makes the city tick, and if you wanted colour, entertainment, quirky decor and top rate food and drinks, then you have come to the right place.

Watch the inner city come to life as commuters make their early morning dash to the local for a scone and long black, or sit in at lunch next to University students from up the hill who come to have their study breaks in the form of caffeine and carbs. A city that really likes to eat out means that the food on offer at Wellington cafés is really something else, and with a growing number of different dietary requirements, you can expect to see plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free options.

The outer suburbs may be slightly quieter in nature, but that does not mean the cafés there are lacking in quality.  In fact these tucked away eateries often have loyal followings of their own simply because they do what they do so well. From Miramar Peninsula to Island Bay, Lyall Bay and Newtown, these cafés take their job seriously and can be found bustling with visitors from early til late.;

An overarching ethos of supporting local means you will often find Wellington cafés stocking products from neighbouring businesses, and collaborations between creative food and drink makers are constantly on the cards. Look out for some of Wellington’s favourite coffee roasters; Flight Coffee, Peoples Coffee, Supreme, L’affare and Havana, and if you are not staying for long it pays to buy a big bag of beans to take home too. Experts in the subject mean they also stock some of the best gear around for grinding, preparing and pouring your own, so be sure to talk to those behind the counter for the top tips on how to brew the perfect cup at home. Whether you are settling in for a Wellington brunch, taking your in-laws out for a Wellington lunch, or simply passing time before your next meeting, the Wellington café scene welcomes everyone with their (quite literally) open door policy.

The Ultimate Wellington Coffee & Treat Trail

Rows of donuts from Wellington's Belen.
Wellington's love affair with coffee is no secret - it’s a city built on strong brews, passionate baristas, and cabinets full of temptations you can’t say no to.

Le Ciel

Tray of eclairs at Le Ciel.
Place Wellington
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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.

Eva's Garage

Customer and his dog sitting outside Eva's Garage.
Place Wellington
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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...

Shelly Bay Baker on Karori Road

Interior of Shelly Bay Baker on Karori Road.
Place Wellington
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Having long been a household name in Wellington, the opening of Shelly Bay Baker’s Karori branch means New Zealand’s largest suburb now has easy access to some...

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.

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

A glass counter inside a cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Bringing its own flair to a famed building with its relaxed glam feel, Bellbird Eatery is a fine example of a museum cafe in the Hutt.

Hive Café

Tables and chairs inside a brightly cafe.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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A friendly, fresh and big cafe in Eastbourne that prides itself on being genuine, baking everything, every day, and having particularly kind staff.

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.

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

A hand holding a pastry on a plate.
Here are the best places to eat in and around Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, the heart of Wellington city.

Cake & Kitchen

A busy cafe in Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A home away from home, this Upper Hutt cafe plays an important role in the community and leads by example when it comes to sustainability.

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 the title for best view of the city, and doesn't do anything by halves.

Cars Inc.

A black car in front of a large fluorescent 'Cars' sign.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A family-owned passion project cafe and car museum, with over 60 cars of special interest.

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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The 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.

Trade School Kitchen

Barista pouring milk into freshly made coffee at cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This not-for-profit cafe provides a space of belonging and offers training opportunities for people facing employment barriers.

House of Good Fortune

Barista making coffee behind cafe counter and cabinet
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 House of Good Fortune.

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, 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’, 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; 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 Hutt Valley and our suggestion of the perfect places to treat yourself afterwards.

Tartines French Cafe

Outdoor area of Tartines in Lower Hutt with people dining underneath bunting of French flags
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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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.

Tricky's Sandwich Co.

Sandwich and coffee takeaway order
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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It’s hard to beat a good sandwich – Tricky’s Sandwich Co. is a family-run sandwich joint that has made it their business to be unbeatable.

Twenty Eight

Someone holding a plate of pancakes with strawberries at cafe
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Eager to explore new ideas, this cafe has thoughtfully crafted food and drink offerings that are both classic and slightly different, and always delicious.

Small Batch, Ripe Coffee Roasters

Waiter putting coffee and muffin down on cafe table
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.

Comes & Goes

Coffee brewing equipment on the counter at Comes & Goes café in Petone.
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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This café offers a captivating fusion of Asian and Kiwi delights, an explosion of edible flowers and culinary masterpieces that Wellingtonians are welcoming with open arms.

Fig Tree Café

A large cafe space with a green painted wall.
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Go for a cuppa and delicious food inside this converted church, and stay for the welcoming service and friendly chats.

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.

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 Best Vegan-friendly Spots in Wellington

Two hands holding a vegan pastry on a plate.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or keen to dip your toes in this culinary world, Wellington is the place to be.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

The Raumati Social Club

The exterior of 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.

Chasing the sun: Where to Dine Al Fresco in Wellington

People dining outside a bar that has a yellow painted exterior.
Found a good day in Wellington? Make the most of it by heading to one of these eateries for a spot of al fresco dining.

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.

Sunday Cantina

A close up of a falafel bowl on a white table.
Place Kāpiti Coast Paraparaumu
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A delightful café in Raumati South providing customers with healthy, fresh food in a cheerful environment.

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.

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...

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

The Oatery exterior.
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.

For the Sweet Tooths: Where to Dessert in Wellington

Two hands holding an ice cream cookie sandwich.
For those times when you just need to finish with something sweet, Wellington has got you covered.

Duck Island Wellington

Someone holding an ice cream.
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.

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.

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.

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

View of the wooden counter and cafe.
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.

The Best Places to Eat on Cuba Street, Wellington

The entrance to Fred's in Wellington.
Here is our definitive list of the best places to eat on Wellington’s most iconic street.

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.

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

The building exterior 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.

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.

Empire Cinema & Eatery

Serving tables in aprons.
Place Wellington
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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.

Peoples Coffee

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

Stories Espresso Bar

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

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.
Place Wellington
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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.

Take a seat: Your guide to dining solo in Wellington

An empty restaurant brightly lit by the sun.
Looking to treat yourself to a meal away from home? Here are the best places to dine if you're alone in Wellington.

Olive

Plants in outside area.
Place Wellington
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Olive provides attentive service, luxurious ambiance, perfectly poached eggs and a top cup of black coffee.

Pickle and Pie

Close up of pickles.
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.

Best Ugly Bagels Wellington

Best Ugly Bagel front sign.
Place Wellington
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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.

Bicycle Junction

Close up of a woman on a bike.
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.”

Tomboy

Exterior of Tomboy, Wellington.
Place Wellington
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A small boutique café, cakery and catering business with the feel of a country cottage kitchen.

Havana Coffee Works

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

Cosy Corners, Filling Foods and Winter Warmers around Wellington

A fluorescent sign that says 'just as hot as you'.
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.

Rich Coffee Roasters

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

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.

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.

Hillside Kitchen & Cellar

Seating inside the restaurant.
Place Wellington
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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.