Puffin

Bars key icon.
Bars key icon.

Monday4:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Tuesday4:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Wednesday4:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Thursday2:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Friday2:00 pm – 2:00 am.

Saturday2:00 pm – 2:00 am.

Sunday2:00 pm – 12:00 am.

60 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington

Welcome to Puffin, a “wine bar with a focus on organic and minimal intervention wines”. Located in the former Cadbury Brothers building, the name was chosen for being memorable and having absolutely nothing to do with wine. Walk down the beautifully tiled entryway and you’ll come upon a glass-panelled door adorned with the unmissable hand-painted ‘BAR’ in gold and black lettering. First impressions are everything, and this sets the tone for what is sure to become one of your more memorable visits of the Wellington hospitality scene.

Once inside, the noise of the street is shut away and a sensation of warmth descends around you. Take in the rustic speakeasy-style interior complete with stuffed puffins and exposed brick walls, and find a seat at any one of the plush velvet booths around the perimeter. The overall fit out deserves a mention here—put together by the owners themselves there is a focus on quality materials with a touch of elegance. Think marble, brass and dark wood, matching well with dried florals, a mirrored wall and elaborate chandelier hanging in the corner. If that isn't enough for you, the array of taxidermy adds eclectic intrigue to the space, not least of all in the form of the peacock which guards the water station.

The knowledgeable staff are attentive and friendly—more than happy to point you in the right direction if you need some help choosing from the extensive wine list. As a specialty wine bar, there are myriad options for everyone from casual vino enthusiasts to the most experienced wine connoisseur, and if wine isn’t your thing you can choose one of their classic cocktails or from a selection of local beers.

Head out back to the enclosed courtyard for a more pared-back experience, the sheltered and heated space features a long bench seat with intimate two-person tables where you can enjoy relaxed conversation over a platter or two. Food options come in the form of salty, small plates and the usual cured meats and cheeses, done very well and with a definite touch of class.

With the capacity to comfortably seat 60 patrons and a soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere without interrupting conversation you’re bound to have a blast. Puffin doesn’t take bookings, nor are they necessary—and there is always somewhere to hang your coat.

Words by Zack Holmes & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

60 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Commonsense Wellington City

Crates of fresh produce.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

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

Ombra

A plate of food on a table.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Ombra goes to show that great food and great service are a winning combination every time.

Untouched World

Woman working behind the counter at Untouched World in Wellington.
Place Wellington
Fashion key icon.

If there’s one clothing store that really understands sustainability, it’s Untouched World. The first and only lifestyle fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World gets things right from the get-go.

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.

Similar Places

Zelati

Woman holding ice cream on cone.
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

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.

Betsy

Place Wellington
Cafes key icon.

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

Highwater Eatery

Long narrow restaurant with people dining in rows.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

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.

Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street

Man with tattooed arm holding a loaf of sourdough bread in brown paper bag
Place Wellington
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

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.