Swimsuit

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

Monday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Tuesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Wednesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Thursday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Friday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Saturday9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Sunday9:30 am – 3:00 pm.

38 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington

04 260 0045

Renovated in just 19 days from its previous life as Memphis Belle, owner/operator Tait Burge had plenty of help from talented mates to turn Swimsuit into the soft, fresh, young hang-out café it is now, and describes it as a bit of a ‘community project’ at the time. Community is definitely the feel you get here too - expect to see people reading books, catching up on university goss, deep in newspapers in the outside area and all with impeccable coffee in hand. There’s a hint of retro about the place too, a polaroid camera sits on the front counter and customers are encouraged to add to the wall of snaps growing behind the baristas at work.

The name Swimsuit came from a poster the young entrepreneur saw on a poster near his South Coast home and works in with his ethos of moving away from any flashy stereotypes about premium coffee and instead making this café all about welcoming whoever walks through the door, whether they’re a coffee guru or not. But in saying that, if you are a guru, the Peoples Coffee that’s filling cups here is seriously good, and beans are also available to take home. For the hungry visitors there’s four types of scone, two versions of house-made baguettes and a meat or vegan toastie option to see you through the day.

Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

38 Dixon St, Te Aro, Wellington

Nearby Places

Sustainability Trust

Plants on display.
Place Wellington Wellington City

An organisation with a big heart, working for a greener city and a fairer community.

Scopa Pizzeria

Close up of pizza.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

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

City Gallery

Exterior of Wellington City Gallery
Place Wellington Wellington City
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.

The Oatery

Interior view of the pristine walls and minimalism interior at The Oatery.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Cafes key icon.

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.

Similar Places

The Lockup

The outdoor seating are at the Lock Up in Kapiti.
Place Kāpiti Coast Kāpiti Coast
Cafes key icon.

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.

Monsoon Poon Wellington

Light blue building exterior of Monsoon Poon.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Restaurants key icon.

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.

Le Ciel

Tray of eclairs at Le Ciel.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Cafes key icon.

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.

Best Ugly Bagels Wellington

Best Ugly Bagel front sign.
Place Wellington Wellington City
Cafes key icon.

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