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

A woman leaning on a couch.
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.

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.

Escarpment Domes

A view of a bay from inside Escarpment Domes Porirua.
Place Porirua
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Some of the best ideas are born out of midlife crises.

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.

New Zealand Police Museum

An exhibition inside New Zealand Police Museum.
Place Wellington
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Showcasing and immortalising a true institution of New Zealand society, the New Zealand Police Museum acts as a unique catalogue of this country’s history, drawing...

Kaitoke Regional Park

View looking out towards Kaitoke Regional Park
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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A lush sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Tararua mountains, Kaitoke Regional Park has an ethereal allure that captivates visitors new and old alike - and it’s not just down to its Lord of the Rings connections.

Percy Scenic Reserve

Grassy picnic spot with benches and ducks wandering around in Percy Scenic Reserve
Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt
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Once a private family garden in the late 1800s, Percy Scenic Reserve is today one of Lower Hutt's most cherished public spaces to take in serene vistas, explore historic plant collections and picnic by the duck pond.

Staglands

Wildlife reserve with birds running around and a sign saying "Staglands"
Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt
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Tucked away deep in the Akatarawa Valley, Staglands is a serene wildlife reserve with a focus on encouraging each visitor to nurture a genuine connection to and appreciation...

Brewtown Entertainment

Arcade games inside Brewtown Entertainment at Upper Hutt.
Place Hutt Valley
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Long synonymous with Wellington’s unparalleled craft beer scene, Brewtown is quietly but effectively growing a reputation as the region’s ultimate...

Maidstone Max

A skate ramp a Maidstone Max on a sunny day.
Place Hutt Valley
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Only a hop, skip and throw from Upper Hutt’s CBD is Maidstone Park.

Toi MAHARA

Weaved bags and mats on display inside a gallery.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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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
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Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.

Dreamscape Glamping

Black bath tubs and a small hut.
Place Kāpiti Coast
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Perched on a hill overlooking Waikanae and the Kāpiti Island, a unique accommodation experience awaits.

Courtenay Creatives: The Best of Art, Style and Design in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct

Homewares on display at Kura Wellington.
From tucked-away galleries to quirky boutiques, Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct is brimming with creativity. Whether you’re looking for original artwork, vintage oddities, or avant-garde fashion, there’s plenty to explore in this rich part of the capital city.

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.

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.

Iris Store + Studio

The front window inside Iris Store + Studio in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Nestled in a creative corner of Wellington and surrounded by like-minded boutique neighbours, Iris Store + Studio is much more than a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.

The Intrepid Hotel

Sign at The Intrepid Hotel.
Place Wellington
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A destination in itself with a surprise at every corner.

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

People dining outside by a building covered in vines.
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.

Hoi Studio

Reformer pilates studio in Miramar.
Place Wellington
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Hoi is a Pilates studio in Miramar with a wholesome philosophy of laughter and light-heartedness in movement.

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.

Wētā Workshop

Craftspeople forging and grinding metal to make movie props at Wētā Workshop in Wellington.
Place Wellington
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Your gateway to immersive filmmaking experiences.

Commonsense Wellington City

Crates of fresh produce.
Place Wellington
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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.

Commonsense Kilbirnie

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

Wellington Apothecary

Close up of a herbal tea dispenser.
Place Wellington
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Find a complete range of botanical tonics, teas and skincare, all handmade in small batches at this local apothecary.