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

Story Wellington

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

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

Place Porirua

Some of the best ideas are born out of midlife crises.

Kai Tahi

Place Porirua

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

Place Wellington

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...

Percy Scenic Reserve

Place Hutt Valley Lower Hutt

A private family garden in the late 1800s, Percy Scenic Reserve is now one of Lower Hutt's most cherished public spaces to take in serene vistas, explore historic plant collections and picnic by the duck pond.

Maidstone Max Adventure Playground

A skate ramp a Maidstone Max on a sunny day.

Place Hutt Valley

The playground that we all dreamed of when we were young: a castle fort, a double flying fox, a mountain biking track and more.

Brewtown Entertainment

Place Hutt Valley

Brewtown is quietly but effectively growing a reputation as the region’s ultimate family-friendly destination.

Kaitoke Regional Park

Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt

A lush sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the Tararua mountains, Kaitoke Regional Park has an ethereal allure that captivates visitors new and old.

Staglands

Place Hutt Valley Upper Hutt

A serene wildlife reserve, home to a range of native and endangered New Zealand species, from kunekune pigs to keas.

Toi MAHARA

Weaved bags and mats on display inside a gallery.

Place Kāpiti Coast

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

Toi Matarau is a gallery within the Māoriland Hub in the heart of Ōtaki village.

Dreamscape Glamping

Place Kāpiti Coast

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.

Story 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

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

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

Place Wellington

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

Place Wellington

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.

Story Wellington

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

Place Wellington

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