There's plenty to do in Wellington - so take a peek at our guide to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and more in New Zealand's capital city.
Rated one of the world’s windiest cities, New Zealand’s neat little capital has a reputation for ruining new umbrellas and fancy hairdos, but don’t let that put you off. Wellington has much more to offer than the weather forecast would have you believe.
Chosen as the first major planned settlement for British immigrants in 1839 (and stealing the title of ‘country capital’ off Auckland in 1865), the population of creators, musicians, politicians, business people, students, and travellers will agree that this is a place worth settling down in.
Home to the much-loved Te Papa museum, Wellington hosts many museums, libraries, theatres, and festivals, giving this city the melting pot of culture and fun it is so well known for. Hardly a day goes by without a festival of some sort or another — whether it's the World of Wearable Arts, Wellington on a Plate, or the International Comedy Festival to name a few.
Proud Wellingtonians are known for their dress sense – just take a walk down colourful Cuba Street and you’ll soon see. Their love of eating, drinking, shopping, theatre, and gigs are just a few of the many reasons why this city seems to be constantly buzzing with activity.
City of Makers: Inside Wellington's Creative Culture
Behind every great creative city is an army of talented individuals who call it home and help put it on the map.
Dine Around the World in Central Wellington
Not only is central Wellington an incredibly walkable place, it’s also home to some outstanding eateries with dishes hailing from across the globe.
Key Ingredients to Wellington Hospitality with Cosmo
Few people know Wellington hospitality as intimately as Cosmo Hawke, owner of iconic bars Ascot and Regent and co-founder of Fruit Cru, an organic fruit winery.
The Ultimate Wellington Coffee & Treat Trail
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.
Explore our Directory
View AllAurora Argentinian Bakery
You can tell right away that Aurora Argentinian Bakery is the kind of place that was built from scratch with love, and that’s because it was.
Amuse Snack Bar
With a delightful menu that evolves throughout the day, Amuse Snack Bar on Wellington’s Willis Street blends European aperitivo with Australasian coffee culture for an...
Salut Pies
What do you do when you can’t find a decent pie and coffee for your 5am commute? You make them yourself, of course and in the process, create a Wellingtonian cult...
Preloved Charlies
Preloved Charlies on Wellington’s Victoria Street is a burst of glitter, nostalgia, and unapologetic fun, a place where Y2K dreams, sustainable style, and community...
Get your Pocket Guide for Wellington
There's plenty to do in Wellington - so take a peek at our guide to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and more in New Zealand's capital city.
Hummingbird
Occupying a prominent corner spot on Courtenay Place, there’s something magnetic about Hummingbird, a perennial energy that hums beneath the surface, pulling you into...
Everybody Eats
Who knew that making a difference to the community could taste so good? At Everybody Eats on Wellington’s Dixon Street, the heart of hospitality beats loud and clear.
Three Rabbits Tattoo
Just a stone’s throw from the noise and busyness of Courtenay Place lies Three Rabbits Tattoo, an intimate, creative sanctuary where every detail has been thoughtfully...
Sketchbook Coffee
At Wellington’s Sketchbook Coffee, things don’t need to be complicated to be great, they just need to be done with heart.
that was then, this is now.
Walking through the doors of that was then, this is now feels a bit like stepping into a perfectly distilled version of Cuba Street’s spirit: textured, effortlessly...
Völco Egmont Street
Völco’s latest outpost is a warm, welcoming addition to Wellington that takes over the former site of the much-loved Egmont Street Deli & Diner.
Damascus
With a menu that reads like a love letter to Syrian cooking, Damascus, found in the heart of Wellington, is a place where all are warmly invited to delight in the food from...
Hei
From the creator of that Wellington institution KC Cafe comes Hei, a refreshingly contemporary take on Chinese cuisine.
Sully's
Clothing stores abound in Wellington, but Sully’s is one of those that feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you walk in.
Le Ciel
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
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...
Cuba St Tavern
A fresh, funky tribute to Wellington’s most iconic street, Cuba St Tavern is a celebration of everything that makes the capital’s hospo scene one of the most...
