Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Hannah, Sully’s

The team are so great. The coffee is excellent. The energy in there is always upbeat, which is exactly what you need when you’ve got pressing order deadlines waiting back at work. It’s one of those spots everyone knows so it’s always busy, but for good reason.

This has been a favourite of mine for years. My partner and I go to Ortega Fish Shack for his birthday every year and order the same thing: a Tweeny Weeny fish toastie, steak and fries, then crêpes. Plus, they do the best martini. Chef’s kiss.

Down on Marion Street, these guys have the BEST curation of outdoor gear, as well as lots of nifty little gadgets. They stock heaps of brands you can’t find anywhere else in New Zealand, which feels pretty special for our little city. We actually buy our incense from them because we want our shop to smell as good as theirs!

This little spot down Left Bank is such a good stop for a warm bowl of porridge with all your favourite toppings. I love the seasonal options, and their banana bread is sensational. Definitely a good one when you want something warm on a cold Wellington day.

Probably my favourite place for breakfast or lunch. If you get there around midday, you can sit by the window with the sun streaming in, which is always so lovely. The lamb skewer and classic bacon and eggs are my favourites, and the Turkish eggs can’t be missed either. They also do the best scones in Wellington, in my opinion.

Just down the road from us on Ghuznee Street, Underlena Lingerie feels like such a beautiful little oasis! It was founded by my friend Maxine Kelly, who has found some of the best lingerie brands from around the world and also created her own gorgeous line. I’d highly recommend visiting. There really isn’t anywhere else quite like it.

The Ram on Cuba Street is a great spot to start the night, or end it! I love going there for a spritz and a steak. They’ve curated such a good vibe in there, and all the food is amazing - but the tiramisu is my favourite. I have a massive sweet tooth!

Because I’m a mum, Avalon Park in the Hutt is such a good one with kids. There’s a huge playground, plus a train ride on weekends, a skate park and a basketball court. There’s also loads of space for a barbecue or just lying out on the grass. Very classic Kiwi summer.

A hidden gem tucked down a short driveway towards the top end of the street. The space itself is beautiful and open, and I always leave feeling inspired by the artists and shows they have on! I love popping in there.

They are truly beautiful. I could easily spend half the day wandering around, and all the flowers in spring are stunning. I love the free evening music concerts they have in summer too! It’s just such a lovely place to spend some time when the weather is good.