One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to the Hutt Valley
Meet the Makers of Lyall Bay
Maybe it’s the impressive beachside backdrop that acts as inspiration, but Lyall Bay is fast growing into a thriving creators’ hub.
Meet Christopher Menges, Master Swordsmith at Wētā Workshop
Behind the fascinating characters, costumes and props that make Wētā Workshop Experiences one of Wellington’s most unique attractions, there’s a team of supremely talented creators who bring it all to life. One of these individuals is master swordsmith Christopher Menges, who has been handling swords since he was a kid and has forged a reputation as one of the country’s finest craftsmen. We asked Christopher about what drives his creative process and what life is like at Wētā Workshop.
Cosy Corners, Filling Foods and Winter Warmers around Wellington
Wherever you go in Wellington, you’ll be sure to find a cosy corner offering a hearty meal or a punchy cocktail to keep you warm in winter.
One of a Kind Experiences in the Hutt Valley
From historic streets and artisan craft to quirky collections, the Hutt Valley is packed with experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else - here, every stop tells its own story.
Lyall Bay's Line-Up of Eats
The Lyall Bay Day Plan
A Taste Trail Through Wellington's Courtenay Precinct
Wellington’s food scene moves lightning-quick, yet the Courtenay Place dining precinct is one that typifies endurance. From a handful of neighbouring streets, a few iconic establishments have outlasted economic downturns, pandemic lockdowns and shifting tastes, cementing themselves as much a part of the city as the wind. But how would one best go about visiting some of these legends of the scene?
A Guide to Calm & Wellness in the Heart of Wellington
City Icons: 10 Long-Standing Eateries in the Heart of Courtenay Precinct
In the heart of the Courtenay Precinct sits a cluster of long-standing eateries that have helped shape the flavour (literally) of Wellington’s food scene and central cultural identity. Decades in, these icons continue to anchor the precinct with good stories, honest hospitality, and the kind of dishes locals return for again and again.
The Class of '25: Wellington's Best Openings
ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa
There’s nothing that puts a pep in our step like news of a new opening in the local hospo and retail scene. With so many places popping up, it can be a full-time job keeping up to date with the latest arrivals in your neighbourhood. Don’t worry, we've done all the work for you, so next time you feel like going somewhere new, you know where to turn to.
One of a Kind Finds: Te Ngākau Precinct
Te Ngākau Precinct After Dark
Whether you're in search of a refined glass of wine, a fresh sashimi platter, or a cosy booth with an ale and live music, the Te Ngākau precinct is the place to hit once the sun sets.
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.
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.
Key Ingredients to Wellington Hospitality with Cosmo
Rediscovering Thorndon Quay: Where History Meets Modern Design
Tucked away but not to be overlooked, Thorndon Quay is a place worth wandering. Steeped in history and creativity, this corridor of the capital city boasts a unique blend of old and new – with a rich mix of contemporary design, heritage buildings, cosy eateries and eclectic boutiques ready to welcome you in.
The Heart of Thorndon Quay: Four Traders Who Have Stood the Test of Time
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.
Courtenay Creatives: The Best of Art, Style and Design in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
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.
Dinner and a Show: Where to Eat, Drink, and Be Entertained in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
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.
A Guide to Asian Cuisine in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
One of a Kind Finds in Porirua
Dine Around the World in Porirua
Our Kid-Friendly Guide to Porirua
There’s no shortage of things for the kids to see, do, and eat in Porirua - here are our top picks for a kid-friendly day out in Porirua.
Eat, Play, Explore: A Family Weekend in Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
Dinner, Dessert & Dancing: An After-Dark Guide to Wellington’s Courtenay Precinct
When the sun goes down, Courtenay Precinct lights up. Whether you're after a bite to eat, a round of drinks, or a night of dancing with friends, this is where Wellington goes to let their hair down. Here’s our guide to making the most of the Courtenay Precinct after dark.
The Wardrobe of Wellington: 17 Fashion Stores in Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
Discover Te Ngākau: A Day in Wellington’s Civic Precinct
From cafes and bistros to a surprising abundance of art galleries, here are some of the best places to stop by during a day trip to Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.
Art, Design & Inspiring Finds Within Wellington’s Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
From art galleries to game shops and a clothing store with its own in-house barber, there’s plenty of arts, design and other inspiring finds to explore in Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.
Good as Gold’s Raag Ponnuchetty’s Guide to Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, Wellington
Meet Te Aro local Raag Ponnuchetty. He’s been part of the furniture at Wellington fashion institution Good as Gold (GAG) for seven years. His customer service on the floor is the stuff of legend. Here is more on the GAG journey and his picks for the best spots to uncover within Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, Wellington
Eat Your Heart Out: Culinary Delights in Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
Here are the best places to eat in and around Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, the heart of Wellington city.
Meet Five Shopkeepers from Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
From beauty salons to clothing stores and ceramic shops to jewellers, these are the people running the Te Ngākau Civic Precinct’s businesses.
Brewing Dreams: Hannah & Andrew Childs of Churly’s CBD
How to Spend a Day in Petone, Lower Hutt
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Wellington Harbour, Pito-one, or Petone, is a suburb of Lower Hutt offering a well-blended happy mix of old-world charm and modern-day sophistication. Its seaside location adds to its natural allure and its historic main street exudes a charm that is often hard to come by in small towns — or, in this case, suburbs.
48 Hours Hutt Valley
Just across the harbour from Wellington city lies the Hutt Valley, an underrated and outdoorsy destination offering popular eateries and a happening cultural scene.
Spending 48 hours in the Hutt Valley has never been so easy (in fact, you’ll likely be pressed for time!) as the sister cities of Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt continue to grow and offer an abundance of things to do.
There are picturesque parks and walking trails, bountiful shopping, arts scenes and an array of culinary delights; this guide is designed to help you make the most of two days spent immersed in this vibrant community.
10 Trails in the Hutt Valley and Where to Treat Yourself After
Nestled within the lush, rolling landscapes that make up the lower North Island, Hutt Valley offers an expansive network of interesting walks appealing to both seasoned hikers and casual strollers alike. Whether you’re after a leisurely meander or a more challenging multi-hour ‘slog’, Hutt Valley trails offer a variety of native bush landscapes and panoramic vistas, meaning there really is something for everyone. Fortunately, the adventure doesn’t have to end with the last step of the walk; Hutt Valley also offers a yummy selection of culinary spots to reward the tired explorer. Our guide below unveils ten of the best walks in Hutt Valley and our suggestion of the perfect places to treat yourself afterwards.
Beers, Bites, and Bowling: A Guide to Upper Hutt’s Brewtown
Just a stone’s throw from Upper Hutt train station lies Brewtown, a 6,000-square-metre entertainment and dining hub that effortlessly attracts families, parties, and thrill seekers from around Wellington and beyond.
Lower Hutt
Your Insider's Guide to Eastbourne and Days Bay
Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt can perhaps be best described as a harmonious juxtaposition. While much of it can have a gritty, industrial feel, largely due to its history, it’s also a real breath of fresh air and home to some of the best natural places to explore in the country. The city has embraced both of these qualities over the years to turn itself into an immensely popular place to visit.
From the sprawling Kaitoke Regional Park, with its swimming holes, walking tracks, and its own little slice of Middle Earth, to the ever-popular Staglands Wildlife Reserve, there are plenty of spots to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Venture towards the heart of the city centre and you’ll encounter Brewtown, a beer craft connoisseur and foodie’s paradise that also doubles as an entertainment hub.
Sprinkled elsewhere throughout the city you’ll find art galleries, cosy cafes, and all manner of eateries from chicken shops to sandwich bars to keep you nourished.
Top 9 Barbers and Hairdressers in Wellington
When it comes to looking your best, it helps to have a hairdresser you can trust. With so many options in the capital you might be overwhelmed by choice, so here is your guide to some of Wellington’s top hair professionals.
A Beaches, Brews and Views Guide to Kāpiti Coast
Kāpiti Coast is renowned for its stunning views, beautiful coastline and petite villages brimming with interesting discoveries. Tucked between the mountainous Tararua Range and the Pacific Ocean, this narrow strip of land is home to creative communities, bakers and brewers, nature lovers and ocean enthusiasts, culinary aficionados, and those in search of a slower pace of life.
Lydia Harfield of Apostle Hot Sauce - Her Guide to Kāpiti Coast
Meet Kāpiti Coast local Lydia Harfield. She runs Apostle Hot Sauce with her partner Mat; they make a range of noteworthy small-batch chilli-based condiments. Lydia also works as a graphic designer for One & Only Agency, a Kāpiti-based design agency. Here are her picks of the best places to experience on Kāpiti Coast.
48 Hours Kāpiti Coast
Best Summer Day Trips from Wellington
The Best Vegan-friendly Spots in Wellington
Chasing the sun: Where to Dine Al Fresco in Wellington
Neat in the Neighbourhood: Brooklyn
It might not quite be as big as its New York namesake, but Wellington’s Brooklyn is a charming part of town set against plenty of greenery.
12 Hours Underground at Willis Lane
Love, Legacy and Tacos: The Story of Wellington’s Best Mexican Food
Andrés Pimentel, the man behind Willis Lane’s ‘Hot Like A Mexican’, transformed his life from veteran hairdresser to outstanding chef - crafting a culinary tale as rich and vibrant as his menu.
Taste of Tokyo: The Best Japanese Restaurants in Wellington
Fresh, fast, and always filled with flavour, Japanese cuisine is a winner for any occasion.
Neat in the Neighbourhood: Newtown
Rincones Sabrosos: The Best Latin American Restaurants in Wellington
Taco Tuesday coming up? Here are the best places to head to in Wellington for a fix of Latin American soul food.
Curry Capital: The Best Indian Eats in Wellington
Whether it’s a red-hot vindaloo or a soul-warming biryani you’re after, you’re never far from a fantastic Indian feed in Wellington.
New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations
Forget the stale hotel stereotypes; New Zealand's staycation scene is flourishing with bold character and unrivalled charm.
In the Kitchen with David Lee: The Man Behind New Zealand’s Top Eateries
In the heart of Wellington's new lively dining and entertainment district, Willis Lane, is the latest masterpiece from award-winning restauranter David Lee (of Aigo, Pōni, Candyshop and Gochu fame): a humble, softly-spoken man responsible for shaping Auckland's dining scene. Let us introduce you to his newest venture: Crack Chicken.
For the Sweet Tooths: Where to Dessert in Wellington
The Best Places to Eat on Cuba Street, Wellington
Take a seat: Your guide to dining solo in Wellington
Best Winter Day Trips from Wellington
There’s more to a Wellington winter than staying wrapped up at home with Netflix and the heat pump on. Escape the winter blues with one of these easily accessible, fun-filled day trips from Wellington.
Glow On: Discovering Wellington's Best Facials and Body Treatments
You deserve a break! Relax and recharge with our list of the best salons and day spas around Wellington.
Paraparaumu
Paekākāriki
The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food & Drink Heroes of Kāpiti Coast
Beach Boutiques & Village Vibes of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beach
Take a leisurely stroll around the neat boutiques of Raumati and Paraparaumu Beaches.
Raumati
A Night Time Wine Crawl through Wellington City
With some of the country’s finest wine bars conveniently at hand, Wellington is a great place in which to embark on a wine crawl.
Our favourite Malaysian restaurants in Wellington
When you’re looking for dinner ideas, a hearty Malaysian laksa or fried noodles usually does the trick. Here are our favourite places to find Malaysian food in Wellington.
Wellington’s Favourite Neighbourhood Spots
Seats in the City - The Best Places to Take in the View in Pōneke
Feast on the Fly: Our Guide to Wellington's Best Takeaway Food
Travel the flavours of Asia in Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Take your tastebuds on a whirlwind tour through Asia from the comfort of our compact capital city.
Where to Find Wellington's Best Pizza
From the tried and tested classics to more contemporary twists, there are plenty of fantastic pizzas to be found around Wellington.
Pick of the Bunch: Best Cheap Eats in Wellington
Noodles, burgers, pasta and more - here are some of our top picks in Wellington for a meal that won’t blow your budget.
A Foodie’s Guide to Wellington
Whether you’re in Wellington for a good time, a long time, or anything in between, here are our top picks to sate your hunger.
Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand
Your Guide to Wellington’s Best Burgers
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction and satiation you get when you finish a burger that delivers on all fronts. So we have left no stone unturned in our search for where to find the best burgers in Wellington.
Aotearoa's Underground Haunts, Rooftops and The In-betweens
7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For
In the UK, the term ‘city-break’ is frequently used to describe a weekend away visiting the European city of the moment, exploring everything on offer and most often staying in boutique accommodation. Now, we may be thousands of miles away from being able to achieve a casual few days in a European city, but here in New Zealand, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to urban hotels that are worth travelling around the country for.
Celebrating A Decade of Six Barrel Soda Co.
Estère's Wellington
Miriama Grace Smith's Wellington
Samuel Flynn-Scott's Wellington
Stock Up On Vinyl At The 8 Best Record Stores In New Zealand
Give Spotify a rest and throw your money behind local artists and record retailers.
Tick Off Your Reading List At New Zealand’s Independent Bookshops
Score The Inside Scoop On New Zealand’s Best Ice Cream And Gelato Spots
What To Eat In Porirua
Whether you want a laidback brekkie at a beachside café or tasty burgers at a historical homestead, there's much to feast on in Porirua.
6 Best Porirua Walks and Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
5 of Our Favourite Wellington Brunch Spots Right Now
From ocean vistas to inspired menu offerings, there’s never been a better time to get brunch in the nation's capital.
Guide to Wellington’s Hidden Art Galleries
The perfect accompaniment to any decent “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day” day, hit the cobbled streets and take a look around some of these incredible art spaces around the CBD
Embracing the Thrift - Second Hand Shopping Wellington
Nothing beats the thrill of stumbling across something special on the racks (the best finds are rewarded after a good scavenge) and Wellington is the place to be when hunting for vintage bargains.
My Desk: Jessie Wong
Making Clothes with Heart and Soul
Flavours in Jars: Talking 'feel good food' with Esther Lewis
Support from the Bottom Up
Hannahs Laneway
Cuba Street
Mud to Magic
Loaves to Love
Tommy Millions
A Guide to New Zealand's Coffee Roasters
