Wellington is a city that charms visitors with its combination of cosmopolitan living and rugged countryside.
The city is situated by the sea and clings to a hook-shaped harbour with mountain ranges in the distance that are snow-capped come wintertime. It’s effortlessly pretty and buzzing with contemporary restaurants, microbreweries, world-class cafes, and award-winning wines. And best of all, it’s easily walkable, which makes it ideal for exploring in a short space of time.
A City for Diners and Drinkers
When it comes to drinking and dining, Wellington punches well above its weight. The city’s proximity to the ocean and fertile farmland has made it one of the greatest cities in the world for casual dining. Visitors will find compelling menus throughout the city centre and suburbs, each accompanied by exquisite wine lists from local wineries.
Wellington is also a craft beer paradise, with a glut of bars devoted to it throughout the city. In August each year, craft beer fans descend on Wellington en masse to attend the famous Beervana festival, where over 50 of New Zealand’s best brewers host a gigantic party in the Westpac Stadium.
Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s incredible national museum and was named on Lonely Planet’s list of the top 500 places to visit. Entry is free and there are a variety of guided tours to help you make the most of your visit. Please note that some temporary exhibitions may not be free and may require advanced booking.
Speciality Coffee
Speciality coffee is big business in Wellington. The city is awash with quality cafes serving exciting food and superbly roasted coffee. For flat white enthusiasts, head to Flight Coffee Hangar on Dixon Street and order a tasting paddle of flat whites. If you’re feeling like a lovingly prepared filter coffee, get yourself to Customs by Coffee Supreme on Ghuznee Street. Or for an outstanding long black, kick back and enjoy one at Havana on Tory Street, where there is also a roastery onsite.
Hannahs Laneway
Hannahs Laneway is tucked away down the backstreets of Wellington CBD, and it’s here you’ll find artisan food producers, eateries, craft beer bars, and designer boutiques, all living alongside one another. More than anything, however, Hannahs Lane is a foodie haven. Our top tips include sampling award-winning peanut butter from Fix & Fogg, tasting artisan bean-to-bar chocolate at the Wellington Chocolate Factory, and indulging in a salted caramel cookie from Leeds Street Bakery.
Wander the Waterfront
Wellington’s waterfront was once home to a bustling commercial shipping port. Nowadays, the waterfront is one of the city's most distinctive and desirable areas, situated on the edge of the water gazing out to sea. The area is home to a vibrant array of unique attractions, with everything from gourmet dining and gelato shops, to public art and skate parks. We recommend taking a stroll to soak up the vibe before grabbing lunch or dinner.
Mount Victoria Lookout
If you need to walk off the wrongdoings of an overindulgent lunch, head for the city’s most impressive viewpoint atop the 196 metre high Mount Victoria. For those not up for sweating it out, take the number 20 bus to the top. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Wellington and the beautiful bay that gently embraces the city. It’s the perfect way to end a day’s exploring, watching the sunset sweep in over the city before night descends.