OK, disclosure time. I’ll admit it – I’m not a true-blue Wellingtonian. But for the last six years, I’ve spent a week in Wellington every month, and I now fondly consider it my second home.
And I agree with the locals, who’ll take any opportunity to tell you that you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. So read on for my top tips to make sure your time in the capital isn’t just good, it’s GREAT.
Walk
Forget the rental car – Wellington is a walker’s paradise. While it’s compact and easy to navigate, Wellington still has distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe. If – like me – people-watching is your sneaky fave pastime, then you’re in for a treat. Wellington is known as NZ’s culture capital for good reason. Laneways with pop-up shops, cafes, and bars are par for the course, and the best way to discover them is to stumble across them while you explore the city on foot. If the sun is shining – and the wind not blowing one of the gales for which Windy Welly is famed – then you can’t beat a stroll along the waterfront. Pro tip: The Frank Kitts playground is a great spot to stop and let the kids run around while you take in the gorgeous harbour views.
Shop
Check out funky Te Aro for quirky boutiques, vintage stores, and hip cafes. Or if high-end is more your style, then take a stroll down Lambton Quay – aka The Golden Mile. It’s home to top-end NZ designers and the first David Jones department store this side of the Ditch, which is located in the former home of Wellington retail institution, Kirkcaldie & Stains. Some of my go-tos include Coco Wellington for clothes you don’t see everywhere and Brown & Co for eclectic interior pieces.
Make like a movie star
Wellington is the heart of New Zealand’s creative community, and film is a huge part of that. Take in a flick at the famed Embassy Theatre (host to the Lord of the Rings Australasian premieres), then go for a drive out to Miramar to tour Sir Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop and discover how the magic is made.
Visit Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand)
No trip to the capital is complete without a visit to Te Papa. If you think museums are fusty and boring, then you’re in for a surprise. TripAdvisor has ranked Te Papa as one of the top 25 museums in the world and there’s something for everyone. Kidlets in tow? No problem – Te Papa was built with them in mind, with loads of interactive spaces to really fire their imaginations. Insider tip: Get in quick before the thought-provoking and moving Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition closes in April 2019.
Eat
Dining out in Wellington is a pastime in its own right, with the city being home to some of New Zealand’s top eateries. From Logan Brown, the fine-dining granddaddy of the Wellington foodie scene, to Cuba Street’s plethora of casual bistros, there are tasty treats from every corner of the globe, with something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. For the best inner-city brunch, you can’t go past Prefab, tucked away in a semi-industrial laneway. It has the three things I reckon are non-negotiable when it comes to the very serious matter of breakfast:
1. A menu that’s so delicious that you’ll want to order one of everything
2. Gorgeous décor (think Scandi-meets-industrial-meets-airy warehouse)
3. Top-notch service
And if you’re lucky enough to visit in August, you’re in for a treat, as that’s when the city hosts the annual Wellington on a Plate food festival.
Drink (coffee)
Okay, okay. This is hardly a secret, but no article about the best of Wellington would be complete without coffee. While the true origins of the flat white might be hotly contested on both sides of the Tasman (we NZers say Wellington, while our Aussie neighbours say Sydney), one thing is certain: In Wellington, your chances of ordering a dud coffee are zilch, no matter where you go. We take our coffee ridiculously seriously here, and each of the many local roasters have their own spin on the humble brew. When on the run, I always swing by The Hangar, but if you have a bit longer to linger, take a seat at Two Grey right in the heart of the CBD – you’ll feel oh so fancy. Feel like something sweet with your coffee? Head to Louis Sergeant at Lambton Quay for the best French delicacies this side of the Seine.
Check out a rooftop
I’ve recently discovered just how many awesome rooftop bars Wellington has. But like the best dives and speak-easies, you have to be in-the-know to find them! My picks are The Arborist, located on top of the Trinity Hotel (think laidback garden party vibe with plenty of cosy seating) and Dirty Little Secret, Wellington’s first rooftop container bar. But the second one you’ll have to find for yourself 😉
Sleep
Wellington offers a great range of accommodation, from funky backpackers’ to swanky five-star hotels. For a romantic weekend à deux, my picks would have to be the brand-spanking-new DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington for its glamourous art deco style and enviable central location, or QT Museum Wellington, which is famous for its exceptional art collection. Fans of quirky mid-century design will love Oriental Bay’s Ohtel, with its original vintage furniture and decor. But when I have the small people with me, Boulcott Suites and the Bolton Hotel are my go-to stays. They both offer fully self-contained apartment-style spaces – ideal for the whole fam-bam. And as a bonus for the Bolton Hotel, MacLean Fraser – Executive Chef of the Bolton’s Artisan Dining House – has just won Chef of the Year for 2018. Who needs to eat out when you have award-winning dining right at your hotel?
Wellington has earned a reputation as the Coolest Little Capital and it’s not hard to see why. Get yourself there now!
PLAN YOUR WELLINGTON GETAWAY
