Our Favorite Places

Restaurants

• Loretta — Airy all-day bistro on Cuba Street with great brunch and even better wine. Go for the mushroom toast.
• Hillside Kitchen & Cellar — Cosy neighbourhood gem in Brooklyn. Small, seasonal menu that changes weekly.
• Rita — Tiny wine-bar-meets-restaurant on Leeds Street. Everything is designed to share. Don’t skip dessert.
• Noble Rot Wine Bar — Relaxed spot for interesting natural wines and simple, delicious plates.
• Egmont Street Deli — Perfect for a quick, no-fuss lunch. Excellent sandwiches and cabinet food.
• Dragon’s — Legendary late-night Chinese on Courtenay Place. A Wellington institution after midnight.

Cafés & Coffee

• Flight Coffee Hangar — Our go-to roaster. The flagship café on Dixon Street is always buzzing.
• Customs by Coffee Supreme — Great espresso on Ghuznee Street, and a solid spot for people-watching.
• Raglan Roast — Tucked away on Plimmer Steps. Tiny, charming, and the flat whites are perfect.
• Prefab Eatery — Café by day in a converted warehouse on Jessie Street. Big portions, great vibe.

Bars & Drinks

• Hawthorn Lounge — Speakeasy-style cocktail bar on Tory Street. Dim lighting, excellent drinks.
• Golding’s Free Dive — Craft beer haven in Hannah’s Laneway. Pinball machines and a rotating tap list.
• The Library — Cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Quirky and worth at least one visit.
• Rogue & Vagabond — Laid-back beer garden with live music. One of the best outdoor spots in the city.

Sweet Treats

• Leeds Street Bakery — Croissants, pastries, and sourdough. Get there early — things sell out.
• Gelissimo Gelato — The best gelato in Wellington, right on the waterfront.
• Fix & Fogg — Everything peanut butter. The Smoke & Fire flavour is a must-try.

Must-See Spots

• Te Papa Tongarewa — New Zealand’s national museum, right on the waterfront. Free entry and genuinely fascinating.
• Wellington Cable Car — A classic. Ride it up, walk back down through the Botanic Garden.
• Zealandia — Predator-fenced ecosanctuary where you’ll see birds you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
• Red Rocks / Pariwhero — Coastal walk at the south end of the city. Wild seals and dramatic scenery.
• Mount Victoria Lookout — Quick drive or a steep walk for panoramic views of the harbour and city.