Stylish cocktail bars, funky designer shopping, contemporary art galleries, and award-winning restaurants - you'll find all this and more in Wellington. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour and surrounded by rolling hills, it's a city waiting to be explored.
A magnet for creative thinkers, Wellington is widely regarded as New Zealand's arts and culture capital. It is the home of many of the country's significant arts organisations, and offers a rich variety of exhibitions, theatre, music and opera.
The city is home to Te Papa, the national Museum of New Zealand, which is a world-leader in interactive museum experiences. Te Papa provides a unique insight into the story of New Zealand and all who live here. The country's historic Parliament buildings reside in Wellington, and also form a starting point for exploring the country's nationhood and heritage.
Wellington offers visitors the excitement of a vibrant, sophisticated city, yet has beautiful nature attractions such as ZEALANDIA just minutes from downtown Wellington and the world renowned wine regions of Marlborough and Martinborough right on its doorstep.
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
Visit Te Papa and experience all of New Zealand in one building at this
bold and innovative museum. Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, where you
can explore the great stories of this fascinating land and the people who live
there. The past, present and future are exhibited in provocative, challenging
and entertaining ways.
Cable Street
www.tepapa.govt.nz
ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience
ZEALANDIA is a haven for endangered native birds and wildlife
such as little spotted kiwi, saddleback and tuatara, just minutes from central
Wellington. The unique predator-proof fence surrounding the Sanctuary protects
the wildlife and ensures that the forest eventually regenerates to its former glory.
Their world-class visitors centre is due to open in April 2010.
Waiapu Road, Karori
www.visitzealandia.com
Zest Food Tours
Discover Wellington's vibrant food scene with Zest Food Tours.
Their experienced guides will introduce you personally to their favourite Wellington
gourmet food stores, coffee roasters, cafes and restaurants.
A Zest Wellington food tour is for people with an appetite for culinary adventure
and discovering new places through food and wine. We explore this city known for its
love of great coffee and food, finding culinary treasures visitors often miss.
www.zestfoodtours.co.nz
Explore Wellington waterfront
Blessed with a beautiful natural harbour the Wellington waterfront
is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Many activities are based around
the waterfront from harbour cruises, strolling from Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay, and
swimming at the golden sand beach to rollerblading and rock-climbing for the more
adventurous. Many prefer to grab a coffee or gelato and sit back and enjoy beautiful
views of the Wellington Harbour and cityscape.
Wellington Writers Walk
Eleven text sculptures located along Wellington's harbour. Each
sculpture contains a quotation about the city from a poem or piece of prose by one
of the many talented writers who have made Wellington their home at some point in
their lives including Katherine Mansfield, James K. Baxter, and Maurice Gee. These
hidden sculptures run from Chaffers Marina to Frank Kitts Park.
Lambton Quay
Lambton Quay is part of Wellington's Central Business District
and tempts with designer fashions and food to match. When you are walking along Lambton
Quay, be sure to take a side trip on the Cable Car, access down Cable Car Lane, for
some awesome views of Wellington.
Cuba Street
Balancing chic and kitsch, boutique and bohemia, Cuba Street
is widely considered to be the coolest street in New Zealand.
A haven for coffee addicts, buskers, emerging designers, artists and eclectics,
Wellington's creative heart also boasts the finest bars and restaurants in New Zealand.
The street is home to the two most recent winners of the prestigious Cuisine New
Zealand Restaurant of the Year supreme award.
Wellington Cable Car
One of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions,
the cable car runs from Lambton Quay in the commercial heart of the city and
emerges in Kelburn for a view of the capital.
Cable Car Lane, 280 Lambton Quay
www.WellingtonNZ.com/cablecar
Cable Car Museum
Located just a few metres from the cable car's upper terminus
and from a lookout with spectacular views over Wellington; this museum tells the
story of the country's only remaining public cable car system. Visit us to catch
up on the service's colourful history, marvel at the machinery in the old winding
room or climb aboard one of the old grip cars. The Wellington Cable Car Museum has
Qualmark endorsed visitor activity status and was the 2006 and 2007 Tourism Industry
award winner for visitor activities and attractions: culture and heritage tourism.
Top of the Cable Car
www.cablecarmuseum.co.nz
Wellington Botanic Garden
Over 26 hectares of unsurpassed views, unique landscape, exotic
forests, native bush, colourful floral displays and gorgeous specialist gardens.
www.wellington.govt.nz
City Gallery
City Gallery Wellington is a dynamic cultural presence in the capital
city of Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether it's the latest exhibition of New Zealand's avant-garde
artists, an international collection visiting the gallery or just the gallery's cafe, there
are plenty of reasons to put Wellington's eyes-and-ears-on-the-arts on your schedule.
Civic Square, Wakefield Street
www.citygallery.org.nz
Kapiti Island Alive
Kapiti Island offers a unique opportunity to view New Zealand's most
endangered and rare birds in a completely natural situation. An island totally free of all
introduced predators, Kapiti is home to rare birds such as Little Spotted Kiwi, Kokako,
Saddleback and Stitchbird. On the island, you will be taken on guided walks amidst native
flora and fauna and birdlife. Kapiti Island offers the best chance of spotting the little
spotted kiwi, when you spend the night on the island. Lunch will be provided at the lodge.
www.kapitiislandalive.co.nz
Weta Cave
The Weta Cave screens a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and
interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie
Selkirk. The experience offers an exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination
that goes into crafting the art of Weta.
Corner of Weka Street and Park Road, Miramar
www.wetanz.com/cave
Parliament Buildings
A visit to the Capital City would not be complete without a visit
to NZ's beautifully refurbished Parliament Buildings. Located in the historic suburb
of Thorndon, the complex is made up of three architecturally distinctive buildings:
the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, the Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library
and the unique 1970's style Beehive building.
www.parliament.govt.nz
Mount Victoria Lookout
Head to the Mount Victoria lookout where you can see Wellington city,
the Hutt Valley and Cook Strait. There is a parking area and plenty of spots to sit down
and take in the beautiful scenery.
Lookout Road, Mt Victoria
Harbourside Market
A favourite with locals and nestled beside Te Papa Museum and
sprawling alongside the foreshore, the Harbourside markets host a colourful array
of food purveyors, providores and peddlers of the city's finest foods.
Wellington Waterfront, between Chaffers St and Herd St
Sundays 0730 - 1300 (Winter) and 0730 - 1400 (Summer)
www.harboursidemarket.co.nz,
info@harboursidemarket.co.nz
Wellington Rover Tours
The little sightseeing tour company providing tours with a
difference. Their small vehicles (average 7 clients) and friendly guides ensure
a personal experience whilst maximizing your visit to Wellington.
The Rover Explorer is a 'hop on hop off' tour exploring Wellington's city and shore.
Passengers can stay onboard to receive two and half hours of commentary or hop off to
be collected later. The tour makes it is easy to explore Wellington at your own
pace in a day.
www.wellingtonrover.co.nz,
info@wellingtonrover.co.nz
Museum of Wellington
This popular museum will take you back a thousand years and
lead you to a vibrant present day Wellington. The interactive and exciting exhibitions
engage visitors of all ages.
Housed in a significant heritage building on the waterfront, the museum offers a wonderful
insight into the rich social and cultural history of Wellington, complementing Te Papa's
stories of the nation.
There is always something new to see at the Museum of Wellington. Changing feature exhibitions
delve into social, cultural or maritime stories from Wellington and beyond, with supporting
events, performances and talks on throughout the year.
www.museumofwellington.co.nz
City Market
The City Market - a new weekly food and wine market showcasing
local artisan products and producers.
Situated alongside the existing Waitangi Park outdoor market, the City Market is championed
by award-winning chef Martin Bosley and Rachel Taulelei of food company Yellow Brick Road.
The market will bring a stellar line-up of local artisan food and beverage producers together
under one roof at. It will also feature wine tasting's, event previews, chef demonstrations,
and entertainment.
Chaffers Dock Function Centre on the Wellington waterfront,
Every Sunday between 8.30am and 12.30pm
www.citymarket.co.nz,
info@citymarket.co.nz
Tranzit Gourmet Wine Escape
Experience the magic of rail combined with a Martinborough Wine
Trail. This tour takes you through the rolling and scenic pasturelands of the Wairarapa.
Tours depart Wellington Railway Station at 8.25am on weekdays and 9.55am on weekends and
public holidays. Lunch is included.
Visit four Martinborough vineyards and taste award winning local wines. Enjoy a delicious lunch
at the Martinborough Village Cafe and then finish the day with a delicious cheese platter and
coffee or further wine. Check out the villages shops before travelling back to the train.
Queen St, Masterton
www.tranzit.co.nz
The Interislander
Interislander ferry services travel between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and are a spectacular three hour cruise. As you travel on Interislander, you can take a stroll on the decks, enjoy a meal, a drink or even catch the latest movie releases. Or just take in the breathtaking views. Departures daily from the Wellington and Picton terminals.
www.interislander.co.nz
Matterhorn
A local institution on Cuba Street, Matterhorn is a hip joint
down a long corridor. The Matterhorn was crowned as the Best Bar in New Zealand in
2006, 2007 and 2008. The bar also prides itself on showcasing the best of New Zealand's
vibrant music scene. Matterhorn has also recently one Cuisine Magazine's Restaurant
of the Year 2008.
106 Cuba Street
www.matterhorn.co.nz
Logan Brown
Restaurant owners Steve Logan and Alistair Brown believe
restaurants don't have to be formal to serve fine food. Logan Brown is located
in a stunning 1920s banking chamber. Logan Brown won the 2009 Cuisine Magazine
Restaurant of the Year.
Corner of Cuba and Vivian Street
www.loganbrown.co.nz
Floriditas
Set in the midst of Wellington's iconic Cuba Street, Floriditas
has the old world charm of a stylish and comfortable Parisian cafe/restaurant. Known
for their seasonal dishes sourced from the finest local and regional supplies, this
is the place to go when you want to feel the Wellington vibe over a sumptuous meal.
161 Cuba Street, +64 4 381 2212
www.floriditas.co.nz
Martin Bosley's Yacht Club Restaurant
Martin Bosley has developed a delicious menu with a strong
focus on fresh produce and seafood, and with lots of daily specials.
The wine list has a strong regional emphasis, with particular attention paid to
Martinborough and Marlborough.
The restaurant is a fabulous waterfront location, offering panoramic views of
Wellington and the harbour, excellent service and stunning cuisine.
103 Oriental Parade, +64 4 920 8302
www.martin-bosley.com
The Ambeli
Greek restaurant The Ambeli is a celebration of fresh
produce prepared with devotion.
18 Majoribanks Street, +64 4 385 7577
www.theambeli.co.nz
Arbitrageur
Arbitrageur's menu is wholly European with an emphasis
on French and Italian. Located in the heart of downtown Wellington, it is open
for both lunch and dinner. The vast wine list will satisfy the most knowledgeable
of wine connoisseurs but will not intimidate those just wanting to browse.
125 Featherston Street, +64 4 499 5530
www.arbitrageur.co.nz
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room is a modern interpretation of the
traditional public house - a gastropub; offering the best in creative beer
and food matching along with providing a premium drinking environment.
2 Courtenay Place, +64 4 384 1159
www.tasting-room.co.nz
Osteria del Toro
Osteria del Toro presents a culinary snapshot of the
Mediterranean's wonderful cuisine, including fragrant Moroccan tagines, Spanish
paellas, authentic Italian-style pizzas and many other delicious offerings from
Italy, Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Greece.
60 Tory Street, +64 4 381 2299
Ernesto
A quirky and chic cafe, from the owners of Wellington
institution Fidel's. Ernesto is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, as well
as offering a range of delicious counter food, drinks and coffees.
132 Cuba Street, +64 4 801 6878
www.ernesto.co.nz
Beach Babylon
Sit back and relax in this funky seaside cafe. The
interior is retro-beach kitsch complete with plastic palm trees, orange and
brown booths around the walls and bookshelves filled with hula girls and
coconuts. Beach Babylon gives the feeling of an eternal summer.
232 Oriental Parade, +64 4 801 7717
www.beachbabylon.co.nz
Mojo Coffee
Expertly made espresso from this Wellington-based coffee
roaster, as well as delicious counter food. Mojo coffee was the brainchild of
Steve and Julie Ganoutsos. Mojo started in 2003 as a small roastery in Wakefield
Street and was recently voted by Capital Times as Wellington's favourite coffee.
www.mojocoffee.co.nz
Caffe L'affare
Caffe L'affare - the coffee business. Wellington's iconic
daytime cafe showcases their premium coffee and serves an a la carte menu as
well as cafe style counter food.
27 College Street, +64 4 385 9748
www.laffare.co.nz
Fidel's
A bastion at the top of Cuba Street, laidback Fidel's
is a popular hang-out where strong Havana coffee comes fresh from the
roastery just around the corner. A summer suntrap, the front courtyard
is an ideal spot to lose time and the food is always fresh and changing.
234 Cuba Street, +64 4 801 6868
www.fidelscafe.com
Nikau Gallery Cafe
Nikau Gallery Cafe is a wonderful place to relax and
recharge. The coffee is among the best in Wellington; stop by for a cup
and indulge in delicious cakes and pastries made fresh daily.
Featuring the best organic produce and an ever changing menu Nikau has
something for all tastes. Fully licensed, with relaxed indoor and outdoor
dining Nikau is a great place to enjoy a light-meal and a drink with friends
before taking in the best in contemporary art that City Gallery has to offer.
Wellington City Art Gallery Building, Civic Square, +64 4 801 4168
Duke Carvell's Swan Lane Emporium
The latest enterprise of the culinary genius that is the Bresolin family,
Duke Carvell's is a nostalgic yet chic place that has an air of romance and intrigue. They
offer a wide range of original cocktails, and the evening menu consists of tapas that can
create a banquet-like feast.
3 Swan Lane, +64 4 3852240
www.dukecarvell.co.nz
Hawthorn Lounge
Based on a gentlemen's retreat, the Hawthorn is an oasis from the hustle
of downtown. Opened mid-2006 by brothers who wanted to share their vision of a public living
room, The Hawthorn has all the grace one would expect from the 1920s. Big band music complements
the nattily attired staff.
Upstairs 82 Tory St, +64 4 890 3724
Motel
Providing sophisticated drinks to a discerning clientele since 1999,
Motel is one of the first bars of its ilk in Wellington. The drinks are exceptional, the
service refined and discreet. Motel is a bar existing apart from the world. Recently named
one of the top 100 bars in the world.
Forresters Lane, +64 4 384 9084
www.motelbar.co.nz
Havana
An exotic world on Wigan St, Havana Bar is a haven for lovers of world
music. Teeny tiny, the Cuban themed bar is an escape from pretension and the work-a-day world.
Havana's eclectic mix of music and personalities has made it a bit of a local haunt. Experts
in the Cuban specialties, Havana has a wide range of beer, wines and spirits, both Cuban
and otherwise.
32 Wigan Street, +64 4 384 7039
www.havana.co.nz
Good Luck Bar
The Chinese Opium Dens of Wellington are the stuff of legend. The dens
themselves may be long deserted but the legacy remains intact. The discrete flight of stairs
now hides an opulent cocktail den. Take a seat and be waited upon in the cosy, candlelit
lounge. Make your way past the floating lantern bar to Wellingtons premier alternative dance
floor where you'll find the country's best live acts and DJ's playing only the freshest selections.
126 Cuba Street, Wellington
www.goodluckbar.com,
enquires@goodluckbar.com
Mighty Mighty
A few doors down and a flight of stairs up from the Matterhorn, Mighty
Mighty is a bar for locals - with its gloriously and unashamedly kitsch interior, frequent
live acts and perfectly sized dance floor, this bar is quickly becoming a Wellington favourite.
Level 1, 104 Cuba Street
info@mightymighty.co.nz
Hooch
Sip on a fine cocktail at this new burlesque themed bar opened by the
folks who own the stylish Hawthorn Lounge
46 Courtenay Place
Library
One of Wellington's newest bars. Library is a lounge bar, reading room,
live music venue and dessert venue all in one.
Level 1, 53 Courtenay Place
www.thelibrary.co.nz
Matterhorn
A local institution on Cuba Street, Matterhorn is a hip joint down a
long corridor. The Matterhorn was crowned as the Best Bar in New Zealand in 2006, 2007 and
2008. The bar also prides itself on showcasing the best of New Zealand's vibrant music scene.
Matterhorn has also recently won Cuisine Magazine's Restaurant of the Year 2008.
106 Cuba Street, +64 4 384 3359
www.matterhorn.co.nz
