Wellington City

See & Do

The coolest little capital is full of activities. Take a trip on the historic Wellington Cable Car, to take in the panoramic views over the city and harbour. Another top spot with amazing views is from Mount Victoria. If you up for a wee stroll, there are several trails in the town belt that will take you up to enjoy the 360 degree views. Its one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a sunrise or sunset.

The city is also full of museums and galleries. Te Papa is unlike any museum you will have visited, with interactive and innovative exhibitions that are fun for all ages. Then pop along to the City Gallery to enjoy some captivating art from around the world.

Zealandia eco-sanctuary is a short drive from the CBD. Explore with a guide, where you can track down some of the most rarest wildlife including tuatara, giant weta, or if you are lucky on a night tour, you might see a rare little spotted kiwi.

Images via WellingtonNZ.com

Eat & Drink

World renowned coffee, an ever growing craft beer scene and new eateries popping up all the time, there’s something for everyone in the Wellington CBD.

If you are after a unique experience like no other check out Hillside in Thorndon. A completely vegetarian restaurant that as a diner you never know what you will get. Choose between a five or seven course tasting menu, with or without wine matches, every plate is jaw dropping beautiful.

Wellington is full of Asian cuisine, try Chow for 2-1 Mondays or Mr Gos where you can’t go past their Gun Bao. Or maybe Italian cuisine more suits your fancy? Try the Carbonara with a glass of red wine at 1154 Pasteria or head into Newtown for Cicio Cacio where the menu is all written in Italian, make sure to save room for their panna cotta.

Images via WellingtonNZ.com Credit - Pivot Photography

SCORCHING BAY

SCORCH-O-RAMA

On the shoreline of Scorching Bay, along the Miramar Peninsula lies Scorch-O-Rama. With fantastic breakfast and lunch options don’t miss the classic Peter Pancakes or the Avo Smash-let Bloomfield. Enjoy their fantastic coffee, from the popular Wellington roasters Havana. Either sit inside the quirky cafe or opt to sit across the road from the cafe, right next to the sea.

CUBA STREET

FIDELS

At the top of Cuba Street is Fidel’s Cafe an iconic Wellington Eatery inspired by the 1950s Cuban revolution - its a shrine to Cuba. Locals are drawn to its fantastic food and strong Cuban coffee. It stays open late, and the relaxed vibe draws in cafe goers to try their extensive cabinet food or opt for something from their all day menu.

ORIENTAL BAY

LOLA STAYS

Close to town? Beach? And top views? Lola Stays is the ideal spot to enjoy people watching in Oriental Bay over brunch, lunch or a drink in the late afternoon. With several menu options, enjoy their fish tacos or one of their fantastic salads. You’ll have to be quick in the summer as you’ll be fighting all the locals for a table in the sun.

Stay

Whether you are on a budget or want to stay in luxury Wellington has you covered. For backpackers the YHA Wellington on Wakefield street is close to the waterfront, Courtney Place, Te Papa and plenty of cafes and bars. With four and six share rooms to deluxe private suites, this place is great when travelling in big groups.

If travelling with the family Boulcott Suites is for you. This 5 star apartment hotel have all the amenities and the space of a house so plenty of room for everyone. And for those of you after some luxury check out the QT Wellington a creative hotel thats lobby is full of New Zealand contemporary art. Book a Gallery room that features a unique artwork created by NZ artists and designers - this could be an original behead mural, a sculpture or custom wallpaper. The in house restaurants of Hippopotamus and Hot Sauce also can’t be passed up while staying here.

Images supplied by QT Wellington