Wellington Guides

First-person stories from the owners, chefs and neighbors behind local places, plus editorial roundups from our team.

Things to Do in Wellington: From Te Papa to Red Rocks

Te Papa, the cable car, Zealandia, Wētā Workshop, Red Rocks and Oriental Bay: the full list of things to do in New Zealand's windy capital, organised for fine days and southerly ones.

Wellington Restaurants: An Old Bank, a Cottage and a Shed

Fine dining, seafood on the water, cheap Asian food in Te Aro, pub dinners and suburban favourites, with booking advice and what closes on Mondays.

Wellington Accommodation by Suburb (Lambton Quay to Kelburn)

Which part of Wellington to stay in and why: the business district, Te Aro, Courtenay Place, Mount Victoria, Thorndon, Newtown and near the airport, with 40 places to sleep.

Cuba Street Wellington From the Bucket Fountain Up

The coffee, the vintage shops, the Bucket Fountain, the bars and the laneways: Cuba Street in Te Aro, stretch by stretch, by day and after dark.

Wellington Waterfront Walk: 12 Stops to Oriental Bay

About three kilometres of flat harbour-side path from the railway station to Oriental Bay beach, walked stop by stop with the museums, markets, sculptures and places to eat along the way.

Wellington Cafes: Who Roasts, Who Bakes, Who Faces the Sea?

Customs, L'affare, Pravda's cheese scones, August's Istanbul eggs, Maranui over Lyall Bay and the waiter who crosses the road at Scorching Bay: where to drink coffee and eat brunch in Wellington.

Wellington Bars for a Still Night or a Southerly

Where to drink in Wellington, matched to the weather: Ascot's rooftop, Hawthorn Lounge, Dee's Place, Noble Rot, The Malthouse, San Fran and the Newtown bars.

Wellington Craft Beer: 16 Stops From Aro to the Airport

Garage Project, Heyday, The Malthouse, Golding's, Fork and Brewer, Panhead, Waitoa and Parrotdog: where to drink craft beer in Wellington, in walking order.

Wellington Walks Graded by Climb and Exposure

The best walks in Wellington, from twenty-minute Town Belt climbs to a full day on the Skyline Walkway, matched to the wind so you pick the right one on the day.

Wellington Beaches: Where to Swim When It's Blowing?

Which Wellington beach to go to on the day: the sheltered harbour bays in a southerly, the south coast and Scorching Bay in a northerly, with swim safety, dog rules and food nearby.

Wellington Op Shops (Vivian St, Newtown and the Tip Shop)

Where to go op shopping in Wellington, from Recycle Boutique and Hunters and Collectors to the City Mission Store, Newtown's charity shops and the Tip Shop, with a walking route and what things cost.

Wellington Markets: What's On Friday, Saturday or Sunday?

Wellington's weekly markets by day: night market dinners on Friday and Saturday, Thorndon's farmers market on Saturday morning and Harbourside's produce and food trucks on Sunday.

Day Trips From Wellington by Rail, Sea or Road

The best day trips from Wellington, from a harbour island and the Petone waterfront to Wairarapa wine country, the Cape Palliser lighthouse and the birds of Kāpiti Island.

Wellington Weather Month by Month (and Why It Blows)

What Wellington's weather is really like through the year, from the warmest sea in February to June's grey days, with the wind explained and what to pack for each season.

Wellington to Picton Ferry: Which Terminal, Which Boat?

The Wellington to Picton ferry explained from the Wellington side: two operators, two terminals, about three and a half hours through Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds.

Free Things to Do in Wellington (Some Only for Kiwis)

The best free things to do in Wellington, plus which museums are free only for New Zealanders, which paid attractions are worth it, and a free day for fine weather and foul.