Discover for yourself why Te Whanganui-a-Tara is often dubbed the “coolest little capital in the world”
Don’t miss the cable car for a new perspective on the city. If the weather’s fine, disembark at the Botanic Garden and wander down to the Beehive to see why the locals say, “You can’t beat Welly on a good day.”
Set against stunning harbour views, Wellington serves up arts and culture on a plate. You’ll be blown away by the delights on offer – and the wind, of course.
A Wellington weekend well spent
Goldie, 27 Rimu St
Get out of the hustle and bustle to explore the windswept coastline of Eastbourne, where you’re sure to stumble upon Goldie, a home and lifestyle store for design lovers.
Owner Fran Drager traded in her decade-long marketing job for her seaside store, never looking back, and we’re grateful she took the leap. The store is a lesson in how to live a beautiful life, with a thoughtfully stocked range of wares, children’s goods, and cleaning products. Breathe in the salt air, relax and browse to your heart’s content.
Cocktails at Crumpet
Crumpet, 109 Manners St
Crumpet is the cosy cocktail bar of your dreams, with its black-and-white tiled floor, old-fashioned tablecloths, jazzy music and darling gallery wall hung with eclectic images.
Concoct your dream cocktail from their legendary flavour wheel or indulge in a homemade crumpet with prosciutto and lashings of honey. When you’re well lubricated, it’s almost too easy to pop next door to The Opera House and catch the latest show.
Aunty Dana’s Op Shop, 130 Riddiford St
Tucked away in Newtown, Aunty Dana’s Op Shop is one of the last stores standing against the gentrification of all things vintage in Pōneke. With affordable pricing and a great selection of garments, you’ll be sure to find a bargain.
Run by Gender Minorities Aotearoa, the store is named after their “patron saint, Dana de Milo”, one of the first trans women in New Zealand to receive gender-affirming hormone treatments. She famously told the store, when donating many of her amazing outfits, to “get those young queens wearing my dresses”.
Inside Kaukau, Wellington
Kaukau, 30 Ghuznee St
Kaukau is a concept store that ties together design and contemporary art to create items for the whare. Founders Nadya France-White and Prak Sritharan see the store as a “visual narrative”, which offers a home to an evolving group of local makers and artists. That narrative ebbs and flows, “imbued by moments of interest and a kaupapa that has always informed us.”
Whether it’s ojami floor cushions or hand-blown vases, there’s a little something for everyone in this space.
Moore Wilson’s, 93 Tory St
A Wellington institution, Moore Wilson’s is the Disneyland of supermarkets. Marvel at wheels of cheese as big as your head, or treat yourself to their glossy array of pastries selected from bakeries all over the city.
From hot sauces, craft beer, local roastery beans and more, you’ll be giddy with options (the freshly squeezed orange juice machine adds to the sugar high). Make sure not to miss their upstairs kitchen and homewares section, carefully curated with everything from crockery to cookbooks.
The dreamy interiors at Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
Other must visits:
Grab the best mortadella sandwich of your life at Romeo’s Deli & Bar, then whip into Iko Iko and Tea Pea for all your colourful homeware needs. Stay at Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, a great heritage building in the beating heart of Cuba Street.
Finish with a mandatory visit to Te Papa to get a good dose of art and history.
Related articles:
- A weekender’s guide to Greytown and its picturesque shops
- Meet the creative force behind Wellington’s Kaukau store
- This Wellington villa balances heritage with modern elements
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
