What the Locals Recommend
Your hosts would like to recommend some of their favourite places to eat and enjoy the nightlife of New Zealands capitol city. We each have unique tastes in food and entertainment and we are sure that some of our special experiences will soon become yours.
I think there is no better way to explore a city than by eating and drinking with the locals. Food wise you can find anything in Wellington that you can possibly think of, reflects the multicultural side of city. When it comes to bars and nightclubs, you can feel the creative vibe of the city. Enjoy the tour through some of my favorites in Wellington.
Martina.
Maranui Café
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If you want to stretch your legs after a long flight, take the bus to Lyall bay for a walk and warm up again in this busy café located in the former life saving club. It is particularly popular with locals who helped raising funds to rebuild it after it burned down two years ago. Sit at the window and just enjoy the view. |
Café L’Affare
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Wellington is the Coffee Capital of New Zealand and it all started here. With the roaster in the back it always smells of freshly roasted and grounded coffee. A true Wellington icon with a love for Pinocchio …. |
Havana Café
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Just in case you haven’t had enough coffee yet to fight your jet lag, head up Tory Street. Another coffee roaster with a tiny café. Havana was one of the pioneers of fair-trade and is fully committed to sustainability and their passion for coffee. |
Matterhorn
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Considered as one of the top 20 bars in the world, the Matterhorn was established in 1963 by two Swiss brothers - of course, ….. Great food and atmosphere. Check out the live concerts. |
Mighty Mighty
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A few doors down and a flight of stairs up from the Matterhorn is Wellington’s heaven of kitsch. A true Wellington icon with a very diverse and creative program. Either you hate it or you love it. |
Ancestral
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Designed by the same architect as the Matterhorn - Alistar Cox - this is the latest edition to the Wellington bar and restaurant scene. Good bar with informal Yakitori in the heated courtyard or formal Chinese inspired dining. Famous for their tripe dish! |
Havana Bar
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Wellington is famous for its tiny and tucked away bars. This cocktail bar and restaurant is located in a colourful and cosy historic cottage, serving tapas and a wider range of drinks. They have live music most nights. Check out their program on |
The Library
Hawthorn Lounge
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Another one of these tiny-tucked away bars. This one has the style of a 1920’s gentlemen’s lounge with nice jazz music. I love it on cold winter nights, as you can toast marshmallows over the open fire. |
Good luck
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2am and you ask yourself “Where to next?” In this late night club you can party and dance through the night or follow the white rabbit to … Alice in Wonderland Bar and Club. |
The diversity of small bars and cafés, small galleries and iconic attractions such as the Cable Car make Wellington a must to spend time just exploring to appreciate the city, the accolade of the ‘coolest little city on the planet’ has been well earned.
David.
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This is also on my list so I agree that this is a great place with a great selection, but you can also view Wellington’s intrepid band of surfers through their windows overlooking Lyall Bay. |
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Check this out for art deco style, built in 1924 the staircases and mirror walls are worth a look alone and you can relax in their café without seeing a film. Currently being up-graded it should look even better. Traditionally used for NZ premieres and red carpets when big names and celebrities may also arrive, not just Peter Jackson. |
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Right next door to the Embassy, this place is really ‘funky’ taking its name from the original Embassy Cinema name. Try it anytime |
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Just opposite the Embassy Cinema in Courtenay Place (the heart of Wellington’s entertainment and nightlife), check this out for a great atmosphere and range of light eats, be prepared to share tables and mix with the locals |
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Going more up-market, if you like seafood then this is the place to try. This is a great seafood restaurant, winner of local awards for its food and it has a great beer and wine selection to complement the food. It is also in one of Wellingtons’ older houses at 1-6 Marjoribanks St (just around the corner from the Embassy cinema). Recommended that you book in advance. |
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If you would like to try somewhere a bit different what better than to eat in an ex-Wellington tugboat and look out over the harbour. Located in n Oriental Bay it is open day and night for a great place to watch the harbour traffic. |
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At one time you could not find a decent beer in Wellington. That has all changed recently and now you can try a range of New Zealand’s craft beers. Try the Hop Garden behind Cambridge Terrace or the brůhaus near to Wellington’s central library and main i-site, just across the road. They have a fantastic selection of more than 150 local and international beers. |
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