A Wellingtonian’s Guide

“Adam Constanza describes his perfect itinerary for a couple of nights in Wellington” – Christchurch Press Escape ‘Capital man’s top spots’ published on 29 August 2016.

If you’ve got a few days in Wellington and are keen to pack heaps into it, this might be the guide you’ve been looking for… vintage clothes shopping on Cuba Street, discovering the wild and rugged South Coast, whizzing around the bays on an electric bike or simply sitting in a coffee shop and watching the world go by – there’s something for everyone. This is my Wellingtonian’s guide to a packed weekend in Wellington – you’re gonna need more time!

Stroll along Oriental Bay

A short stroll from the city is Wellington’s beach – Oriental Bay. Whether it’s summer or winter, day or night, it’s always a hit. It’s also the perfect spot for brunch. Beach Babylon, opposite the beach has a laid back vibe and offer outdoor seating. They have a great selection of brunch options including open breakfast burrito and delicious Havana coffee on offer. Raglan Roast near Waitangi Park also serves up an incredible coffee and is one of my favourites. As a bonus, they also make some delicious looking gelato. I recommend walking to Point Jerningham where you’ll get a view of Matiu / Somes Island and Miramar Peninsula.

Walk up Mount Victoria to the lookout

Mount Vic Lookout is 196 metres above the city but easily reached by foot. Lord of the Rings fans you might want to stop off at the Hobbits Hideaway on the way up. There are numerous routes via the footpath or for the slightly more ambitious, off road trails through the forest. It will take you 30 – 45 minutes to reach the top at which you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views over Wellington.

If you’re a movie buff

The Lighthouse Cinema, The Embassy and The Roxy all show independent and blockbuster movies and add a touch of glamour to the movie experience. If you love to watch a movie in a classy joint, then these are for you. The Lighthouse is tucked away on Cuba Street and is cosy with super comfy sofas, the Embassy is larger with epic sound and has a great bar to hang out, whilst The Roxy in their own words ‘brings back the romance and magic of cinema to New Zealand’.

Shopping, food and drink on Cuba Street

Cuba Street, where there is something for everyone. Shopping, food, coffee, drinks, music, dancing – you name it, Cuba Street probably has it! Spend a little time second hand clothes shopping at Recycle Boutique, Paper Bag Princess, Hunters and Collectors and get yourself a sustainable bargain. Grab yourself a coffee and slice of cake from Midnight Espresso and soak up the Cuban vibe. On Friday and Saturday nights, head to the Cuba Night Market. The aroma of delicious smelling food hangs in the air and entices people into the lanes to sample the treats on offer.

Fancy a drink?

Havana Bar is the place to hang which regularly has local and international musicians and DJs playing. It serves a huge selection of cocktails, craft beers and Spanish tapas. It’s a real local hangout and has a great atmosphere. Rogue and Vagabond is a craft beer bar with an extensive list of craft beers. They also have great live music – Jazz, Blues and Rock n Roll. Basque on Courtenay Place offers a Northern Spanish experience and has a great selection of craft beers. If it’s a nice evening be sure to check out the rooftop bar.

Head to the museums

Voted one of the world’s top 50 museums, the Wellington Museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of Wellington – it’s free too! Check out Plimmer’s Ark… the remains of the 150 year-old wooden sailing ship, excavated from the nearby Old Bank Arcade. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa makes it onto every ‘things to do’ list and for good reason. It offers fantastic free exhibitions – Blood, Earth, Fire and Mountains to Sea to name just a couple.

Blend in with the locals at the markets

Harbourside market are where us locals go on a Sunday morning. Whether you’re after fresh fruit, a takeaway from one of the numerous food trucks or simply want to be surrounded by Wellingtonian’s stocking up on produce for the week ahead, it’s the ideal place to awaken the senses.

Fancy getting out of the city?

Hire an electric bike from Switched on Bikes and get out to the bays. I recommend the gorgeous Miramar Peninsula and Lyall Bay. You’ll pass a number of excellent cafes including the Chocolate Fish Cafe and Scorch-o-Rama Café, both of which are highly recommended and offer great sea views. Maranui Café, which is a little further around at Lyall Bay is excellent too. It has wonderful views of the water, often with surfers and windsurfers to keep you entertained. You might need to queue a little but the food and coffee is definitely worth the wait. If you’ve got energy to burn stop off at Point Dorset in Seatoun. Lock up the bikes and explore the bunkers, which offer an interesting insight into times gone by. There are fantastic views over the entrance to Wellington Harbour and it was also the location for the village of Bree in Lord of the Rings – not that you would know it now, as the set has long gone! Here’s a little insight into what to expect from one of my recent adventures.

Still looking for more adventure?

Head out to Zealandia, take a boat to Matiu / Somes Island or explore Red Rocks Nature Reserve.

Zealandia is a sanctuary for native birds, insects and reptiles, a short bus trip or bike ride from the city. You’ll most likely spot heaps of birdlife including kaka, takahe and tui, and maybe even a prehistoric looking tuatara soaking up the sun. It’s a fantastic way to spend 3+ hours.

Matiu / Somes Island a predator-free DOC reserve, only 20 minutes away on the Easy by West Ferry. Take a picnic and spend 2+ hours exploring. Not only are there fantastic views looking back towards the city, it is also home to a variety of wildlife including red-crowned parakeet, weta, gecko and tuatara.

Red Rocks Nature Reserve / Pariwhero makes for an exhilarating walk on the South Coast, offering a glimpse of the wild and rugged shoreline. This is the real middle earth experience and if it’s between May and October you might also see the fur seal colony too – here’s a short clip to tempt you a little more!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more great videos.

Hi, I’m Adam Constanza, freelance travel content creator living, working and supporting tourism in Timor Leste, South East Asia.

Fancy seeing more?

If you’re interested in seeing more, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Simply check out www.travelinspired.co.nz or head over to my YouTube Channel, for a whole heap of videos, photographs and articles about the lesser known places on planet Earth and everything positive about them!

Feel free to reach out here with any questions, enquire about projects for your promotional needs, including rates and availability, and purchase of photographs.

If you enjoyed the content and would like to show your support, you can simply click on the PayPal icon below. Every little helps to continue promoting the lesser known places and it really does make a huge difference. Thank you. PS. I’ll buy a coffee or two to keep me fuelled during editing!

You Might Also Like This One…

Adam Constanza adventure Arawa arob autonomous region of bougainville blogger bougainville Bougainville Island Bougainville Papua New Guinea Dili dili timor-leste Dili Timor Leste East Timor expat expat dili expats Federated States of Micronesia FSM Hike hiking island Living in Bougainville living in dili living in timor leste Micronesia New Zealand nz pacific papua new guinea png Pohnpei South East Asia Things to do Timor Leste Timor timor-leste Timor Leste travel travel in bougainville tropical island volunteer volunteering volunteering in bougainville walk walking Wellington