Wellington is the Capital City of New Zealand. It is famous for it’s wind, and for being the home of Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of The Rings film trilogy. Some days home is where I want to be, others I’d prefer to be anywhere else.
But it is my favourite city in the world. I love it because it is home and to me Wellington means great coffee, life-long friends and family.
Surprising things about Wellington
Believe it or not Wellington has more restaurants, bars and cafes per capita than New York. I wrote about some of my favourite restaurants in this Food Porn post.
There are also unexpected features like Old Bank Arcade , a historic building on Lambton Quay which is now a shopping centre. It was built by the Bank of New Zealand as their head office on top of the remains of Plimmers Ark (left above water when the land was pushed up by a massive earthquake).
Whenever I’ve visited the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney it’s reminded me of the Old Bank Arcade and it makes sense now I know it was restored by the same people.
So what would things would I recommend for anyone visiting Wellington to do?
Take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car.
The Wellington Cable Car runs every 10 minutes between Lambton Quay – the major shopping street in the CBD, up the hill past Victoria University to the highest point in the Botanic Gardens in Thorndon. The views of the city and harbour are fantastic, it’s much easier than walking, and you feel like you’re taking a step back in history.
There is also a Cable Car museum at the top of the hill in Kelburn where you can see Cable Cars of the past and learn about the history of this transport icon, as well as a lookout for taking photos.
Explore the laneways
Hannah’s Laneway is a funky area encompassing Leeds Street and Eva Streets. What was not so long ago a couple of best avoided, dodgy alleyways is now a hive of boutique Wellington bars, eateries and factories.
There’s a Soda company, great pizza, a bar with bottles of spirits hanging from the ceiling, peanut butter sold from a window and the great craft beers and coffee Wellington is known for.
Visit Miramar
Miramar in Wellington gained status as a trendy, foodie part of Wellington largely thanks to Peter Jackson’s studios being located there and the commencement of filming for The Hobbit.
I’ve seen many a movie at the Roxy Cinema. Check out the weta workshop touches like the statue of gollum and the fish door handles on the front entrance. The beautiful painted ceiling, art deco lights, and era carpet and wallpaper make you feel as though you have gone back in time as the theatre is so beautifully restored.
Cafe Polo or The Ladar are good for coffee but both can get insanely busy. I’ve heard good things about Cafe Polo’s rice salad, while The Lader offer a comprehensive brunch menu, good coffee, a hot fire, enough papers to go around and I love that they have pictures of their suppliers on the walls.
La Boca Loca has quickly become my favourite Mexican spot in Wellington due to their extensive range of margarita’s, cocktails and tequila as well as their menu. My dish of choice thus far is the Tostada de Haloumi y Verduras but I intend to work my way through the sides.
Take a prolonged stroll around Oriental Bay
Order a Flat White coffee at the cafe on the tugboat in the bay and watch the ferries pass by, perhaps visit an Open Home somewhere on the hill and admire the view pretending you can afford the price tag. Take a detour up Mount Victoria for amazing views of the city, and purchase an ice cream from Kaffee Eis for the walk (with the assistance of the Southerly Wind) back into the city.
Attend a rugby game at Westpac Stadium
New Zealand is rugby mad. Wellington is home to the Wellington Hurricanes and The Wellington Lions, and also hosts The All Blacks, New Zealand’s international rugby side at least once each season.
Westpac Stadium. (Image Source Science Learning)
You might not understand the game but you won’t be able to resist the enthusiasm of the local crowd, and the seats in the stadium are yellow – the home side’s colour, so there is no excuse for not being sure which team you are supposed to be supporting!
Who should visit Wellington?
I would recommend Wellington to anyone (especially in Spring). There are plenty of things to do in Wellington whether you are sports mad, a fan of Peter Jackson’s movies, a foodie or any other form of enthusiastic tourist you will love Wellington, it truly is the best little city in the world.
