Vicki Young

The Urban List guide to the absolute best things to do in Wellington. 

We sent writer Vicki Young to check out The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. 

We sent writer Vicki Young to check out Blue Duck Station. 

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

While Ruapehu is known as the go-to destination during winter months for keen skiers and snowboarders, the autumn months are just as good. 

We love satisfying our food cravings and nabbing a bangin’ food deal at the same time—and what better way than getting a chicken wing fix while also getting more bang for your buck (yes to making savings for the next meal).

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too (we're looking at you Auckland Night Markets). Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

From a kaimoana-filled cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds (complete with BBQ boat-side), to trekking through the famous Queen Charlotte Track—Marlborough is just a short flight from Tāmaki Makaurau and makes for one helluva way to escape the daily grind. 

Wellington’s breakfast game is strong, just like their coffee.

It's no secret we love a new opening and if you're reading this, chances are you do, too. As luck would have it, Wellington is packed with tantalizing eats with new eateries. 

There’s a reason why Wellington is Aotearoa’s coolest capital. Among the most (and best) flat whites per corner, beach-side brunch spots and breathtaking walks along the windy hills, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara truly has some of the best restaurants in Aotearoa.

We’ve rounded up our go-to picks for that bakery run—whether you’re a sucker for a kiwi classic, a modern Asian sweet, gluten-free sausage roll or a vegan croissant—we’ve got you.

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

Piping hot and packed full of flavour, ramen is as good for the soul as it is for the stomach. It's no wonder this drool-worthy dish, which features noodles swimming in a lush savoury broth, topped with goodies like braised or barbecued pork and soft-boiled eggs—is one of Japan's most popular dishes and an absolute fan favourite here in New Zealand.

We’ve rounded up our top picks of Māori-owned kai pakihi (food businesses) across the motu where you can show your support.

If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond). 

Whatever your tipple of choice—we’ve got you. Here are the best bars in Wellington.

Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you.

As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.

Wellington prides itself on its cafe culture and we’ll be the first to say it’s justified.

From authentic experiences to Japanese patisserie, we’ve scoped out the very best Japanese restaurants in Wellington, so in no particular order, here are the best Japanese joints in town.

If there’s something New Zealanders know how to appreciate, it’s a well-cooked, tender steak. Coupled with roasted vegetables and a cheeky glass of fine red wine, you can’t go wrong with a simple steak dish.

We’ve tracked down the best all-you-can-eat restaurants for when à la carte just doesn’t cut it. Stretchy pants advised.

Some Kiwis do their initiation into adulthood and go on a “gap year,” aka the big OE. For me, I didn’t exactly get that chance. Instead, I dived headfirst into a career shift in my mid-twenties.