Wellington

What's On

The Best New Year’s Eve Parties In New Zealand To See Out 2024

2024 is almost done and dusted. Only one question remains—where will you be when the new year dawns?

Things To Do

The Best Markets 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.

Things To Do

The Best Walks And Hikes In Wellington

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

Food & Drink

29 Of The Best Cafes In Wellington For Coffee That Slaps

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

Local Escapes

12 Of The Best Hotels In Wellington To Book In 2024

Our fine capital is home to some fantastic hotels for all kinds of visitors looking for all kinds of getaways. Whether you’re looking for a staycation in your own city or need to find a place for a cheeky trip away, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington has somewhere for everyone.

What's On

The Best Music Festivals In NZ You Need To Experience In 2024 And 2025

Get amped up for the most wonderful time of the year. We’re talkin’ New Zealand’s festival season. Across the country, lads and lasses will be locking in tickets to some of the best festivals our country has to offer, all promising an epic mash-up of beats, vibes and all round good times.

What's On

20 Ways To Show Your Support For Breast Cancer Awareness This October

It’s not too late to rally the troops, or just yourself, to raise a bit of cashola for this totally worthy and far-too-close-to-home cause.

Things To Do

10 Ways To Celebrate Māori Language Week 2024

Māori Language Week is just around the corner (14-21 Mahuru/September to be exact) and here are 10 ways to celebrate. 

Things To Do With Pets

10 Of The Best Dog-Friendly Walks In New Zealand

Taking your pup for a walk is all very well until you realise you’re in a park that’s a no-go for pooches. Talk about barking up the wrong tree. Luckily, there’s a whole lot of dog-friendly walks you can waltz along to your heart’s content, your fur baby by your side.

Food & Drink

Get Out Of Auckland, 8 Restaurants Across Aotearoa Worth Travelling For In 2024

There’s certainly no shortage of mouth-watering restaurants outside of Auckland, and this poses a delicious problem: where do you eat when you’re surrounded by choices?

Pets

6 Purrfect Cat Cafes Around New Zealand To Get Your Feline Fix

If you’re looking to squash that nervous energy this year we’ve compiled five cat cafes around New Zealand so you can catch up on some much needed cuddles.

Local Escapes

Epic North Island Experiences You Need To Tick Off

With summer on the horizon, there's never been a better time for us to explore our beautiful country. We've put together a list of well-known (and a few more secret) spots around the North Island you need to check out to make the most of the season.

Pets

9 Of The Most Dog-Friendly Beaches Across Aotearoa

Picture the perfect day with your pup and we bet it includes a trip to the beach. 

Things To Do

6 Fun Ways To Embrace Rugby World Cup When You’re Not A Fanatic

So if you don’t know your drop kick from your dropout, don’t worry, you can still get some skin in the game.

Local Escapes

14 Of The Best Luxury Hotels In New Zealand

We’ve got the buzz on the best luxury hotels around the country, so you can be drinking champagne in a spa pool as soon as physically possible. Start packing those bags.

Things To Do

8 Epic Ways To Embrace The FIFA Women’s World Cup

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has kicked off in New Zealand. Held every four years, the event showcases talent from 32 countries—making it the largest women’s sporting event in the world. 

Food & Drink

20 Māori Businesses To Help You Celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Tāmaki Makaurau

Dine and drink like a local, from bistros and cafes to takeaways and food trucks, tipples enjoyed at home to beverages on tap.

Things To Do

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq And Holey Moley Is Opening In Wellington Next Month

After taking Auckland and then Christchurch by storm, entertainment masters Funlab has announced that its biggest (and best) Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq AND Holey Moley will be opening right in the heart of Wellington.

Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs In Wellington For An Unforgettable Capital Vacay In 2023

Brimming with vibrance, creativity, and some of the best coffee you'll find in the country, you'll never have a dull moment when visiting our nation's capital. Whether your ideal holiday abode is seaside or central, Wellington boasts a scenic selection of Airbnb stays that'll take your visit (and your Instagram) to the next level.

Markets & Food Events

Sweet Outdoor Events Because Summer’s Far From Over

Together with Lipton Ice Tea, we're serving up seven of the best outdoor events, festivals and things to do in New Zealand over March and April. 

Things To Do

Level Up Your Next NZ Escape With These Stunning Hotel Deals

If you’re longing for a summer break but are short on time and funds, why not check out some gems on our very own doorstep? A summer on the Land of the Long White Cloud has so much to offer—even in terms of bargain hotel deals.

Entertainment

Bless Your Ears With This Kiwi Music Playlist, As Nominated By You

We might be biased, but one thing is for sure; Aotearoa punches above its weight with our homegrown music talent. 

What's On

Pickle Week Is Back For 2022 And This Year There’s Even A Pickle Festival

Whether you’re a die-hard pickle fan, on the fence or just pickle-curious this week will hit in all the right places.

Things To Do

The Best Halloween Costume Ideas For 2022 That Are Actually Good

Double double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble. The most frightful night of the year approaches—it’s time to get spooky with these actually good Halloween costume ideas. 

Features

Find Out The Latest News On The COVID Traffic Light System In NZ

Stay up to date with our live list of the latest updates of restrictions around Auckland and New Zealand.

Things To Do

The Best Bowling Alleys In Wellington For A Next-Level Night Out

Whether you’re planning the ultimate staff do, a creative girls' night out, or your little one’s birthday bash, bowling is a time-tested way to get a party started.

U:L Recommends

6 Of The Best Florists In Wellington For Finding The Perfect Bouquet

Whether you’re saying congratulations, happy birthday, or just a simple I love you, a beautiful bouquet is always a good idea.

Food & Drink

Visa Wellington On A Plate | 6 Spectacular WOAP Events You Just Can’t Miss In 2022

In the time of Visa Wellington On a Plate, nothing is too outlandish. From immersive themed dinners to sensory experiments to adults-only menus, there are heaps of options out there that'll have your mind blown and your tastebuds cheering. We've got the scoop on the hottest events coming up this year and if our intel is anything to go by, you'll want to get in quick.

What's On

Doc Edge | 8 Of The Best Documentaries You Need To Watch At The 2022 Festival

If you’re looking for something to watch as it gets colder to cosy up in a cinema or at home, the full Doc Edge Festival programme is now live with over 100 feature length and short films to sink your teeth into.

Things To Do

Scope Out These Neon Art Installations Popping Up Around The Country And Win

There's nothing we love more than scoping out the latest creative displays. Plus, when it's paired with the chance to pick up epic prizes, you can count us in. 

Things To Do

50 Epic Free Things To Do In Wellington That Won’t Cost You A Cent In 2022

Whether you’re feeling a bit cash-strapped in the lead up to payday or just love a freebie, Wellington has oodles of fun-tastic things to do that are absolutely, positively free.

Things To Do

The Best Things To Do In New Zealand This December

We're counting down the days till when can get out and make the most of summer. Because after the year that was, we’re so ready for a break from the daily desk, coffee, walk, repeat routine.

Food & Drink

Wellington’s 7 Best Ice Cream And Gelato Stores You Need To Treat Yourself To

Summer is here which means one thing…ice cream, and lots of it. While plenty of the sweet stuff can be found in the Capital’s concrete jungle—we’ve done the hard yards and nailed down a list of the very best. And we take our job very seriously indeed. Here are the best ice cream stores to be found in the windy city.

Local Escapes

7 Of The Most Stunning Scenic Drives Around Wellington

Jumping in your car, blasting the tunes and taking in some epic scenery can be soothing for the soul. From craggy coastlines to lush forests and bush, our capital city has a number of drives to hit the road for. 

Fitness

11 At Home Workouts From Top Local Personal Trainers To Try This Lockdown

From live yoga and pilates-inspired workouts, to world-renowned Les Mills classes, getting fit at home has never been easier (or more accessible). So chuck on your trainers, clear a space in your living room or head to the driveway, and get moving. 

Bakeries & Delis

9 Of The Best Bakeries In Wellington That Will Deliver Baked Goods To Your Door

With the city’s most beloved bakers now offering contactless delivery, you can keep supporting local from the comfort of your own home and stock your kitchen with boxes of doughnuts. Here’s the list of those making level 3 a little sweeter.

Fitness

12 of The Best Running Tracks In Wellington

With no shortage of sensational routes, lace up your running shoes and enjoy our picks for the12 best running tracks in Wellington.

Things To Do

Max Out The Chilly Season With 8 Unmissable Winter Events

Throw on your puffer jacket and lace up those boots—winter is well and truly here and we’re ready to make it the best one yet. Lucky for us, it’s not hard with a slew of unmissable events going down across the country this chilly season. 

Everybody Eats Founder Nick Loosley On His Mission To End Food Poverty In NZ

Realising this gap between food waste and food insecurity, Nick Loosley founded Everybody Eats - a locally-based, not-for-profit with a mission to reduce food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand. With Everybody Eats scaling across NZ, we caught up with Nick to find out more about their origins, their mission, and hear about their new Goodie Box initiative. 

What's On

Dine Under The Stars In These Epic Igloos That Have Just Popped Up In Central Wellington

Ah, winter. That delightful season when jammies and slippers become a fashion statement, social outings become rarer than a blood supermoon, and Netflix and chill takes on a whole new meaning. To help combat the winter blues and lure you out of hibernation, St John’s Bar and Restaurant are bringing back their ultra 'Gram-worthy pop-up igloos for a limited time.

What's On

Get Your Heart Pumping At This Epic Free Speaker Series Hitting New Zealand

What if we told you that you had a billion dollars to spend? Well, it’s your lucky day, because you already are a billionaire; of heartbeats, at least. We’re all born with about 2.5 BILLION heartbeats to spend over our lifetime. Surely, we’ve got to invest these heartbeats into something meaningful.

What's On

RuPaul’s Drag Race Is Coming To New Zealand For A Fabulous Live Tour

Not since Priscilla has New Zealand and Australia seen something as bloody fabulous as RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. Coming this September the absolute dazzling line-up will descend upon Australia for a spanking live tour featuring all ten of the Queens from season one of the show.

Local Escapes

9 Of The Best Hotels In Wellington

Whether it’s the location, the ambience, the comfort of the bed, the 5-star rating or the cleanliness that attracts you to a hotel, we’re here to spoil you for choice and highlight some of Wellington’s top hotels. 

What's On

Eat, Drink, Play Is The Brand New Festival Coming To Wellington This May

Eat, Drink, Play will be dishing up more than 100 delectable events and there’s something for everyone on the menu. Solve a murder mystery during dinner, play bingo with a drag queen, fire up your tastebuds with a hot wings challenge, or learn to mix cocktails like a pro. Special hotel packages are also up for grabs, so you can stay right amongst the action. 

What's On

This Boujee Wellington Restaurant Has Just Reopened With An Epic Line Up Of High Teas

After taking some time out in 2020, the luxurious, two-hatted Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is back in full swing and ready to treat you to a fabulously chic culinary experience.

What's On

Banff Mountain Film Festival Is Coming To A Screen Near You So Get Ready For The Adrenalin Rush

Adventure enthusiasts, unite! Banff Mountain Film Festival is just around the corner and it’s packed with enough jaw-dropping moments to set even the most adrenaline junkie of hearts a flutter. 

What's On

Van Gogh Alive Is Packing Up This Sunday 23 May

Now you'll be able to have your own Emily In Paris moment as the full-scale, indoor exhibition will be touring stadium-sized venues in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland next year. Yep, get ready to snap up those tickets.

Features

Calling All Budding Entrepreneurs, Fix & Fogg Are Dishing Their Secrets For Free

They’re offering free behind-the-scenes talks in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Invercargill to share the laughs, mess ups and learnings that got Fix & Fogg to where it is today, with drinks, nibbles, nut butter and a Q&A with Roman, CEO and Founder, to round up the evening. 

Features

Recycle Boutique Has Gone Online So You Can Now Scout That Coveted Piece From Home

Time to let op-shop fever set in. Whether you could easily lose a day browsing pre-loved goodies, or you’ve come across some of the harrowing stats about the clothing industry, there’s no denying the demand for second-hand clothes is growing.

Features

Scoop Up Large On Ben And Jerry’s Pokemon Go-Like Virtual Easter Egg Hunt

Ben & Jerry's have launched what's potentially the world's largest-ever Easter egg hunt—with 10,000 scoops of free ice cream thrown into the mix, no less—and you're invited. Now if you're wondering what the heck a virtual Easter egg hunt is or more importantly, how you can get involved—here's the scoop.

Things To Do

Get Nostalgic, An Adults-Only Ice Cream Truck Is Making The Rounds After Dark

Ready your spoons and don your stretchy pants because an adults-only ice cream truck is going on tour—and it could be stopping at your doorstep. 

What's On

5 Epic Acts You Need To See At Wellington’s Hottest New Arts Festival

From 5 February to 28 March, Wellington’s streets will become centre stage for a free, city-wide programme of music, art, dance and theatre as part of the newly launched festival, What If The City Was A Theatre? 

New Zealand

8 Stunning New Zealand Lakes You Need To Visit At Least Once

Whether it’s the reflection lakes of Wanaka or the emerald green waters that crater the Tongariro Crossing, Aotearoa is home to some amazing bodies of water. 

Features

Forget The Fancy Dinner And Paint Your Mate This Valentine’s Day

Paint your mate to resemble a resident of Pandora at Paintvine’s awesome new painting experience. Held this February 14 at Auckland’s Platform 8, why not skip the fancy dinner and get up close and personal with your partner to spice up your Valentine’s day.

Features

Calling All Dr. Martens Fans, The Iconic Shoe Brand Opens Its First Store In Wellington Tomorrow

From 10am on Saturday 19 December, Wellingtonians will be able to get their hands on the famous yellow-stitched boots at the brand new Dr Martens flagship store on Cuba Street.

Wellington

8 Best Camp Sites Around Wellington For You To Connect With Nature

In the pursuit of serenity, we’ve found some of the best camping spots in and around Wellington. Whether you’re a tent-pitcher or glamping only type, there’s something for you, check out these epic camping spots.

What's On

Sip Your Way Around Wellington, An Epic Wine Crawl Is Hitting The Capital Next Weekend

The Urban Wine Walk is going down in Wellington on Saturday 28 November and will see the capital's best bars and restaurants turn into urban cellar doors for your self-guided walking tour.

Wellington

Snap Up Super Limited Tickets For This Epic Food And Wine Weekend In Wellington

Our windy capital makes for the perfect weekend getaway. Wellington is rich with interesting sights, delicious food and coffee strong enough to make any caffeine junky weep. So, why not get blown away this weekend with what our capital has to offer. 

Wellington

Calling All Ice Cream Fans, Here’s The Scoop On Wellington’s Brand New Duck Island Store

It’s not often that Wellingtonians go crazy over something out of Hamilton, but when it comes to Duck Island, locals are screaming for it. 

Features

Dig Out That Gym Gear And Train For Free All This Week Across NZ

Round up your exercise crew because our friends over at Snap fitness are throwing open their doors this week to let you work up a sweat for free.

Wellington

Get Ready Welly, Your Days Of Burger Binging Are About To Begin

While the first two weeks have been all about incredible culinary experiences, what we’re really here for are the final two weeks.

Features

Find Out The Latest News On COVID Restrictions In Auckland And The Rest Of NZ

After 102 days clear of community transmission and a sudden lockdown, it's been announced that Auckland will join the rest of New Zealand at Alert Level 1 from midnight on Wednesday October 7.  We've rounded up the info on everything you can and can't do at this alert level so bone up, and proceed with caution.

Wellington

Hit The Road With These 5 Experiences For A Truly Sustainable Day Out In Wellington

We’ve put together a great tour of the best sustainable spots Welly has to offer and even better, we’ve got the perfect mode of transport to do so. Mevo is a Wellington-based car-share company that lets you rent luxurious Audi A-3s and Volkswagen Polos (#cargoals) for as long as you may need them through their app, similar to Lime.

Things To Do

Take A Seat, This Mind-Bending Audio Experience Will Make You Question Reality

Darkfield, famous for their FLIGHT multi-sensory shipping container experience, have crafted a new experience specifically tailored to the socially distanced era.

Wellington

Book Your Tickets, This Multi-Sensory Van Gogh Exhibition On In Wellington

Wellington is the first city in the world to host the sell-out exhibition in the great outdoors.

Wellington

The Best Escape Rooms In Wellington For You To Freak Out At

Move over monopoly, escape rooms are our new favourite way to get competitive and tackle some good old fashioned problem solving with our friends. Here are the best escape rooms in Wellington. 

Wellington

Look Up At The 8 Best Places To Stargaze In Wellington

We headed out around Wellington to document some of our favourite stargazing places, capturing the beauty of the cosmos as gorgeously documented in these stunning photos.

Features

Get Booking, NZ’s First Post-Lockdown Winter Festival Is Just Around The Corner

If you’ve spent lockdown mourning the loss of live music and having a damn good boogie fear not. The Good Vibes winter tour is locked and loaded and will be hitting major cities around New Zealand from July until August.

Features

Get In Quick, There Are Still Flights Available Around NZ for Just $21

Check out of work and on to the next available flight with Jetstar’s epic Hello NZ sale. 

Local Escapes

Buckle Up For Level Two With This Super Cute Wellington Road Trip

We’ve come up with the ultimate weekend mini-escape to little old’ Levin and back, which is jam-packed with activities to tackle over two days. Call your favourite road trip companion, pack your bags and let’s get exploring.

Food & Drink

Forget The Queues, These Wellington Businesses Will Deliver Fresh Groceries To Your Door

We are currently in Level 4 lockdown in New Zealand and that means, no restaurants, no going out for coffee and no takeaways. But this doesn't mean an end to healthy hearty food and now is the perfect time to learn to cook great food with local ingredients. 

Features

Learn What The New Alert Levels Mean For New Zealand This Week

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that the country is being moved up to alert level 4 as of midnight on the 25 March 2020 as we battle to contain the virus that has swept over the globe.

Wellington

The 8 Best Eateries In Press Hall Wellington That You’ll Need To Loosen Your Belt For

Gone are the days of shopping mall food courts that have the acoustics of an indoor swimming pool. We’re into the era of stylish eating and Wellington is home to one of the nicest food halls around. Press Hall on Willis Street is a food court setting you’ll actually want to spend your lunch break in.

Features

Get Excited Wellington, GoodFor Is Finally Coming To The Capital

GoodFor has finally opened a store in the capital and we couldn’t be more excited.

Wellington

8 Epic Things To Do In Wellington This Christmastime

It's all getting very festive in Wellington. There are so many wonderfully celebratory events happening in the run up to Christmas, you won’t want to miss out. Eat your weight in festive treats, have a laugh at a panto or maybe treat yourself to a festive Christmas Drag show! It won’t be hard to have a very merry Christmas in the capital so here are our top picks for Christmassy things to see and do in Wellington this December.

Features

Get Sipping, Edible Coffee Cups Are Set To Become Your New Obsession

Forget your keep cup (yes, trust us), cause there’s a new sustainable cup in town, and it’s ridiculously delicious.  

Features

Get Ready To Stuff Yourself Silly, A Deliciously Festive High Tea Is Coming To Wellington

Get those sleighbells ringing, a festive high tea is coming to Wellington.

Wellington

Start Drooling, A New Hole In The Wall Waffle Spot La Belle Waffle Has Just Opened In Wellington

La Belle Waffle is the new kid on the block, a bright yellow hole in the wall and a little ray of sunshine in the middle of the city. You’ll find the Belgian style waffles being served up in Dukes Arcade by owner Nicholas, who is Belgian himself so he knows the real deal. Take the fact that they have sold out several times since opening as positive proof of his waff skills.

Things To Do

A High Cheese Tea Is Coming To Wellington And This Is Where You Can Smash It

Cheese High Tea. High Cheeses. Whatever you want to call them—dedicated cheese-themed afternoon teas are a thing, and they’re swapping out the traditional scones, jam and cream for, well, all things cheese. And we’re digging them!

Features

Freak Out, A Massive Day Of The Dead Street Party Is Hitting Wellington

Round up the crew to celebrate life and loved ones at this year’s annual Day of the Dead Street Fiesta.

Fitness

Smash Your Fitness Goals With The 11 Best Workouts in Wellington

Whether you are looking for some pals to go running with, a sweat inducing HIIT workout or a good regular yoga practise, New Zealand's ‘coolest little capital’ has you covered.

Wellington

Be Blown Away By 9 Of The Best Things To Do In Wellington This September

Here are our top picks for the best things to see and do in our fine capital during September.

Food & Drink

Bite Club | Foodie News You Need To Know

Alright food lovers, it is that time of the week again where we bring you everything you need to know about the latest foodie products, openings and menus hitting the Kiwi scene.

Fashion

Empty Your Wallet At 6 Of Wellington’s Best Vintage Stores

Get ready to pop some tags and swipe that credit card, here are the best vintage stores in Wellington for all your thrifting needs and desires. 

Beauty

Get On Board—Sephora’s Beauty Bus Tour Has Just Been Announced

The bus will be a truly interactive experience that showcases an exclusive selection of products that will be available to swatch, try and play at the custom-built makeups stations.

Wellington

14 Of The Best Free Things To Do In Wellington

Wellington, we love you, but let’s face it – you’re not exactly cheap. Don’t get us wrong, we love splashing out on a side of halloumi with our brunch, or a $12 tub of boutiquey ice cream from Moore Wilsons, but sometimes you’ve really gotta rein in that spending.

What's On

45 Things That Are So Wellington It Hurts

For a good coffee, an abundance of hipsters, and wind that can sometimes literally blow you off your feet, Wellington is the place to be.

What's On

Here’s Where To Find The Best Markets In Wellington

We love a market, and lucky for us, Wellington is pretty damn good at them. From street food, to produce, to handmade goods, we’re spoilt for choice.

What's On

Clear Your Calendars, Here’s Your Guide To NZ’s Most Epic Summer Festivals

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we’re starting the get amped up for the most wonderful time of the year. We’re talkin’ New Zealand’s summer festival season. Across the country, lads and lasses will be locking in tickets to some of the best summer festivals our country has to offer, all promising an epic mash-up of beats, vibes and all round good times in the sunshine. 

New Zealand

The Best 15 Things To Do Wellington

Home to the Beehive, Peter Jackson, and a fountain made of buckets, Wellington is the perfect mix of modern innovation and eclectic spaces, places, and people.