4 minute read
72 Hours in WELLINGTON
FRIDAY
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Start the day the Wellington way with a thick slab of toast from Fix and Fogg. Centrally located on Hannahs Laneway, this Wellington-born success story specialises in peanut butter which they slather and serve from a hole-in-the-wall. Once the clock hits 10am, neighbouring Wellington Chocolate Factory opens for tours. Watch the entire bean-to-bar process or sit and sip a decadent hot chocolate.
It’ll take a mere 15 minutes to walk to Clyde Quay Wharf from Hannahs Laneway, where you can rent a charming three or sixseater ‘croc-bike’ and take it for a spin along Oriental Bay; easily one of the prettiest sea-gazing esplanades in the country. Upon returning your bike, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is within eyeshot; New Zealand’s world-famous national museum has an exhibit to fascinate every visitor.
After lunch, hit the shops on Lambton Quay or take the Cable Car into the hills of Kelburn for impressive views, the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum and Space Place Observatory.
Cable Car, Wellington © Positively Wellington
Come evening, enjoy a pleasurable dawdle down Cuba Street, packed with bohemian boutiques and a wealth of dining options. For an aperitif (or night cap) try the mysterious Night Flower. Somewhat a hidden gem, peek between Cuba Street’s 1154 Pastaria and The Rogue & Vagabond to find it. The cocktails are a favourite amongst local celebs.
Cuba St Rainbow Crossing © Celeste Fontein
PSST! Nothing in this itinerary requires a car. Go and explore by the power of public transport and your mighty two feet!
SATURDAY
Wake early and catch the Kāpiti Line train from Wellington Station, arriving in Paekakariki 45 minutes later. This morning you can experience a small part of the Te Araroa walking trail, which runs the length of New Zealand, by hiking the three to four-hour Escarpment Track from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay. The path, which straddles sheer cliff side above startling Kāpiti coastline is an exhilarating mix of swingbridges and snaking staircase.
Escarpment Track, Paekākāriki © WellingtonNZ
Once in Pukerua Bay, tuck into a classic Kiwi pie from Greedy and Co, the bay’s charming café-in-acaravan, before jumping back on the train for a 15-minute scoot south from Pukerua to Porirua.
Home to New Zealand’s first McDonald’s, these days Porirua offers more than just a Big Mac. Nip into Pātaka Art + Museum for Māori artwork and then the quirkier New Zealand Police College Museum which shares a surprisingly appealing mix of cop cars and crime stories. Stick around for sunset – a highlight in these parts – and dine at one of Porirua’s many establishments before riding the rail back to Wellington.
SUNDAY
Wellington’s longest running market, the Harbourside Market pops up every Sunday between 7.30am and 2pm on the corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street, three minutes on foot from Te Papa Tongarewa. With produce straight out of Wellington soil and a myriad of global flavours, pick up a tasty breakfast and hot coffee to go.
The rest of the day should be spent at Wellington’s much lauded creative studio: Weta Workshop, famed for creating sensational costumes and props for Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9 and Mad Max. Take a tour to see various movie memorabilia or experience a hands-on afternoon of creativity with a bespoke Weta Workshop. Options include clay modelling, special effect make-up and leather work, all under the guidance of a skilled Weta technician. Many tours include return transfers from the Wellington city i-SITE.
Weta Workshop, Wellngton © Weta Workshop
Alas, it’s your last night in the capital. We know – you don’t want to leave. Appease your tantrums at Noble Rot Wine Bar. Elegant and modern, with over 500 wines on the menu, treat yourself to a five or six-course degustation menu with matching wines.
Did you know?
Wellington has replaced a handful of its traditional green men at pedestrian crossings with brilliant new figures. These include Carmen Rupe, New Zealand’s most famous drag queen, woman’s suffrage leader, Kate Sheppard, a soldier, haka performers and more.
Beervana event, Wellington © Positively Wellington
TOP 5 WELLINGTON CAFES & BARS
Shore Cabaret, Petone: Start your day on a sunny balcony with a freshly squeezed OJ. This retro café boasts one of the best views of Wellington city.
Maranui Café: Built in 1911, a 2009 fire almost destroyed the Maranui Surf Life Saving Club but it has since been restored into a beachfronting café. Enjoy far-reaching views over Lyall Bay.
Hanging Ditch: Hidden away in the corner of Hannahs Laneway. Shelves are shunned here. Instead, liquor bottles are suspended by bungees and bar staff grab them down to make cocktails.
Dirty Little Secret: A rough and ready lil' hangout with a rooftop bar that is particularly attractive in summer. Street art smears the walls from within a tangle of cool shipping containers.
Little Beer Quarter: Known as LBQ to its fans, this atmospheric beer bar is home to 14 hand-pumped tap beers and over 100 global beer variants in the fridge.
