A weekend visit to Wellington should be on the itinerary for any New Zealand trip. The city’s compact, walkable size, delicious food and drink, and thriving arts and culture scene make for the ideal playground for a two-day jaunt. Whether you’re planning a short escape from Australia or travelling New Zealand more extensively, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your stay.
Stay at Ohtel Wellington
Ohtel Wellington blends iconic style with an unbeatable location. The boutique hotel’s rooms are individually furnished with mid-century furniture and touches of Kiwiana (collectable New Zealand pop cultural objects from the 1950s and 60s), but busy travellers will be most keen on its harbourside location. Located just a short stroll from the theatres, restaurants and bars of Wellington’s entertainment precinct as well as Oriental Bay’s beach and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, you’ll never be far from the action. If you do fancy staying in though, in-house eatery Ohtel Pantry serves breakfast, brunch and small bites for most of the day, weaving in mid-century influences with plenty of local produce.
Breakfast at Loretta
A Cuba Street institution, Loretta is a bright and airy all-day eatery that should be your first stop on a busy Wellington adventure. Decked out in native timbers and minimalist decor, the cafe’s weekend brunch menu features staples such as whipped avo and smoked tofu on sourdough, and seasonal dishes like woodfired local asparagus with lemon ricotta and rocket pesto. Also, on weekends from 11am you’ll find a range of pizzas, including a hangover-curing brunch version topped with ham, caramelised onion, gruyere and fried eggs, as well as a selection of substantial salads. If you’re popping in later in the day, Loretta runs a dinner menu each night from 5pm.
Coffee at Lunch Money
The Cuba Street area is the place to go for vintage fashion in Wellington. While browsing for pre-loved items, stop by Lunch Money to re-caffeinate with its smooth house blend made from a combination of Colombian and Mexican beans. You’ll also find fresh sandwiches, pasta salads and a huge range of sweet treats to keep you going. Lunch Money shares its space with Recycle Boutique, an elevated second-hand store that features 3D-printed changing rooms and yellow-tinted windows, so hang around for a spot of shopping once you’re suitably full.
Dinner at Damascus
Syrian restaurant Damascus has finally found a permanent home, having existed in several smaller versions around Wellington since 2017. The restaurant, run by Syrian-born chef Hasan Alwarhani and partner Flora Quintana, serves a combination of punchy spices and light and fresh ingredients. Opt for dishes such as the grilled chicken shish tawook with its vibrant Damascus spices, hot and cold meze (the hummus topped with turnip pickles and Aleppo peppers is a favourite), and salads such as fattouche and shamander with green peas, tahini, onion, lemon juice and coriander.
Drinks at Humdinger
Forget understated cocktail bars – newcomer Humdinger is a heavy-metal dive bar that’s proudly over the top. The space is lit red and filled with the racket of hard rock tunes, while walls and tables are plastered with lightning bolts, skulls and other signifiers of classic mischief. The cocktail list takes things a little more metal, with the bright blue Margarita Thatcher and rum-and-pineapple combo Rob Zombie, as well as plenty of faithful classics. The space is shared with restaurant Turnspit, with lamb, chicken or falafel kebabs ready and waiting to be devoured.
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