KNOW what to do on a winter’s day
There are plenty of fun things to do in Wellington this winter. Here are some of our winter warming ideas...
- Get the girls together and enjoy an afternoon of sweet treats and fine tea at one the many fancy High Teas on offer. Our favourites are Martha's Pantry, Finc, Hippopotamus at the Museum Hotel and Mojo Kumutoto.
- Indulge in rich cheese and dessert fondues at Beach Babylon - the butterscotch with chocolate brownie is our pick.
- Get a taste of some of our hidden cocktail bars off Tory Street - Motel, Hawthorn Lounge (you can even roast marshmallows by the fireplace!), The Library (they've got delicious desserts too) and Alice (delicious teapot cocktails). Since it's winter make sure to try a Hot Toddy (warm cocktail) to warm yourself up too.
- Head to the beautiful Embassy Theatre in the city or to The Roxy Cinema in Miramar and enjoy a movie in the warm comfy surroundings while sipping on a nice glass of red.
- Check out all the speciality beer bars around town including The Bruhaus, Malthouse, Hashigo Zake and The Hop Garden - all of them have a huge range of craft beers on tap or by the bottle.
- If you're after fresh Wellington produce or some great Wellington crafts head to the wide variety of markets on offer each weekend - Frank Kitts Arts market is on Saturday and Harbourside and City Market on Sunday.
- Wrap up warm and shop at sound of our favourite boutiques in the Old Bank Arcade, Victoria Street (Swonderful, Good as Gold, Superette, The Service Depot and Vessel); Cuba Street (Madame Fancy Pants, Mandatory and Ziggurat) and College Street (Miss Wong, Goodness and Madder and Rouge). Afterwards grab some coffee and cake at Floriditas on Cuba Street.
- Explore the amazing range of exhibitions at the City Gallery (afterwards head to Nikau cafe next door for their legendary kedgeree), Te Papa or exhibitions about the sea and land at the Museum of City and Sea.
- Feast on spicy, comforting Mexican food with classic margaritas at Sweet Mother’s Kitchen - their curly fries and gumbo are both amazing and just the thing for a cold winter’s night.
- Take a virtual journey through space in Carter Observatory's new planetarium - a state-of-the-art full-dome digital theatre and interactive multimedia space. The kids will love it.
- Or if you're into The Lord of the Rings or movies by Peter Jackson then you'll love a visit to The Weta Cave. It's a mini museum with behind-the-scenes look at Weta, movie memorabilia and more.
- Get your friends together and go bowling! The Lanes on Wakefield Street has a great atmosphere, pool tables, music, a restaurant and bar - tons of entertainment to keep you busy throughout the day.
- Spend the day pampering yourself - get a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure - the works! Try Is-Bliss Salon-Spa on Taranki Street, East Day Spa or Urban Sanctuary on Plimmer Steps.
- Indulge in a warm creamy hot chocolates from Ciocco on Tory Street or Willis Street (try the chilli hot chocolate for something different) or Scopa on Cuba Street with their traditonal Italian ones.
- Head to one of the many Wellington Cafes with a bunch of friends for brunch or lunch or even just with a good book. Our best picks are Floridita’s, Olive or Ernesto all on Cuba Street; Capitol on Courtenay Place; Beach Babylon by Oriental Bay Beach or Maranui Cafe on Lyall Bay.
- Spend an evening at Duke Carvells Swan Lane Emporium - the atmosphere is romantic so get a nice bottle of Italian red and graze on delicious Mediterranean tapas – the pan fried Greek cheese is divine!
- There are plenty of free things to do in the city too - check out our KNOW what to do for free guide.
Go on, join us
