WellingtonEat & Drink
People sitting on lawn chairs and bean bags on a grassy lawn enjoying food and drinks on a lovely summers day.

Alfresco in the city

There’s a reason why they say you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. When it’s one of those days, the capital has a great selection of outside dining options. Whether it’s day or night check out these spaces for fair weather dining and drinks.

The exterior of the bar, Rogue and Vagabond, on a sunny day with a few people seater on the bean bags on the small lawn in front.
The Arborist's rooftop terrace in the evening with people sitting, eating and drinking with string lights above and buildings in the background.
Entrance of Mr Go's restaurant with a green sign, glass doors, white walls and wooden planters leading up to the door.
Outside seating area of Ascot, with barrel tables and high bar chairs. Orange painted brick walls and rustic decorations occupy the background.
The patio at Champagneria wine bar with tables and seating and a concrete floor. Exposed wooden beams are overhead and a few people are seen sitting at a table at the far end of the space.
Two women sit on a grassy lawn, clinking glasses on a summers day with other people, trees and buildings in the background.
A waterfront terrace with black iron tables and chairs, patio string lights hanging above and a view of the bay and blue sky dotted with a few clouds.
The exterior of Dockside, floating on the water off Queens Wharf, with a boat parked up beside.
The exterior of the bar, Rogue and Vagabond, on a sunny day with a few people seater on the bean bags on the small lawn in front.

The Rogue & Vagabond

18 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Glover Park between Ghuznee and Garret Streets is a fantastic inner-city suntrap. The Rogue & Vagabond opens straight out onto the park and provides beanbags and seating for a relaxed vibe. The bar has a large selection of craft beer, and the menu offers classic burgers and pizzas. Best of all — Fridays and Saturdays have live music. The gigs generally cover jazz, funk, and a bit of rock to set the mood. Bring the pooch, lie back on the grass and enjoy the buzz.

Rogue & Vagabond
The Arborist's rooftop terrace in the evening with people sitting, eating and drinking with string lights above and buildings in the background.

The Arborist

166 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington

A rooftop bar with a roof! The Arborist is the ideal spot to kick back with a drink. This central city hotspot has shelter from the predominant winds and sports a roof to retreat under if it gets too sunny or wet. The kitchen has something for everyone, from brunch to dinner. It aims to cater for all diets with a selection of modern New Zealand share plates. Look out across the church steeples and high-rises from a peaceful spot above the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Arborist
Entrance of Mr Go's restaurant with a green sign, glass doors, white walls and wooden planters leading up to the door.

Mr Go’s

3 Eva Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Sharing the Hannahs Laneway with a clutch of excellent bars and restaurants, Mr Go’s is the place to go. The restaurant, specialising in pan-Asian cuisine, is a popular gathering point in the central city. It’s got a seating area at the front open to the air. The buzz of people can be heard from down the lane. Mr Go’s has a 50% booking / 50% walk-in policy so the chances of getting a table are good.

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Outside seating area of Ascot, with barrel tables and high bar chairs. Orange painted brick walls and rustic decorations occupy the background.

Ascot

55 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Two flights of stairs above Ghuznee Street lies a laid-back watering hole. Ascot has been providing Wellington with a chilled atmosphere for evening drinks since 2018. Open to the sky, the patio surrounds the bar. The high walls provide shelter from the wind while the sun (or moonlight) shines down from above. Organic and natural wines on tap are complimented by some hearty hot dogs. Yes, it really works.

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The patio at Champagneria wine bar with tables and seating and a concrete floor. Exposed wooden beams are overhead and a few people are seen sitting at a table at the far end of the space.

The Champagneria

8 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington

Positioned at the top of Courtenay Place, The Champagneria is a dedicated champagne and sparkling wine bar. The rooftop space has excellent views over the city below and is sure to get you fizzing. You can order by the glass and get cava from Spain, prosecco from Italy, champagnes from France, and other bubbles in between. Tapas and platters match the region of the wine you choose. Of course, there are beers and cocktails as well.

The Champagneria
Two women sit on a grassy lawn, clinking glasses on a summers day with other people, trees and buildings in the background.

St Johns

5 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Situated in the historic former Wellington Free Ambulance building, this popular waterfront bar and restaurant is the place to be on a sunny day. A sheltered grassy lawn is ideal for pulling up a bean bag and enjoying a drink and snack. Inside, the beautiful Art Deco-style building has period light fittings, plush velvet booths and potted palms. Soak up the lush atmosphere in the bar before heading next door to dine at the eatery.

St Johns Bar
A waterfront terrace with black iron tables and chairs, patio string lights hanging above and a view of the bay and blue sky dotted with a few clouds.

Foxglove

33 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central

On Wellington’s waterfront, Foxglove is a blend of 1930s vintage glamour and West Hollywood lounge. Spacious but made to feel intimate, Foxglove has sweeping harbour views, open fireplaces and one of the largest living green walls in New Zealand. With two levels of indoor and outdoor seating, there are plenty of options for groups or couples. Watch the sun go down amidst the waterfront vibe.

Foxglove Bar & Kitchen
The exterior of Dockside, floating on the water off Queens Wharf, with a boat parked up beside.

Dockside

Shed 3 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central

A maritime-themed restaurant housed in a historic waterfront shed, Dockside has one of the largest outdoor dining areas over water in the Southern Hemisphere. On a sunny day, there’s nowhere better for a meal or a drink and on cooler ones, the deck can be covered with a large retractable roof. You can get the feel of alfresco dining but with a bit of shelter from the elements. There’s a strong seafood focus to the menu which is sourced daily from local markets.

Dockside Restaurant & Bar