Puffin wine bar: Wellington's hidden gem

Puffin prides itself on an extensive list of organic, biodynamic, and minimal intervention wines. This, paired with a chic interior, makes it an ideal spot to decompress and catch up with friends. With boutique accommodation at The Intrepid Hotel above, this hidden Ghuznee Street watering hole exudes personality.

Inside Wellington’s Puffin Wine Bar. It has exposed brick walls illuminated by bright pink light, a taxidermied peacock, and round booth seating.

Four people sit at a round table in the lobby of the Intrepid Hotel on Ghuznee Street in Wellington. The room has red lighting, taxidermy birds and dry flowers as decoration and wood-paneled walls.

A person wearing a white shirt sits at a booth table drinking a glass of wine at Puffin Wine Bar in Wellington.

Inside Puffin Wine Bar in Wellington. The space has concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and low lighting. The tables and booths are filled with people enjoying a drink.

Brushed concrete floors, emerald-green velvet booths, brass fittings, and chandeliers are all part of the Puffin experience. Taxidermied animals perch on shelves around the bar — yes, one of them is a puffin. Despite the glamour, it’s a comfortable space for a casual drink, and a chance to discover new wines.

The by-the-glass wine list changes weekly. According to owner Hannah Wells, this is because of the huge array of quality wines available. “We want to bring people wines they may not have tasted before. Wines that come from thoughtful winemakers from New Zealand and the rest of the world.”

House cocktails include negroni, martini, and an amaretto sour. There’s a range of New Zealand beers, from Hastings’ Brave Brewing to Warkworth’s 8 Wired. Wellington’s Parrotdog also makes an appearance. For something a little different, there are fortified wines, including Agnese Vermouth and Niepoort Ports, from Portugal. Wash it all down with some small, salty, umami-rich snacks. Puffin provides a selection of locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and other small dishes.

Two glasses of wine and a bowl of olives are on the stainless steel bar at Puffn Wine Bar in Wellington.

Puffin’s focus on organic and biodynamic wines comes from Hannah’s experience working at another Wellington bar. She cut her teeth curating short lists of interesting wines. Visits to wine bars and festivals overseas also inspired her. “At the time, these bars had lists that focused on smaller producers, organic and biodynamic practices, and small plates of food that went with the wine.” The bars were filled with an energy that was all about sharing the love of wine and food with people. Hannah wanted to build a space that supported and celebrated that ethos.

This principle extends to the Puffin Wine Shop at the entrance of the building. It focuses heavily on New Zealand producers with a nod to some quality international makers as well. Just like the bar, there are some classics interlaced with exciting discoveries. If you can’t stop in at the bar, grab a bottle from the shop to take up to your hotel room or home.

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A moody and dark hotel room inside The Intrepid Hotel on Ghuznee Street. A beige brick wall is surrounded by rustic accents and a double bed.

Have a laidback, luxurious stay

Treat yourself to a hotel stay in Wellington that’s equal parts beautiful, relaxed, and special by finding accommodation that is distinctly Wellington.

A bartender at Ascot pours a sangio. Large mirrors on the wall behind them reflect outside, and the sign hangs above their head.

Hidden bars of Wellington (and how to find them)

Up a flight of winding stairs, down a laneway, or tucked into the back of a hotel, here’s how to find Wellington’s hidden bars.

Graze Wine Bar

Cosy and quaint, Graze is a village wine bar nestled in the hills of Kelburn, a suburb of Wellington. It focuses on sustainability and meat-free small plates.

Two people at Rosella eating food. A rack of wine bottles is above them.

Rosella Wine Bar

Rosella Wine Bar’s share-style menu has big bold fresh flavours, using the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa as inspiration.

Waiter holding a tray with five colourful cocktails on it.

Mix it up at Wellington’s cocktail bars

Shaken or stirred, Wellington’s bartenders know how to make a mean cocktail. These cocktail bars have a tipple or two to tempt your tastebuds.

Havana Bar

Wellington's Havana Bar & Restaurant is iconic. Hidden in two historic cottages, it serves Latin American cuisine, seasonal, tropical cocktails, and live music.

Lulu

Lulu is a vibrant bar and restaurant inspired by the South Pacific with bold cocktails and live music. Visit Lulu for a welcoming space to share plates and unwind.

Chow

Chow is a large, Asian-fusion restaurant on Tory Street. The many spaces makes it great for intimate meals and big celebrations — it's a Wellington favourite.

An open doorway connects a garden courtyard to a busy tavern.

Cuba Street Tavern

In the heart of Wellington, Cuba Street Tavern is a lively bar and eatery with a secret garden, craft beers, cocktails, and locally inspired cuisine.

Luna Estate

Sip local wines and enjoy modern Asian dining at Luna Estate in Martinborough. The beautiful gardens are a serene spot for a relaxing long lunch or wine tasting.

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