Abbie Wood: a local guide to student life

Bachelor of Design Innovation student Abbie Wood always wanted to study something creative. She knew Wellington was where it would be. “I used to come to the city as a child to visit family friends. The city’s vibe suited me immediately”. Coming from New Plymouth, she was used to the presence of Mount Taranaki and the ocean, so Wellington’s hills and harbour were a worthy substitute. Even so, it took her a while to venture out onto Wellington’s trails. “I recently discovered the Waimapihi Reserve in Aro Valley. Living in my student bubble, I hadn’t realised nature was so accessible – it’s right on my doorstep.” The Waimapihi Reserve is part of a much larger network of walks all accessible from Aro Valley. There are over 20 trails that stretch west to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine and south to the seal colonies at Red Rocks. 

Being so close to nature suits Abbie. She has a long-standing love of botany and opened her own business, Grow Easy, at age 12, selling indoor plants, jewellery and ceramics. The Begonia House in Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā is another way she gives herself a plant ‘fix’. “I have many memories attached to plants, so walking through is really nostalgic for me”. The Begonia House, at the northern end of the gardens, has rare and exotic plants. The glasshouse environment keeps them flourishing in a cosy climate. 

Wellington’s climate in winter is not so cosy, so Abbie has built up an impressive collection of coats thanks to the secondhand shopping scene. “I love op shopping and Wellington has a great mix of charity and retro shops. I especially love spying hard to find brands or designer gear at affordable prices.” Brooklyn has a couple of favourites — a Vinnies, and Two Todman Neighbours Space. The latter is a co-working space, refillery, and shop that stocks Abbie’s Grow Easy products. Back down in the city, Paper Bag Princess has also helped her build a wardrobe. 

Wellington’s compact nature means most things are accessible on foot. Abbie lives in the central city making it a short commute to Victoria University’s Te Aro campus. Her home and school bubble contains plenty of options for foodies, so she and her friends are never short of a place to visit. Yor Yak Thai Eatery on Cuba Street is the first choice when they have a crew together. “We always go for birthdays and big celebrations. Everyone orders a bunch of plates to share, so it’s a great atmosphere.” Scopa, also on Cuba Street, has pizzas suited to student budgets “You can never go wrong with a Margherita”. Egmont Street is where Abbie heads when she's after some fresh baking or sweet treats. “My fave is Volco. I’m slowly making my way through the cabinet food, trying something new every time I go.” 

For a hot drink, Abbie is partial to hot chocolate. Raglan Roast on Abel Smith Street is a regular stop off, “but if I really want to treat myself, then Scopa’s hot chocs are thick, rich and over the top”. Wellington Chocolate Factory is also on her list to try. “I hear they are decadent.” It might be enough to convince another family member to study in Wellington. “I’m currently working on my younger sister to come join me.”