Cosy restaurants for winter dining
Think roaring fireplaces, candles, warm service, and hearty soul food. Just add a glass of local Martinborough pinot noir, and you have a perfect winter’s evening.
A winter trip to Wellington is always influenced by the weather. Come armed with information about both indoor and outdoor experiences. You’ll be free to choose what suits the day, and you’ll never be disappointed.
If the southerly’s howling or the rain’s coming down, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. At the top of the Wellington Botanic Garden, you’ll find Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi Space Place. It’s home to a digital full-dome planetarium, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and interactive galleries and exhibitions. This time of year also brings events celebrating the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of the Pleiades star cluster. In Aotearoa, it’s known as Matariki, or Puanga.
On the waterfront, you’ll find Wellington Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored former cargo warehouse, it tells the stories of Te Whanganui a Tara and its people. You’ll learn about early Māori settlement, maritime history, and the city’s evolution into the bustling capital it is today.
Fans of the silver screen will already have this next spot on their list to visit. Wētā Workshop is a short drive from the city and a must for anyone who appreciates creativity, detail, and storytelling. This is where special effects and props are crafted for some of the world’s most iconic films and TV shows. There are regular tours and special workshops. There’s also the Wētā Cave, where you can pick up prop replicas, pop culture vinyls, maker tools, and high-end collectibles.
Red Rocks Coastal Walk is wild and well worth the trip. Beginning at the Owhiro Bay car park, this popular 7km walk traces Wellington’s most rugged coastline. On a clear day, there are stunning views of the South Island. Closer at hand, there are views of the resident seal colony basking in the sun. Don’t forget to keep your distance — they need space.
Nighttime is the right time to dive into Wellington’s renowned hospitality scene. You can order a cocktail at one of the city’s hidden bars or a delicious meal at a local favourite. Wine aficionados will love Puffin, a stylish hideaway on the ground floor of The Intrepid Hotel. It serves organic and minimal-intervention wines in an elegant space. For top-tier cocktails and a 1920s speakeasy vibe, head to Hawthorn Lounge on Tory Street. The curious can perch at the bar for a history lesson on their favourite tipple, or unwind fireside with a classic in hand.
Come August, one of the city’s most beloved annual festivals offers the ultimate taste of local flavour. Visa Wellington On a Plate brings a feast of events. There are pop-ups, themed dining experiences, and the much-anticipated Burger Wellington. This is where restaurants, big and small, battle it out to create the city’s best burger. The month also hosts Beervana, a two-day celebration of craft beer. With hundreds of brews, food stalls, and live entertainment, this is a must for new and old beer lovers.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on entertainment listings. Wellington’s live music, theatre, and film scenes stay in full swing throughout the cooler months. There are indie gigs in intimate venues through to bold new theatre productions and boutique film festivals. Bundle up, step out, and see for yourself — winter in Wellington is alive with energy and creativity.
Winter warmers in Wellington
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Wellington’s boutique cinemas
The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.
Where to eat near the stadium
It doesn’t matter if it’s a festival, big game, concert, or conference – everyone needs some quality kai before attending something at the stadium.
Hidden bars of Wellington (and how to find them)
Up a flight of winding stairs or down a laneway, these are Wellington’s best-kept secret bars.
Where to eat near St James Theatre
Looking for a pre or post-show meal or drink? The St James Theatre is at the heart of Wellington and is surrounded by places to stop off before any event.
A long weekend in Wellington
How much hospitality, arts, culture, nature, and wildlife can you fit into three days? Come to Wellington to find out.
What to do on a rainy day in Wellington
When it’s wet outside, the capital provides plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Head to these Wellington attractions to stay warm, dry, and entertained.
Your guide to summer in Wellington
Visit an island, scream in a stadium, or indulge in ice cream. Here's how to enjoy some of Wellington's best summer days.
Paul Ward: a local guide to nature
Wellington is one of the only cities in the world where biodiversity is increasing. Much of this growth is thanks to community conservation efforts like Capital Kiwi. Paul Ward is the flightless bird-whisperer and conservation champion behind the Capital Kiwi project. He shares his top tips for getting out into nature in the capital.
Anjali Burnett: a local guide to fashion
There are a tight group of fashion designers and stores in the city. Ingenuity and inventiveness are words often associated with them. Co-founder of local label twenty-seven names, Anjali Burnett, knows many of them as both a colleague and a customer.