Laying claim to being the darkest bar in Wellington is a bold claim indeed, but Motel might just take the crown. A hipster joint with bartenders who know their Manhattans from their Mint Juleps, the concoction of potent liquor and the ambience of the place should mean you’ll be here for more than just the one drink.

A mecca for craft beer lovers. The most incredible display of international bottled beer I have ever seen. The ever-changing beer list means there'll be something new literally every time you go. Live DJs on Saturdays if you can shift yourself out of that beer-induced, cosy little place and get those feet working. 

One of my favourite after-hours spots. Easy to miss, Good Luck is innocuously located but well worth the search party. Creative cocktails, a trendy clientele and an opium-den feel make this bar one of Wellington’s most unique.

You’ll have to forgive me here for my hazy recollection of my night at Alice, but I’m sure I won’t be alone in having indulged in one too many teapots here. As so many of the funkiest bars here are, Alice is hidden away down a nondescript alley, in this case Forresters Lane. A little taste of old Blighty, Alice has a quaint, English, Alice in Wonderland theme, with matching cocktails to boot. The Long Island Ice Tea looks so inoffensive and cute in that little teapot and served on a doily, but really should come with a disclaimer; massive hangover ahead.

Wellington's most authentic second-hand bookshop. Making your way around the maze-like shop is an experience in itself, with giant tombs and slender works of poetry, mostly alphabetised, stacked right to the ceiling. The quintessential literary classics are here, accompanied by a substantial NZ section and a fantastic, if somewhat small, poetry section, which features some really unusual works. Tucked away on Left Bank Arcade, finding a dusty old copy of a book you've been meaning to read and then propping yourself in a quiet corner of a Cuba Street cafe for an hour or so is a true delight.

Picturesque and sun-drenched outside in summer, cosy, close and warm in winter, this cool little retro cafe based on beautiful Oriental Parade. has it all. No better way to spend a chilled out day off than meandering along the waterfront before perching yourself at a table by the window to watch the sun set. Open 'til late, evening-goers are rewarded with delicious sweet and savoury fondue from 5.30, with the blue choose option not for the faint hearted! An inspired menu includes delicious sangria by the jug, feijoa mojitos and boutique beers. Rumour has it they've added winter cocktails to their menu too...

Whilst Wellington’s craft brewery scene is second to none, some of the breweries and craft beer bars can feel, well, a little dark. Underground beer bars are perfect for a night out, but on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, Mac’s Brew bar is where I’d rather be. Choc-a-block with locals, this place is a beautiful spot on the right day.

An amazing selection of Kiwi and international beers. A constantly evolving beer lists means you'll be unlikely to try every one, but one can try. Bonus points for having one of the best people watching spots in the entire town.

Waterfront, Te Papa, Harbourside. How you moniker it is probably dependent on your age, length of time spent in Wellington and what your mates call it. What I think we can all agree on is how amazing this place is on a sunday morning. Economical veggies, amazingly filling rotis and the freshest fish in town. Great place to ease into what, chances are, will be a painful sunday morning.

This "Gastro-pub" at the very top of Courtenay has it all. The Tasting Room caters for every little idiosyncrasy of your typical Wellingtonian. Locally brewed beer, strong Wellington coffee, an outstanding wine list and high quality tasting plates are all proudly on offer here. Allied to a laid back setup and a TV screen tucked in the corner, the Tasting Room is capable of entertaining quiet couples out for dinner and sports loving locals without the other feeling obtrusive. One of my favourite places to hang out on a Saturday.

A mecca for craft beer lovers. The most incredible display of international bottled beer I have ever seen. The ever-changing beer list means there'll be something new literally every time you go. Live DJs on Saturdays if you can shift yourself out of that beer-induced, cosy little place and get those feet working. 

This "Gastro-pub" at the very top of Courtenay has it all. The Tasting Room caters for every little idiosyncrasy of your typical Wellingtonian. Locally brewed beer, strong Wellington coffee, an outstanding wine list and high quality tasting plates are all proudly on offer here. Allied to a laid back setup and a TV screen tucked in the corner, the Tasting Room is capable of entertaining quiet couples out for dinner and sports loving locals without the other feeling obtrusive. One of my favourite places to hang out on a Saturday.

An amazing selection of Kiwi and international beers. A constantly evolving beer lists means you'll be unlikely to try every one, but one can try. Bonus points for having one of the best people watching spots in the entire town.

Living just up the road from this alcohol mecca, Regional Wines has turned into my very own form of kryptonite. A peek at their staggering selection of craft beers, however, will hopefully make this curse more understanding to a non-believer.  

Whilst Wellington’s craft brewery scene is second to none, some of the breweries and craft beer bars can feel, well, a little dark. Underground beer bars are perfect for a night out, but on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, Mac’s Brew bar is where I’d rather be. Choc-a-block with locals, this place is a beautiful spot on the right day.

Living just up the road from this alcohol mecca, Regional Wines has turned into my very own form of kryptonite. A peek at their staggering selection of craft beers, however, will hopefully make this curse more understanding to a non-believer.  

Wellington is full of beautiful day walks. A tramp up to the summit of Mt Vic is one of the most popular and iconic. Take a picnic and a friend on a good day, there are fewer more beautiful places in this city to be.

A hugely impressive cabinet stocked high full of sweet and savoury goodies. Deluxe transcends the typical cabinet fare of muffins and gormet sandwiches with some really interesting food, such as the bulger wheat, cauliflower, potato and red onion salad, pictured. Amazing gluten and wheat-free options, such as the pineapple and crystallised ginger cake, and strong Havana coffee make Deluxe a really great place to flee the waterfront wind.

Surely the only place in the city where you can order a "Daisy Buchanan", a "Breakfast at Tiffanys" or a "Casino Royale" without being pointed in the direction of IMDB and your bed. Located below, yes you guessed it, the grandiose Embassy, the Black Sparrow is the perfect place to bookend a movie with an aperitif and a digestif. All the better if you happen to visit on a Tuesday, as 2 for 1 cocktails are all the rage after 5pm. Arguably some of the finest cocktails in the city.

Who knew fish and chips could be so complex? Choose your fish (obviously), your chips (less obvious) and your batter (freakin’ awesome). The agria chips are sensational, whilst I’d recommend getting whichever fish you go for tempura-style. Definitely worth the extra dollar or two. No longer will we accept greasy fish and oily chips; like every other food genre, the humble old chippy has had to evolve to fit our needs and fads. Expect to see then, therefore, an ever-changing, seasonal menu reflective on what’s been caught that day. Even have your Akaroa salmon fillet grilled; how gourmet is that.

Located in the charmingly named Happy Valley, situated just past Island Bay, is Carlucci Land. I know what you're thinking but tired, cliched mini golf this certainly aint. Crafted in a scrap yard theme, the course is fun, well-designed and inexpensive. 18 courses are included for a reasonable $12 entrance fee. Perhaps in keeping with the suburb's name, an honesty box collects your pennies. Great fun. 

As an outsider used to the hustle and bustle of the frantic pace of city life in the UK, Wellington is a serene slice of urban heaven. Gorgeous, accessible coastline coupled with green, inner city sanctuaries make this a desirable place to live. Escaping the occasional urban blues is easy in Wellington, with the Botanical Gardens on our doorstep. Picnic cafe is a gorgeous little spot to relax, read a book and enjoy the company of friends.

Best gelato in the whole city. Oriental Parade is never more picture perfect than when enjoyed with a delicious ice cream from here.

Wellington is full of beautiful day walks. A tramp up to the summit of Mt Vic is one of the most popular and iconic. Take a picnic and a friend on a good day, there are fewer more beautiful places in this city to be.

Whilst Wellington's CBD is compact, diverse and culturally rich (ignore whatever John Key would have you believe), the most rewarding experience the capital can offer is, for me, not to be found in the bars or theatres of Cuba St, Lambton Quay or Courtenay Place. The lesser known Scorching Bay, Owhiro Bay and Seatoun are all worthy of exploration and thankfully all within 10 kms of the CBD, making Wellington ideal for day trips. The lovely fellows over at On Yer Bike can help you get out of that dull gym and onto the reasonably flat, bendy roads of the Miramar peninsula for just $20 per day. No guarantees about the Wellington weather can be made, but gazing out into the Cook Strait on a warm day from Owhiro Bay is truly memorable.

An amazing selection of Kiwi and international beers. A constantly evolving beer lists means you'll be unlikely to try every one, but one can try. Bonus points for having one of the best people watching spots in the entire town.

A mecca for craft beer lovers. The most incredible display of international bottled beer I have ever seen. The ever-changing beer list means there'll be something new literally every time you go. Live DJs on Saturdays if you can shift yourself out of that beer-induced, cosy little place and get those feet working. 

Picking up a bottle of your favourite sauce has never been easier. Super-friendly, well-informed staff who know their cab-savs from their merlots, Glengarry is the most complete commercial seller of fine wines in the Wellington area. Perfect gift material. 

Living just up the road from this alcohol mecca, Regional Wines has turned into my very own form of kryptonite. A peek at their staggering selection of craft beers, however, will hopefully make this curse more understanding to a non-believer.  

Chic surroundings at this mysterious beauty on the wrong side of Courtenay. Heated seats and fabulous cocktails make this elegant bar perfect for post work drinks on those long winter evenings. The East Asian/Chinese menu is a must! Try the  twice cooked chicken.