Josh L.'s
Best gift stores
- 15T Leaf T Dukes ArcadeTe AroIn a city near-synonymous with the flat white and the long black, a couple of Wellingtonian tea purveyors have helped to ingrain tea into the consciousness of the city. Conveniently located right in the heart of the city, this tea haven is a must for us enthusiasts. Combined with more refined versions of the Earl Grey, Green and English Breakfast classics are more experimental teas sourced from literally all over the world. Whether your tipple is a Chinese Oolong, a red African Roobio or a Turkish apple, T Leaf T stocks more tea than you could ever wish to taste. Samples starting from $2 make it tempting to try though! Check out the beautifully crafted teapots too.
- 213Commonsense Organics is a must-visit for any wannabe foodie. Beautiful, locally sourced veg sits alongside gourmet, NZ made pestos and cheeses. Stocking their shelves in keeping with the seasons, this little hangout is in keeping with the 21st century philosophies of environmental sustainability, fair trade and supporting local business. All of this results in some of the freshest looking produce you're likely to see. Take advantage of the online shopping option and share the green-tinted love with friends or family.
- 313Slow Boat Records ShopTe AroThe demise of the "record" shop is truly a sad thing. For many, spending their lunch hour pursuing the shelves at their local independent store is a distant memory. Youtube and Spotify have, for better or worse, left us music geeks with a slender choice. Slow Boat, however, has weathered the corporate, electronic storm and is the place to pick up CDs, LPs and even posters in the capital. On the very rare occasion I actually purchase a hard CD, this is where I invariably head. A Cuba Street stalwart.
- 421Kirkcaldie & Stains LimitedWellington CentralDespite 90% of the produce being way out of the range of my modest budget, I’ve still found myself on the odd occasion perusing the "foodie" section of Kirkcaldie & Stains, perhaps the most historic of the all the CBD stories. The "Harrods" of Wellington has an astonishing array of food and drink from the Wellington area and elsewhere.
- 53The Vault WellingtonWellington CentralA real slice of Kiwiana. Pick up some of the beautifully crafted ceramics and pendants for your loved ones away from NZ.
Josh L.'s
Get a taste of culture here
- 113Slow Boat Records ShopTe AroThe demise of the "record" shop is truly a sad thing. For many, spending their lunch hour pursuing the shelves at their local independent store is a distant memory. Youtube and Spotify have, for better or worse, left us music geeks with a slender choice. Slow Boat, however, has weathered the corporate, electronic storm and is the place to pick up CDs, LPs and even posters in the capital. On the very rare occasion I actually purchase a hard CD, this is where I invariably head. A Cuba Street stalwart.
- 24Nood Wellington CentralTe AroThe home of the stylish and the chic in the capital. NOOD is proof that, whilst Wellington is more renowned for its inner-city OP shops and retro furniture stores, the city can also do modern, elegant and twenty first century. Based in Te Aro, the showroom has an urban feel which exhibits products to furnish and enhance every room in the house. NOOD is not all sleek wooden dining tables and high-end sofas, however; it also tries its hand at more tongue in cheek items, destined to clutter your mantelpiece.
- 31Whilst 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.
- 40Empire CinemaIsland BayFar removed from the hustle and bustle of the CBD located cinemas, Empire Cinema is an iconic place for Wellington movie-goers. Recently renovated, the interior is lavish, laid-back and historic, serving coffee, alcohol and sweet treats to enjoy pre-movie. Enjoy the movie in luxurious, homely style, as each cinema is furbished with sofas for your comfort. Additionally, Empire showcases artistic talent from Island Bay in its very own gallery, christened 'The White Room'. A diverse selection of movies are available, from the newest 3D blockbuster to art-house, independent movies. Movies starting before 6 on weekdays are a snip at $12.
- 56Social Cooking WellingtonWellington CentralEncouraged by a friend and in spite of my skepticism about the concept and the price, I went along to Social Cooking late last year. However, the novelty of the idea in practice, as well as the enthusiasm and genuine passion of the staff, contributed to winning me over. Working in pairs, you are firstly given a demonstration of how to cook the dish (one of the dishes was Beef Wellington) and then set loose on your own. A novel, unusual but ultimately fun way to spend an evening with friends or colleagues. Keep an eye out for bargain deals.
Josh L.'s
Always fresh produce
- 133Smell, taste and admire the beauty of the produce at this foodie nirvana. Freshly squeezed oranges and roasting coffee beans perfume the room, with a host of free samples to tempt you into an impulse buy or three. Be sure to check out the bakery and fishmonger sections!
- 20Big Bad Wolf CharcuterieTe AroA carnivore’s dream. An ode to the lesser fancied animals and cuts, Big Bad Wolf is Wellington’s only dedicated Charcuterie restaurant. Find an incomparable selection of cured, smoked and salted meats in this truly gourmet eatery.
- 313Commonsense Organics is a must-visit for any wannabe foodie. Beautiful, locally sourced veg sits alongside gourmet, NZ made pestos and cheeses. Stocking their shelves in keeping with the seasons, this little hangout is in keeping with the 21st century philosophies of environmental sustainability, fair trade and supporting local business. All of this results in some of the freshest looking produce you're likely to see. Take advantage of the online shopping option and share the green-tinted love with friends or family.
- 49ArobakeAro ValleyAro Bake will always hold fond memories of my time in Wellington. Scaling the impossible peak of Aro Valley was always a hardship, although such a feat was invariably made easier with an Arobake in hand. Freshly baked, artisan bread as well as more patisserie than you can shake a stick at is at your disposable. This lovely little bakery catches some awesome early summer, afternoon sun; perfect for a lazy few hours.
- 515Deluxe Espresso BarMount VictoriaA 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.
Josh L.'s
Best sharing plates
- 112El MatadorTe AroWellington’s own slice of Buenos Aires. The ambiance, the delicious wine, the tapas and, of course, the ungodly amount of meat available on the Parrillada (a meat sharing platter featuring no less than 6 different cuts of meat) make this restaurant one of my very favourites in the city. Fear not, however, if you’re not the carnivorous to the point of bursting type, as el Matador has one of the most exciting and unique tapas menus on offer. The vegetarian Empanadas are an absolute must, and who wouldn’t like the sound of broad beans with prosciutto, cos lettuce and cream?
- 232Chow ToryTe AroPeckish after 9 30? Restaurants closing, about to resort to generic, bland fast food? Chow is the answer. Located on Tory Street and open every night until midnight, this Asian Fusion, informal restaurant is a hit. Tapas style bites, flavoursome curries and salads bursting with fresh herbs are all on offer. 2 for 1 cocktails on Wednesdays and Saturdays only add to the allure. Take always also available if you wanna take the party home. The salt and pepper squid is sensational!
- 312Chic 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.
- 49Strawberry Fare RestaurantMount VictoriaMention the words 'Strawberry Fare' to any sweet-toothed Wellingtonian foodie and chances are they'll regale you with wide eyed tales of banoffi pies and sticky date puddings. Wacky, over the top and firmly tongue-in-cheek, an 80s vibe pervades both food and decor. Genuinely pleasant staff add to the feel good factor. Main courses and lunch are on offer here too but it is impossible to look past the endless choice of sweet goodness on offer here. Strawberry Fare has a firm sense of identity and is, for me, one of the most memorable dining spots in the city.
- 522Beach BabylonOriental BayPicturesque 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...
Josh L.'s
Healthy takeaway options
- 17Kapai Courtenay PlaceTe AroNutritious, tasty goodness on the cheap. Between 5-7pm every day, Kapai sells a selection of their delicious Long Johns (think Kiwi themed, healthy kebabs) for just 6 bucks. Their RRP of between $10-12 dollars are a steal, so get in after work for a fast feed which you couldn't even begin to make at home for a measly $6.
- 22TJ Katsu and UdonWellington CentralFast food doesn't need to be a greasy hangover cure. At times it can seem like the only option for a quick, inexpensive bite in this city is to sell your soul to the franchise and content yourself with a burger, a subway or some fried chicken. There is another way! Wellington has an amazing array of sushi restaurants and this is my most frequented. I tend to stop here on the way home at least once a week for a pre-dinner snack. Help yourself to the most delicious sushi from $1 per piece and stave off the lure of a $2 BK.
- 31The Sandwich PlaceNewtownGo-to place when I’m in Newtown for an inexpensive, tasty bite to eat. Delicious home made sandwiches on the go.
- 418Enigma CafeTe AroPerennially popular, Enigma ticks every box you'd want from a cafe. Funky decor, inexpensive yet impressive cabinet and menu food, delicious gelato and strong, tasty coffee. Add on the late night liquor license and you have yourselves an all-day winner. And the best part is that the (pictured) eggs benny will only set you back $13. And be sure to bring a dollar for the pinball machine.
- 55Pita Pit Featherston Street WellingtonWellington CentralA subway of sorts. Except with pita breads. When funds are low and I’m on the move, Pita Pit is a delicious choice for the health-conscious, fast food eater.
Josh L.'s
What to do on a lazy Sunday
- 18Our weekly place of refuge to shelter and warm up having raided the food markets on a Sunday morning. Excellent cabinet food with heaps of seating, with a clientele of mainly business types and newspaper-reading, pastry-eating foodies. Gorgeous, reasonably priced fresh bread is available to take out, but the crossiants and tarte au citron are personal favourites. Helpful service, and the best lemon-honey-ginger concoction I've had in the city.
- 217Harbourside Market WellingtonWellington CentralWaterfront, 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.
- 37PicnicKelburnAs 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.
- 45The Enormous Crocodile CompanyWellington CentralSurely the most fun way to enjoy Wellington’s waterfront.
- 515Arty Bee's BooksWellington CentralA labyrinth of second hand books, poetry and pamphlets on the pre-war Communism Party of New Zealand. I'm not kidding. Whilst admittedly this last item may only be of interest to history nerds like myself, you'll be sure to find what you're looking for in what is perhaps the largest volume of books in the city. A hard working bunch too; this gang seem to be open whenever I walk past, meaning there'll always be time to pick up your next read.