Scorch-O-Rama, perched right at the edge of Scorching Bay beach, is the perfect Wellington summer brunch spot. Sit at one of the spacious rimu picnic tables inside if the wind is brisk, or hop across the street for a brightly colored chair when the sun is out. Splurge on the deluxe shake (pick the milkshake flavor, ice cream, and a choc bar.) The eggs benedict is a solid choice, with a good amount of fluff and nice flavor. The views are picture perfect, so be sure to leave some time for a relaxing walk along the coast after.

(Nearly) every Sunday, my significant other and I venture out of our cozy weekend bed to the Harbourside Market. While I'll admit location was a bit of a factor in making this 'our' vege market (bonus for being catty-corner to New World, making Sunday my official grocery day), Harbourside Market has much more to offer than its central location. More than 10 farms bring their produce to the table(s) each week, and super competitive pricing means the answer to the 'what can we get with our last $20 (or $10, or $5 or $2-- it's been done, folks)' question is always 'heaps'. On sunny days, make time to buy lunch from one of the many carts sprawling down to the waterfront. I haven't seen it there in a while, but the elusive Burrito Magic is tops-- if you catch it, don't let it go without a bean burrito and a colorful Jarritos.

There are so many amazing secondhand book stores in New Zealand (Wellington in particular), but sometimes you need something specific and you need it now. Turn to Unity Books in your time of need. With a great selection of New Zealand writers, an entire, stretching wall of fiction, both classic and extremely contemporary (like Tao Lin's Taipei, only out in the States in June), and many pockets of specialty books scattered throughout the shop, you may have stopped in for a specific title but you'll find yourself browsing for hours. As an added bonus, the staff is exceedingly knowledgeable and ready to help-- Unity is one of the only book shops I've been to where those staff recommended titles are truly appealing.

Equal parts kid-friendly, dog-friendly and adult-friendly, Chocolate Fish Cafe in Maupuia boasts ride-on toys, ‘dog biscotti’, and bean bags, with blankets for cool days and sunscreen and hats for the warm. Check it out on the way to Scorching Bay for a great view of Wellington Harbor.

Beach Babylon goes above and beyond to cater to you and your pooch. With a doggie menu, boasting treats like ‘pupsicles’ and beef mince, it’s worth a stop here the next time you and your four legged friends take a stroll down Oriental Parade. Whether you’re a pet owner or just a joyful admirer like myself, this retro-inspired cafe is a haven for canine cuties. Come for brunch or lunch, or give the inspired fondue dinner a try!

Just about the most charming secondhand bookshop in Wellington. Pegasus suits many interests-- from a fantastic fiction room, to shelves devoted to naval histories, to a section on witchcraft. Good selection of NZ writers, too. Each space is well indexed and kept remarkably tidy, given the book-to-shelf ratio. Very hard to go in for a browse here and leave without at least a few titles to add to your collection.

St. Vincent de Paul's is a staple in the opportunity shop circuit in New Zealand, with the Wellington region alone boasting at least six locations. While the main shop in Newtown is bigger (and, admittedly, has a larger range of furniture for it), the Vinnies tucked away in Aro Valley is the cosiest. A very short walk up Aro St. from Arobake, this Vinnies is housed in a former post office, and many of its accents--the glass blocks, the floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bench at the front of the store--are relics of the building's history. This location gets the most donations and is best known for its unexpected offerings. I've come across everything from a zany pair of knitted leggings to an antique camera to early editions of classic books here, and the store manager is extremely personable. Have a look in the next time you're browsing at Aro Video, I doubt you'll leave empty handed.

Take a few hours out of your Saturday afternoon to visit The Dowse. Entry is free, and with exhibitions on in several gallery spaces, The Dowse is constantly changing. Check out the retrospective on Kobi Bosshard's jewelry, then pop over to Pic 'n' Mix, curated by kids-- both are on all winter. The Dowse boasts one of the best gallery shops I've seen, and a very sweet cafe attached-- their home brewed Shooting Star lemonade is a must-try. Stay for the weekend talks with the artists, or take a quick drive over to Petone for some serious op shopping. 

With bright pops of color, meticulously dressed cabinets chock full of necklaces and brooches, and a cuter-than-anything corner of baby stuff, Wanda Harland Design Store stands out amongst the op shops and international grocery stores on Jackson St. Look out for a bunny-shaped night light, cat garland wall decal, and a great variety of Thunderpants. 

One of the most fun shops on Cuba St., a trip to Iko Iko makes me feel like a kid again. From sparkly fairy tumblers to swizzle straws, toys and magnets to holographic cards, Iko Iko has it all. Whether you’re shopping for baby or just your own inner child, this place will do you right. Iko Iko isn’t all about gifts for kids, though– novelty books and tea towels round out the souvenir side of the shop, while chic leather goods and jewelry satisfy the fashionista on your nice list.

Sweet Mother's Kitchen is kind of the trifecta: great food, good vibes, and perfect location. And while their dinner menu isn't too shabby either, nothing cures the 'mother' of all hangovers like brunch-- especially when that brunch is served all day (on weekends) and you're free to pull yourself from the depths of your bed as late into the afternoon as you want for as much eggs and potato hash as your stomach can handle. My go-to dish is Flossy's Favorite, which has a little of everything: potato, black beans, mushroom, eggs (poached is recommended), and hollandaise, plus two sturdy baguette halves. The berry waffles have also been known to go down nicely. But a word to the wise-- the slightly chaotic nature of the decor in Mother's extends to their style of seating tables. If a game of musical chairs might set your head aflame, skip the food and grab a Snickers shake to go.

Scorch-O-Rama, perched right at the edge of Scorching Bay beach, is the perfect Wellington summer brunch spot. Sit at one of the spacious rimu picnic tables inside if the wind is brisk, or hop across the street for a brightly colored chair when the sun is out. Splurge on the deluxe shake (pick the milkshake flavor, ice cream, and a choc bar.) The eggs benedict is a solid choice, with a good amount of fluff and nice flavor. The views are picture perfect, so be sure to leave some time for a relaxing walk along the coast after.

If you're in a hurry (or take a later lunch in the CBD) stop into the Taste on Willis food court for Tulsi Takeaway. While the flavor here is comparable to its counterpart on Cuba St., the prices are not. Mains normally range from $6.50-8, but stop in after 2 pm for the really super deals-- snag any curry with rice for $5.50, or add naan and a drink for $10 ($9 if you go vege). While the vegetarian selection isn't expansive, the mix vege curry is a solid choice. And if they're all out of your favorite curry, no worries-- there are about a million other on-the-go options in this vast and varied food court.

With no food in my fridge after a long trip to Australia, I found myself hungry and tired on Courtenay Place a little past lunch time until something caught my eye. 2 for 1 margherita slices for $5? Within minutes, my belly was full of yummy pizza (topped with oregano and chilli flakes and dipped in chilli oil) and a classically American--and extremely rare--can of A&W cream soda. I don't know why I'd waited so long to test out the hype I'd been hearing about Tommy Millions. With crazy lunch deals every weekday, night owl hours, and plenty of room to park your bum along Courtenay Place or in Te Aro Park, you have no excuse to wait as long as I did.

For an alternative to Tulsi in Petone, try Curry Heaven. The family-friendly restaurant has plenty of vegetarian options. Try the vegetable makhani for a creamy, tomato-y curry filled with kumara, capsicum, and other yummy garden-grown things. If you live nearby, order takeaways and get a 10% discount.

A weekly frequenter of Paramount as a card-carrying member of the Wellington Film Society, my visits to the cinema could easily end there if only the Paramount wasn't so darn charming. Besides the spacious (and eponymous) main screen, two smaller theaters feature a cosier atmosphere (couches in the Brooks!) With a different film festival on practically every week, you won't feel like you have to wait all year for the NZFF here. Come for a foreign or indie film you can't find anywhere else, but don't leave without a choc dipped Kapiti cone... I hear they hired the choc top king!

A revolving door of impressive exhibits by international and well-known local artists, this free gallery in Civic Square is best enjoyed with regular visits. Whether stopping in on a rainy afternoon or making a point to see Len Lye's kinetic sculptures before they vanished, Wellington's City Gallery provides thought-provoking entertainment time and time again. Multiple exhibit spaces span two floors, and the gallery plays an accommodating host for writers and other speakers with a generous but cosy amphitheater. Just remember to recharge with a flat white and a donut from the Nikau Cafe located on the ground floor of the gallery before you leave.

Take a few hours out of your Saturday afternoon to visit The Dowse. Entry is free, and with exhibitions on in several gallery spaces, The Dowse is constantly changing. Check out the retrospective on Kobi Bosshard's jewelry, then pop over to Pic 'n' Mix, curated by kids-- both are on all winter. The Dowse boasts one of the best gallery shops I've seen, and a very sweet cafe attached-- their home brewed Shooting Star lemonade is a must-try. Stay for the weekend talks with the artists, or take a quick drive over to Petone for some serious op shopping. 

Te Papa may be one of the most trafficked tourist attractions in Wellington, but it's certainly for locals, too. Whether you come in for a special exhibit like Game Masters or Warhol: Immortal (on now!) or to test your earthquake preparedness skills with a walk through the Earthquake House, you'll be sure to learn something new-- and have fun doing it. Te Papa is also especially helpful for those new to New Zealand like myself. See a bird on the waterfront and want to know what to call it? You'll find its taxidermy counterpart on the first floor. Come in on an afternoon, or stay all evening on Thursdays when the museum is open until 9 pm.

Come in for a screening in their DIY-style theatre, or to check out someone else’s home movies– the Film Archive can and will store any NZ films, however big or small. Stick around for some coffee or a snack from their cafe, and swap stories with the staff. They’re friendly, and they know the place like the back of a film canister!

One amongst many cafes dotting Cuba St., Olive impresses for its incredibly beautiful and soothing atmosphere. A great place for a mellow date or meet up, Olive's white interior is softened by the glow of dozens of candles. Olive is also a rare find in Wellington for another reason-- it's a truly laptop friendly cafe, with multiple power sockets and their own (free) wireless. Just don't expect them to stay open as late as some of their Cuba St. comrades. While they claim to be open late, they'll sometimes close their kitchen at 8 pm.

A beautiful library in the heart of the city, Wellington Central is packed with things you'll actually want to check out. Highlights include the graphic novel wall, an entire audio/video section on the ground floor complete with neon signage to help guide you there, and a fairly well-stocked fiction section. Niche subjects find their home on the first floor, from arts and crafts to naval histories. Most exciting (and iconic) is their zine section, newly relocated for renovations from its regular home on the back wall of the first floor to an odd little spot in front of a help desk. With a seemingly endless rotation of zines color-coded by topic and adorable brown parcels on hand to keep them neat and tidy in your bag, you'll get lost in this section for hours. Grab a cup of coffee to recharge at Clark's Cafe, or come with your laptop to watch the crowds moving across Civic Square.

A weekly frequenter of Paramount as a card-carrying member of the Wellington Film Society, my visits to the cinema could easily end there if only the Paramount wasn't so darn charming. Besides the spacious (and eponymous) main screen, two smaller theaters feature a cosier atmosphere (couches in the Brooks!) With a different film festival on practically every week, you won't feel like you have to wait all year for the NZFF here. Come for a foreign or indie film you can't find anywhere else, but don't leave without a choc dipped Kapiti cone... I hear they hired the choc top king!

In the States, takeaway salad restaurants were a dime a dozen. But here in Wellington, I've found them harder to come by-- making them so much more valuable when you stumble across one. Looking for all intents like any regular cafe from the outside, Kapai is actually a secret haven for some serious greens. Look for them in the expansive salad bar, but also in your drink-- their green smoothie is tasty enough to make me wonder whether they pour straight sugar in with the fruit (though I suspect the answer to that would be a resounding no). With locations across the city and the option to eat in or take away, you'll have no excuse not to meet your daily serving of fruits and veges by lunch time.

A great little spot to grab a coffee or tea, this cafe has all the charm and a lot more elbow room than some of its counterparts on Cuba St. Whether you’re bringing your laptop or a friend, Dixon Street Deli has you covered with plenty of seats and their own wi-fi hotspot. Even if you’re just cruising down Dixon, be sure to check their chalk board out front, inscribed with a new motivational message every day.

The first bit of bush I saw in New Zealand, Central Park is amazingly secluded given its central location within the city. Nestled between Mt. Cook and Brooklyn, find your way through this slice of forest, popping across tiny wooden bridges to admire the natural streams that cross the park. This is not the time to suppress your inner child– no trip to Central Park would be complete without a ride on the flying fox!

A lovely place for an afternoon picnic, the Botanic Garden between Thorndon and Kelburn are an easy walk from central Wellington. Visit the duck pond, or hike up to the cable car for picturesque views of Wellington Harbor. The gardens are beautiful in spring and summer, and are free year round.

Take an easy walk up to the Mt. Victoria Lookout or set aside an afternoon for hiking through the major trails. Mt. Vic offers free fun, with gorgeous views of both the city and sea.

Take a walk around Wellington Zoo, located at the far end of Newtown. New Zealand’s oldest zoo is home to some cute critters, including little blue penguins and shy kiwis. Have a close encounter with a red panda or go for a native bird talk at the roost.

The return of warm weather really only means one thing for my inner child: outdoor pools! Trek up to Thorndon for a visit to their classic lane pool. While about half of the pool fills up with children, the rest stays blissfully quiet as swimmers cut up and down the lanes. Bask in the sun on the stadium-style steps, or pop in for a dip. You’ll spend the afternoon feeling like a kid again, in the best possible way.