Six Barrel Soda Co. is a haven amidst stormy weather in Wellington. While Six Barrel can be seen perched above Hope Bros. on Dixon St., the entrance to this bit of carbonated heaven is actually just up Eva St. Once inside, you're literally above all the drudgery of Courtenay Place. If the height doesn't make you giddy, the sodas will. Stick to classics like vanilla cream, raspberry & lemon, or (my new favorite!) kola nut, or get a bit more daring with a seasonal offering. Six Barrel is great for lunch or a light dinner, as its miniature kitchen proves more than adequate for whipping up an incredible halloumi burger. As the name suggests, these burgers are mini, so go for the two burger combo if you're feeling starved. Pickle slices and a recent upgrade to sea salt fries (rather than crisps) finish off the meal. Bring a book or choose from the stack on hand if you're in an introspective mood. A thoughtful space filled with light wood, rows of bottled syrupy goodness, and an expanse of windows filtering in whatever sun peeks between the clouds, Six Barrel never disappoints.

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!

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.

Crumpet on Manners St. has atmosphere in spades, complete with jazzy music and faded prints of dreamy ladies on the walls. Located right next to the Opera House, walking into Crumpet feels like taking a step back in time. Coffees are well executed while the hot chocolate is tall and lovely. The crumpets themselves come in a variety of tastes, sweet and savory, and all unique-- the pear and ricotta is worth a try. Come in for a cozy place to read (though the lighting can be a bit dim) or slide in at the bar for a chat with one of the Boon brothers themselves.

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!

One of the best theatres in Wellington, a city known for its abundance of premium and art house cinemas, The Embassy is truly a classic. Built in 1924 and recently refurbished, The Embassy's art deco elegance puts you in the right mood for a truly great movie-watching experience. Make your way into the expansive main auditorium for an opening or a screening during the NZIFF; the sheer size of the main screen will astonish even more than the architecture that surrounds you. But don't discount the two new deLuxe auditoriums accessible through The Black Sparrow; while obviously smaller than the main screen, they provide intimate viewing in plush leather seats, and are worth experiencing in their own right.

The cafe at Penthouse is the perfect location for a first date. Not your average cinema cafe, Penthouse has a full menu and plenty of tables (though you may want to call ahead to reserve one-- they're quite popular!) Their salads are top-notch--try the halloumi or corn fritters--and they stock plenty of sweets for sharing. Plus if the date is going well, make it dinner and a movie... you're already at the theatre!

Not quite on Cuba St., Light House Cinema is worth the hunt. (Wigan St. is actually off Taranaki, but can be accessed via Abel Smith from Cuba St.) This cinema is boutique, without the upscale prices-- especially if you're a student or film society cardholder. Light House shows a pleasant mix of mainstream and indie films in a bit of a unique setting. Come with a date or an affable bunch of friends; the sumptuous couches and small rooms lend your viewing an air of the private screening. 

Filmmaker Peter Jackson’s own cinema in Miramar, you know The Roxy will be top notch. The main screening room is adequately epic, as is the retro-futuristic mural painted on the ceiling of the grand foyer. With more than a few Weta Workshop touches and a LEGO model of the building at rest inside a plexiglass case upstairs, you’ll have to schedule at least 30 minutes of pre-screening ogling on your first visit.

I think Pizza King might have a bit of a bad rap in Wellington, but for what it is--cheap and easy delivery pizza--Pizza King knocks out the other contenders. The hours on this place are unbeatable. When everyone else has gone home, Pizza King is still open and taking orders. Go for the margherita-- with its simple, classic ingredients it's the perfect thing after a long night out.

A true Italian by heritage and nature, when winter comes around I crave pasta rather than soups or stews. Il Piccolo is the best place in town to satisfy this craving, especially on a budget. Start with the pane con olio-- the tomato pesto adds great taste to olive oil for dipping. Mains like the Penne con Pomodori or Ravioli della Nonna are hearty and wonderfully meat-free. Finish off with the most amazing tiramisu I've tasted outside of Italy. The atmosphere here is adorably Italian-kitsch, with checkered tablecloths and wine in fiascos (flasks with straw bottoms), and equally suitable for a date or dinner with friends.

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.

Hell Pizza serves the closest-to-gourmet pizza I've had so far in Wellington. With toppings like avo pulp, cashews, sundried tomatoes, and feta crumbles, this isn't just your typical late night or delivery pizza joint. Share a double with a friend-- or three. With above average portions and generous toppings, you may need to break down your pizza box and use the takeaway-sized cardboard coffin inside to cart your leftovers home. Check the website for some sweet weekly promotions, like free wedges on Wednesdays.

One of the first cafes I ever visited in Wellington, Fidels remains a favorite. Keep it simple with nachos or fries to share, or suck down a massive Snickers thick shake if you dare. While I haven’t taken them up on it yet, I’ve heard only good things about the pizza and beer deal. If the weather is good, grab a seat outside at one of their picnic tables.

A newly minted crocheter, I'll admit that when I first walked into Knit World on Cuba St.'s Left Bank to request 'crocheting supplies' I didn't get the big friendly welcome-to-our-club response I was expecting. But armed with an iron will (and some new terms, like 'hook' and 'double knit', from friends in the know) I returned. Not only did I get the approval I wanted, I was introduced to THE 8 PLY WALL-- a rare and beautiful creature known only to Knit World devotees. I left with a shiny new 4.5 mm hook and an armful of maroon wool and never looked back. Well, not until I needed more maroon wool. And found a whole bunch of other exciting double knits in the sale bins. Scarves, anyone?

As their slogan suggests, Made on Marion is a hub for all things crafty in Wellington. Most known for their craft supplies (think styrofoam in all shapes and sizes and a staggering assortment of needlepoint kits), sewing supplies, and classes ranging from making a lampshade to their dreamstress school of sewing, Made on Marion will fill your dreary winter days indoors with fun and brightly colored projects. Check their website for the class calendar-- with an average of six classes per week, many of which repeat in case you miss it the first go-round, and a new shop (Made Marion) open in the CBD in addition to their main branch on Marion St. (called Made on Marion), you'll never have an excuse NOT to get your craft on.

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. 

Holland Road Yarn Company is filled with beautiful and bright hand-dyed yarn. Prices may be higher here than when a sale's on at Knit World, but that's to be expected. These yarns are sumptuous, and the colors are fantastic. Where else can you find a DK in Matisse Blue next to a snuggly cashmere blend named after one of New Zealand's most popular wines? Take note that the shop is closed Monday & Tuesday-- you don't want to drive all the way to Petone to find you've been locked out!

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.

Head over to Brezelmania in Petone for fresh bread or a slice. Known as the Original German Bakery in a town with a reputation for its international food shops, Brezelmania does not disappoint. I got the banana and blueberry slice to go, and happily munched on the unique combination all afternoon. With freshly made sandwiches in store, you could just as easily have lunch there.

Six Barrel Soda Co. is a haven amidst stormy weather in Wellington. While Six Barrel can be seen perched above Hope Bros. on Dixon St., the entrance to this bit of carbonated heaven is actually just up Eva St. Once inside, you're literally above all the drudgery of Courtenay Place. If the height doesn't make you giddy, the sodas will. Stick to classics like vanilla cream, raspberry & lemon, or (my new favorite!) kola nut, or get a bit more daring with a seasonal offering. Six Barrel is great for lunch or a light dinner, as its miniature kitchen proves more than adequate for whipping up an incredible halloumi burger. As the name suggests, these burgers are mini, so go for the two burger combo if you're feeling starved. Pickle slices and a recent upgrade to sea salt fries (rather than crisps) finish off the meal. Bring a book or choose from the stack on hand if you're in an introspective mood. A thoughtful space filled with light wood, rows of bottled syrupy goodness, and an expanse of windows filtering in whatever sun peeks between the clouds, Six Barrel never disappoints.

Every time I step into Arobake for a vegetarian sandwich or a pastry, I'm tempted by the fresh array of bread lining the back wall of the shop. Opening at 7 am daily (except Sunday, when sadly they're closed all day), by mid-afternoon some of their most popular breads have been snatched up, but a hefty sourdough beckons. If you're as much of a sucker for choice pastries as I am, you'll need to know Arobake easily makes the best pain au chocolat in the city!

While The Dutch Shop in Petone has a dazzling array of imported goodies, from hazelnut spreads to tinned fish, candy to clogs, nothing comes close to their cheese counter. Whether you're looking for something traditional (gouda, goat, or blue) or more adventurous (try the spicy sambal cheese or get your eyes watering with wasabi), The Dutch Shop has you covered. Plus, they're accommodating. They'll send you home with a full wheel or just a slice, depending on what you need.

Petone's Spice Rack is a great place to pick up any and all curry ingredients, with a prominently displayed rack of 'value pack'-style spices at the front of the store-- heavy hitters in smaller quantities for the single cook-- and massive bags of lentils (1 kg for $4.50!) The Spice Rack has some odds and ends as well, with yummy dried fruits (try the kiwifruit) and fabric leis for your next party. Don't worry if you're not an avid chef-- The Spice Rack carries instant curry mixes in hundreds of varieties to fit any taste.

Petone's Spice Rack is a great place to pick up any and all curry ingredients, with a prominently displayed rack of 'value pack'-style spices at the front of the store-- heavy hitters in smaller quantities for the single cook-- and massive bags of lentils (1 kg for $4.50!) The Spice Rack has some odds and ends as well, with yummy dried fruits (try the kiwifruit) and fabric leis for your next party. Don't worry if you're not an avid chef-- The Spice Rack carries instant curry mixes in hundreds of varieties to fit any taste.

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. 

Ara Sushi is great stop for lunch when you're in Petone for a lazy afternoon. They have sushi boxes made to order, or you can pick from individual pieces in the glass case up front to create your own. The avocado and cucumber roll here is amazing, even in winter. Nice avo is difficult to find in the winter, and expensive-- so any time I find an opportunity to order it in my food, I seize it. Try the seaweed salad roll for something a bit different.

Built in the former Labour Hall just off Jackson St., Light House retained the old facade, giving the theatre the air of an older era. In the lobby, an employee announces each auditorium as it opens for the next show. As the original Light House Cinema, this theatre in Petone stays true to the 'Light House' aesthetic with cosy two-seater couches best suited for date nights, small screening rooms, and an upscale cafe at the front. Come in now for NZIFF screenings, or to see Swan Lake in 3D. 

While The Dutch Shop in Petone has a dazzling array of imported goodies, from hazelnut spreads to tinned fish, candy to clogs, nothing comes close to their cheese counter. Whether you're looking for something traditional (gouda, goat, or blue) or more adventurous (try the spicy sambal cheese or get your eyes watering with wasabi), The Dutch Shop has you covered. Plus, they're accommodating. They'll send you home with a full wheel or just a slice, depending on what you need.