Holy moly, this place is a gem. Setting up shop in a former laundromat on the corner of Abel Smith and Cuba, Laundry is so cool they don’t even need signage. Don’t write them off as a bunch of hype, though. Their limited menu (mostly burgers and tacos) doesn’t mean they’ve skimped on flavor or ingredients– try the mushroom burger and you’ll know what I mean. And with seriously friendly staff (one barista sat down at my table to apologize for a tardy flat white, and a heavily tattooed member of the wait staff called me ‘madam’, twice, with sincerity), and great decor, you’ll have to restrain yourself from making Laundry a daily habit.

The epitome of where to go for girls’ wardrobe basics in New Zealand, Glassons is a go-to for everyday skirts, tops, and jerseys at a price that won’t empty your wallet. With plenty of sales going and heaps of brights and blacks to suit you, it’s easier than you’d think to find your next staple piece here.

Pop into their new location just outside the Left Bank on Cuba St. for a browse. A great selection of titles with a cleaner setup, Ferret’s new location only signals good things to come from this secondhand bookshop.

Looking for zines? Art? Jewelry? A new brooch? Matchbox has a little bit of everything, and soon they’ll have even more. Currently expanding to a Cuba St. storefront, this tiny shop was my best kept secret, tucked away up a flight of red stairs except on Friday nights, when they venture down to the Left Bank’s Night Market. Go for gift ideas your friends will actually like (bright totes, funky tea towels, zines) or to find what you’re craving (eyeball brooches, brass bunny rings, more zines).

Taking cues from the American dive bar, Golding’s is big on craft beer, a bit of a hole in the wall, and, if you don’t know about it already, can be easy to miss. Hidden away down Leeds St. (more like an alley) past Six Barrel Soda and Pizza Pomodoro, this long and narrow cavern sports buckets for lampshades and skiis above the bar. The atmosphere is lively but civilized, the tap beers change daily, and pizza specials on the wall are hauled in from nearby Pizza Pomodoro. Definitely worth a gander.

I wish I’d found this place sooner. Tucked away on Vivian St. next to Vic’s School of Architecture, the wooden structure adorning Ban Mai’s exterior is as charming as the food created inside. The noodles here are amply sauced, with a pad thai to rival my all time favorites from back home. Vegetarians will be delighted to find that almost every rice, noodle, or curry dish can be made to order with vegetables and/or tofu in place of meat.

This is my favorite new find. I shouldn’t even call it a new find, as I’ve passed Rag Mama Rag dozens of times while cruising up Cuba St. Almost every time I passed, I would tell whomever I’m with that I’d been meaning to go in for ages. Finally last week a beautiful brooch in the shape of a pair of spectacles beckoned to me, and I made it inside the door. From gorgeous dresses and capes, well-aged pocketbooks, and belts up front, to a full repair shop for your worst holes in your wools and trousers in the back, Rag Mama Rag is a vintage-lover’s dream. I left with the brooch, a perfectly worn stamped leather belt, and a promise to come back with all the pieces from my wardrobe I’ve been meaning to get fixed for ages.

Well-plated South Indian Malaysian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere, Roti Chenai is one of the best places to bring your mates for dinner in Wellington. With vegetarian and carnivorous options, everyone in the group will leave feeling warm and full. Try the vegetable korma (tomato-based, not creamy like most other places in New Zealand!) when you’re in the mood for Indian, or the vegetable murtabak with dhall curry if you’re craving Malaysian.

Taking cues from the American dive bar, Golding’s is big on craft beer, a bit of a hole in the wall, and, if you don’t know about it already, can be easy to miss. Hidden away down Leeds St. (more like an alley) past Six Barrel Soda and Pizza Pomodoro, this long and narrow cavern sports buckets for lampshades and skiis above the bar. The atmosphere is lively but civilized, the tap beers change daily, and pizza specials on the wall are hauled in from nearby Pizza Pomodoro. Definitely worth a gander.

Besides the amazing goods imported from Italy? If you can resist making a beeline for the limoncello, chianti classico, and vats of sundried tomatoes in the warehouse, check out their menu of incredible, fresh, and authentic pizzas at the front of the store. If, like me, it’s a simple margherita you’re after, please upgrade to the margherita bufala (with high quality buffalo mozzarella). Seriously incredible.

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.

Craving a chocolate bar in its purest, liquid form? Head to Butlers Cafe on Willis St., where every hot beverage comes with a decadent piece of Butlers chocolate of your choosing. With over ten varieties, the hot chocolate is an easy choice, while the chai latte and cappuccinos are also nice.

One of the best op shops in Kilbirnie, and all of Wellington. You never know what you’ll find tucked away here. Have a look through their extensive yet concise kitchenwares corner, or nip upstairs to scour through their patterns and blankets. With merchandise as varied as polka-dot dresses to offbeat mugs, sketchpads to novelty raincoats, and toaster ovens to granny slippers, I’ve never been disappointed after a visit to Mary Potter in Kilbirnie.

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.

With an interesting mix of history and idolatry, we presume that by preserving a writer’s birthplace we can learn more about their life and their work-- but it is often a formula that works. Katherine Mansfield’s family home on Taranaki St. doesn’t deviate from what you would expect from a birthplace museum, providing extensive information on her life with friendly staff eager to guide you on your visit. If you have the time, stay for the 50 min film upstairs, and certainly give the children’s bedroom upstairs a gander.

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.

When I first arrived in Wellington, my new friends raved about the vege nachos at Midnight. They weren't kidding! This plate is so loaded--hummus, chilli sauce, avo slices, and sometimes even green olives complement the more traditional beans, salsa, cheese, and jalapenos no respectable plate of nachos could go without--but it has a surprisingly decent corn chip-to-topping ratio, given the epic proportions of the latter. If you ever get past your craving for these nachos, Midnight actually has a ton of other great vege and vegan options (as well as tasty looking treats for the carnivores in your life), some killer juices and smoothies, and one of the best caramel slices in town. A bite of their gigantic chocolate cake (with yogurt) can also be pretty hard to pass up.

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!

This is my favorite new find. I shouldn’t even call it a new find, as I’ve passed Rag Mama Rag dozens of times while cruising up Cuba St. Almost every time I passed, I would tell whomever I’m with that I’d been meaning to go in for ages. Finally last week a beautiful brooch in the shape of a pair of spectacles beckoned to me, and I made it inside the door. From gorgeous dresses and capes, well-aged pocketbooks, and belts up front, to a full repair shop for your worst holes in your wools and trousers in the back, Rag Mama Rag is a vintage-lover’s dream. I left with the brooch, a perfectly worn stamped leather belt, and a promise to come back with all the pieces from my wardrobe I’ve been meaning to get fixed for ages.

Puppies is reliable for a good night out filled with music and friends. Follow the noise on Tory St. rather than signs, as there aren't really any for Puppies-- that's part of the charm. Come to watch local favorites (or, sometimes not so local) on stage, or get in free after midnight when the DJs come out. Specials like the Dana Scully (an aptly named fiery ginger beer) and plenty of couches in the back will keep you going into the wee hours of the night.

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.

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.

Taking cues from the American dive bar, Golding’s is big on craft beer, a bit of a hole in the wall, and, if you don’t know about it already, can be easy to miss. Hidden away down Leeds St. (more like an alley) past Six Barrel Soda and Pizza Pomodoro, this long and narrow cavern sports buckets for lampshades and skiis above the bar. The atmosphere is lively but civilized, the tap beers change daily, and pizza specials on the wall are hauled in from nearby Pizza Pomodoro. Definitely worth a gander.

A great place to see a show or grab a beer, going to Mighty Mighty is a pretty good guarantee of a fun night out. Boogie near the stage or hang on the couches lining the walls. If you’re daring, boogie on top of the couches. Not just good for a night out, this venue on Cuba St. is also host to an array of daytime events in Wellington, from Emporium’s epic sale, to Wellington Zinefest, to the monthly Mighty Mighty Market.

(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.

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.

Puppies is reliable for a good night out filled with music and friends. Follow the noise on Tory St. rather than signs, as there aren't really any for Puppies-- that's part of the charm. Come to watch local favorites (or, sometimes not so local) on stage, or get in free after midnight when the DJs come out. Specials like the Dana Scully (an aptly named fiery ginger beer) and plenty of couches in the back will keep you going into the wee hours of the night.

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.

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.