Caro D.'s
Where to Find Your Halloween Costume
- 11ObjectTe AroObject is a fun little store to stumble into on a rambling kind of day out. A newer addition to Cuba St.'s Left Bank, the array of colorful onesies in the window is certainly eye-catching. But for any furry haters out there (like me), don't shy away-- cheerful DIY wooden lamps, fluffy hats, darling dollhouses, and so many Totoros abound. Object is the place to go for gifts you never even knew existed.
- 24The main branch of Vinnies shops in central Wellington, this St Vincent de Paul in Newtown is well stocked, large, and covered with friendly bargains. From oversized floral mugs to vintage NZ-made dresses, you'll find something each time you visit. It may be the central branch, but this shop has plenty of quirks; pop upstairs for a browse through rows of beautifully worn furniture, then giggle when you realize staff members have to carry the furniture up and down a narrow flight of stairs each time a purchase is made or a new acquisition comes in. A must-try any time I find myself up on Riddiford St.
- 37One of the most proper vintage shops in Wellington, Ziggurat is stocked with true vintage and designer pieces from the 1900s to contemporary labels. The price point reflects this, so my visits are appropriately sparing if I ever want the chance to leave home in my glamorous finds.
- 45An institution in Wellington, Hunters and Collectors on Cuba is a veritable treasure trove of vintage and costume pieces. Owner Chrissy O travels as far as the exotic USA to stock the shop. Go for the sequins, or even just to eyeball their delightfully kooky displays.
- 51Mary Potter Hospice Shop KilbirnieKilbirnieOne 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.
Caro D.'s
Best BYO
- 110DragonsTe AroDragons Chinese, located just off Courtenay Place, is a good destination for a large weekend dinner party. With BYO, ample space, and tables fitted out with revolving lazy susan-style daises for sharing plates, the atmosphere here is lively. Prices are steep (a $16 vege egg noodle dish is one of the more affordable options) and vegetarians may need to hunt through pages of meat to find what they're after, but portions are enormous. Plus, MANY portable heaters scattered throughout the restaurant ensure you'll stay warm and cosy on any of Wellington's famously fierce winter nights.
- 25Masala WellingtonTe AroOur go-to Indian restaurant in Wellington, my significant other and I have dined here on more than a couple of date nights. Just off Courtenay Place, the location is unbeatable if you’re catching a flick at The Embassy or Paramount. The dal makhani is very nice, and with so many vegetarian options try the creamy vegetable korma or paneer tikka masala for a change.
- 35Il Piccolo WellingtonTe AroA 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.
- 47Planet Spice Indian CuisineNewtownThis place is seriously so fun. Between the vibrant space-themed murals and friendly wait staff, I would probably recommend Planet Spice for a dinner out with the whole gang even if the food was only so-so. But the food is also amazing! While everything is served traditionally, Planet Spice is not your average Indian food restaurant. Staples like the dal makhani are perfectly executed, but others like palak paneer are served with an innovative twist. As their motto says, Planet Spice is truly an 'out of this world' Indian experience.
- 57Cafe IstanbulTe AroA fun place to bring a crowd, Istanbul is a popular BYO restaurant on Cuba St. Be sure to make a reservation in advance or you may find yourself sitting on the floor at their authentic (and very low to the ground) table, complete with canopy. Try their pide bread, or the halloumi dish. Yum!
Caro D.'s
Best Cup of Tea
- 124Nikau CafeWellington CentralNew Zealand currency may not have a penny, but if it did, the halloumi and salad at Nikau would be worth every single one. If you're hesitating to cross the threshold from the City Gallery into this adjacent cafe, please take the plunge. Prices are high, but so is quality. I let out an audible "Yum" while taking a bite of bare halloumi. If you can fit more into your belly, don't leave without a creamy donut. Coffee and scones are also not to be missed.
- 28Seoul House RestaurantTe AroOur Korean options may be limited in Wellington, but what we lack in variety we make up for in taste. Seoul House on Dixon St. serves up several excellent vegetarian options, including a meat-free bibimbap chock full of beautifully steamed veggies and tofu goodness, plus one very cute heart-shaped fried egg. Be sure to start your meal with tea and honey. The banchan is yummy (and free!) A new special on the menu, also delightfully vege-friendly, is a must-try.
- 36CrumpetTe AroCrumpet 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.
- 432OliveTe AroOne 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.
- 55Dixon Street DeliTe AroA 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.
Caro D.'s
Best Place to Find CDs for Your Roadtrip
- 12Lo Cost RecordsPetoneLately I've found myself taking long road trips in rental cars where the radio stations can get a bit dodgy. So you might say I've become obsessed with scouring record stores' bargain bins and previously-owned sections for quality CDs to bring along on my next trip. Most of the stock in Lo Cost is new, and understandably a bit higher than my appointed price range, but their smaller selection of used CDs is quite varied. Definitely a worthwhile stop while you're strolling along Jackson St.
- 21The Salvation Army MiramarMiramarThe Salvation Army in Miramar is easily their best shop in Wellington. With a lovely NZ-made clothing section, rows upon rows of shoes, a back room of furniture (including some lovelies dangling from the ceiling!) and stacks of books and tapes, this place is always stocked with the best. Check out their new line of handmade pillows; prints include a lovely saffron and cute kiwiana. I’ve never been able to stick to my budget here– be prepared to leave with a quirky new mug or vase at the very least.
- 34St. 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.
- 41Mary Potter Hospice Shop KilbirnieKilbirnieOne 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.
- 513Slow Boat Records ShopTe AroGreat place to find records and CDs, both secondhand and new, on Cuba St. The staff are friendly and helpful, and while prices can be a bit steep, quality and selection are pretty exceptional. Don’t be surprised if you walk in looking for one specific album and walk out with that one, plus a handful more.
Caro D.'s
Family Fun Day
- 120Wellington Botanic GardensKelburnA 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.
- 217Scorch O RamaKaraka BaysScorch-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.
- 334Te 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.
- 422The Embassy TheatreWellington CentralOne 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.
- 55Masala WellingtonTe AroOur go-to Indian restaurant in Wellington, my significant other and I have dined here on more than a couple of date nights. Just off Courtenay Place, the location is unbeatable if you’re catching a flick at The Embassy or Paramount. The dal makhani is very nice, and with so many vegetarian options try the creamy vegetable korma or paneer tikka masala for a change.
Caro D.'s
Best Rummage Shops
- 13Rainbow Books WellingtonNewtownIf you're in Newtown for the day and keen to spend a good while scouring shelves of secondhand books, Rainbow Books is calling for you. Towering stacks of books greet customers at the door, and extend over every square inch of the shop. There is a lot of nonsense hiding a few bargain-priced gems, but if you're prepared to search you'll generally be rewarded for your troubles.
- 24St. 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.
- 33Renown FurnishingsNewtownWith so many great little secondhand furniture stores along Riddiford St. in Newtown, it's hard to know where to start. A great place to begin is Renown Furnishings. A small store, neatly crowded with lovely dressers, mirrors, lamps, and desks, Renown has its own style at an affordable price point. I found my whitewashed four-drawer dresser here and threw in a retro magazine rack that doubles as my bedside table, all for well under $100. Since the shop is so small, keep in mind that Renown can't deliver your goods-- but they will hold them for you at the store until you can haul them home later.
- 41The Salvation Army MiramarMiramarThe Salvation Army in Miramar is easily their best shop in Wellington. With a lovely NZ-made clothing section, rows upon rows of shoes, a back room of furniture (including some lovelies dangling from the ceiling!) and stacks of books and tapes, this place is always stocked with the best. Check out their new line of handmade pillows; prints include a lovely saffron and cute kiwiana. I’ve never been able to stick to my budget here– be prepared to leave with a quirky new mug or vase at the very least.
- 51Mary Potter Hospice Shop KilbirnieKilbirnieOne 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.