The beautiful and tranquil Zealandia in Karori is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, with abundant bird-life in a walled island sanctuary keeping the pesky rodents at bay and protecting our native flora and fauna. Spend a few hours or the whole day and check out the birdies flocking from all sides. There's a lake with boat rides, lots of picnic tables, bushwalks, weta hotels, a huge exhibition at the visitor's centre which introduces you to NZ natural history and the history of the park and on-site Rata Café with delish brunches. Very kiddie-friendly too and you'll probably see tuataras if you keep an eye out, which is a real buzz - majestic, ancient ancestors of NZ, and very slow-moving in the wintertime so they don't stray far on a daily basis. My favourite are the cheeky kaka - brown with bright orange under the wings and they like to come down and check you out and feed at the many bird tables. Not to be missed.

This café is a Wellington institution, best known for its capacity to attract LOTR actors on their off days - and for the fact that it has a road running through the middle of it (the Scorch O Rama guys and gals wear high-vis vests while they ferry your food to you!). Take your guests for a classic Wellington experience and make sure it's a sunny day. Views across the harbour entrance and brunches to spoil you.

Great brunches and a lovely spacious outdoor area next to the rose garden where you can enjoy them! They’ve also got a top notch barista - a really friendly guy and the coffee’s ace too. All in all, a yum place to enjoy the sun.

My favourite café in Wellington and a killer spot for brunch. There's always a line leading down the stairs because it's so popular on the weekends, but a table is never more than a ten-fifteen wait. Super efficient staff and delicious brunches. Coffee is quick and the food takes a little longer because it's so popular. But just enjoy the views over Lyall Bay out the panorama windows - and on a windy day watch the kite-surfers get pummelled!

A tried and true Wellington treat - hire a crocodile bike and explore the waterfront and Oriental Parade, but be sure not to run over too many unsuspecting pedestrians or crash into other cyclists - this is where the bell comes in handy! Can be rented as 2-seaters or 4-seaters and there's even space on the front for a baby or two to be strapped in tight. Highly recommended - lots of fun.

Delicious hot drinks, huge, amazing muffins and cakes and lots of comfy seating all in the heart of Courtenay Central. Wait for your movie in style with a snack.

Dixon St deli is a classic Wellington brunch spot with a tempting selection in their deli cabinets and for reasonable CBD prices. They also do delicious hearty winter food - check out their soup specials and filling hot brunches. Always bustling, weekdays and weekends.

Midnight Espresso do a spectacular hot chocolate and the best fresh counter food in Welly with a huge range of vege/vegan/gluten free options using heaps of fresh veges. Impress a guest to Wellington or bring your friends for a late night coffee stop. Great variety on the menu and funky, friendly staff.

This café is a Wellington institution, best known for its capacity to attract LOTR actors on their off days - and for the fact that it has a road running through the middle of it (the Scorch O Rama guys and gals wear high-vis vests while they ferry your food to you!). Take your guests for a classic Wellington experience and make sure it's a sunny day. Views across the harbour entrance and brunches to spoil you.

It's a feast for the eyes and the taste-buds at Enigma Café, conveniently located on Courtenay. The walls are decorated with funky street art and long mirrors, there's space to sit inside - and outside in a courtyard for the smokers. What's even better is the food - fresh, large portions, paninis, filos, an extensive hot menu, a huge drinks menu and a gelato cabinet! The friendly staff at Enigma will sort you out.

Funky guys’ casualwear. If I’m shopping for a guy, I always go to Hallensteins Cuba for great guys’ staples like T-shirts and jeans. Treat your boyfriend to some new threads. Great colours, accessories, and the stuff lasts. Highly recommended.

Can’t be beaten for top quality surf and skate clothing. The latest styles and designs - including a huge range of cool casual shoes - and they’ve often got deals and sales so keep an eye out.

Upmarket fashion for guys and girls. Here you’ll find denim, street wear and the best international brands. My favourite is the huge selection of top local brand Huffer. Treat your beau to a piece from Area 51 as an I love you he won’t forget.

Top quality suits and expert advice when you’re trying it on. They make you feel like a valued customer and they have the goods to match.

One of my fav stores for outdoorsy casualwear in Wellington. I’ve got some great deals here and I’m a member of their club for news and discounts. Sign up to the e-newsletter for all the latest info on products and sales. Great service, friendly staff - and top quality clothing and tramping gear in funky colours.

Got to be one of the best bookshops in Welly! My favourite are the launches they have for fantastic New Zealand literature - most recently, the launch for Eleanor Catton’s "The Luminaries", short-listed for the Man Booker Prize. I’ve also seen Jan Wagner speak here, a showcase of exciting new poetry. The travel section is also excellent. A great place to pick up a gift for to impress.

Always a chilled vibe and delicious, freshly prepared food - both in the cabinet and to order. Perfect place for a casual brunch with friends, a quick coffee or a late night stop in.

Amazing theatre with talented casts and a range of prices including under-35s ticket deals (not to be missed). I've seen a few shows here over the past few years and all of them have knocked my socks off. Most recently "Tribes" which chronicled a young man's experiences with deafness and his dysfunctional (or were they hyper-functional?) family. A real treat. There's a restaurant attached to Circa for your pre-show dinner - and of course, drinks and ice-creams at interval time.

Hidden away in Left Bank, real book-lovers know that this is a secret that’s about to get out. Pegasus is a well-stocked second-hand bookstore with a lot of gems waiting to be found at very reasonable prices.

These guys know how to show you a good time. Always excellent shows and a great night out - I’ve seen burlesque here, phenomenal, and I’m seeing Amanda Palmer in September, can’t wait! It’s a fun vibe, there are drinks and food specials including pizza and bar snacks - and they even have a coat check! Great spot.

All your sporting needs in one big, fat sporting store! They've got everything. I've bought trainers for myself and my partner, from aisles and aisles of the latest styles with expert advice from friendly staff if you ask for it, they're keen to help you out. I've also got assorted sports equipment including balls, bats, netball gear, togs, caps, Adidas gear and Canterbury Clothing Company gear for a German friend who was after something uniquely Kiwi as a gift. A great, well-stocked store. Get your sport on!

Swim T3 is owned by a South African family and they are lovely, very friendly and they offer very sensible, practical advice. The lady who runs this store, and her son, helped me find a wetsuit when I was doing a training course - and she gave me advice on the best way to get it on (not always easy with a wetsuit!) and even provided me with plastic bags for my hands and feet to take away with me. This is what I call stellar service - going the extra mile. They have a wide range of swimming togs for beach, leisure and sport and fitting rooms and sizing charts to help you find the perfect fit. If you're after togs, you're in the right hands.

My favourite café in Wellington and a killer spot for brunch. There's always a line leading down the stairs because it's so popular on the weekends, but a table is never more than a ten-fifteen wait. Super efficient staff and delicious brunches. Coffee is quick and the food takes a little longer because it's so popular. But just enjoy the views over Lyall Bay out the panorama windows - and on a windy day watch the kite-surfers get pummelled!

Pop in for a game of tennis at this friendly, well-organised club. Their well-maintained website is available at http://www.kilbirnietennis.wellington.net.nz/ for all updates and to get involved. Get fit in Kilbirnie and give it your best game.

The beautiful and tranquil Zealandia in Karori is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, with abundant bird-life in a walled island sanctuary keeping the pesky rodents at bay and protecting our native flora and fauna. Spend a few hours or the whole day and check out the birdies flocking from all sides. There's a lake with boat rides, lots of picnic tables, bushwalks, weta hotels, a huge exhibition at the visitor's centre which introduces you to NZ natural history and the history of the park and on-site Rata Café with delish brunches. Very kiddie-friendly too and you'll probably see tuataras if you keep an eye out, which is a real buzz - majestic, ancient ancestors of NZ, and very slow-moving in the wintertime so they don't stray far on a daily basis. My favourite are the cheeky kaka - brown with bright orange under the wings and they like to come down and check you out and feed at the many bird tables. Not to be missed.

Kiwiana, books, calendars and art pieces in a beautifully laid out store with friendly, helpful staff. Everything about this store is easy on the eye and you'll walk out with a gift to treasure, for yourself, a guest or a friend.

The beautiful and tranquil Zealandia in Karori is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, with abundant bird-life in a walled island sanctuary keeping the pesky rodents at bay and protecting our native flora and fauna. Spend a few hours or the whole day and check out the birdies flocking from all sides. There's a lake with boat rides, lots of picnic tables, bushwalks, weta hotels, a huge exhibition at the visitor's centre which introduces you to NZ natural history and the history of the park and on-site Rata Café with delish brunches. Very kiddie-friendly too and you'll probably see tuataras if you keep an eye out, which is a real buzz - majestic, ancient ancestors of NZ, and very slow-moving in the wintertime so they don't stray far on a daily basis. My favourite are the cheeky kaka - brown with bright orange under the wings and they like to come down and check you out and feed at the many bird tables. Not to be missed.

This café is a Wellington institution, best known for its capacity to attract LOTR actors on their off days - and for the fact that it has a road running through the middle of it (the Scorch O Rama guys and gals wear high-vis vests while they ferry your food to you!). Take your guests for a classic Wellington experience and make sure it's a sunny day. Views across the harbour entrance and brunches to spoil you.

Amazing theatre with talented casts and a range of prices including under-35s ticket deals (not to be missed). I've seen a few shows here over the past few years and all of them have knocked my socks off. Most recently "Tribes" which chronicled a young man's experiences with deafness and his dysfunctional (or were they hyper-functional?) family. A real treat. There's a restaurant attached to Circa for your pre-show dinner - and of course, drinks and ice-creams at interval time.

Got to be one of the best bookshops in Welly! My favourite are the launches they have for fantastic New Zealand literature - most recently, the launch for Eleanor Catton’s "The Luminaries", short-listed for the Man Booker Prize. I’ve also seen Jan Wagner speak here, a showcase of exciting new poetry. The travel section is also excellent. A great place to pick up a gift for to impress.