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.

Gordon Harris is your one-stop shop for art supplies; they've got a huge range that will suit beginners doing craft projects or art students or professional creative projects for work and home. My favourite is the poster board they have for art lessons/courses/life drawing classes etc that's up just on the right when you go in the door. Whenever I have an arty question, the staff are quick to help and they are clued up on what are the right materials to use. Big store too, lots of stock. I'd recommend it, definitely.

Te Papa never fails to inspire me and I'm always impressed by the commitment of their friendly staff who are ready to welcome you at the door. I love coming to this place of learning where cultures merge together - experience your own if you're a local with the amazing Awesome Forces exhibit, or check out our natural flora and fauna on the same level, or be blown away by the beautiful Marae. I just saw the Andy Warhol and the Impressionists exhibits here last weekend (both exhibits for the student price of $20) and both were very impressive. Colourful and highly recommended for the kids too.

For the best model soldiers in the world - head to Games Workshop. You'll find a real community of gamers of all ages and stages. Fear not, gaming is cool! Get involved. They're super friendly and really know their stuff.

Whitcoulls Cuba offers friendly staff and good quality stationery and books. They often have stock clearance sales and I picked up a very good quality floral photo album for just $10 (I think that's what you'd call a bargain!). The store is nice and bright and it's easy to find your way around - or if you're looking for something special, ask one of the friendly staff - they're always keen for a chat too.

Great place to watch the rugga - you'll be surrounded by sports fanatics and just good old mates out for a beer to watch the game. A really good vibe, a great range of beers and open till the wee hours when the rugby has faded away.

Fix Courtenay is a great location for snacks and Snapper top ups, right next to the Courtenay Central bus stop and smiling staff who will sort you out. Huge food selection and even some super savoury options and fruit and water. Pie and sandwich cabinet, smokes and lighters, pre-pay phone top ups, Lotto, it's all here. Get on it!

You can't beat Burger Wisconsin for delicious burgers made from the freshest New Zealand ingredients. They have it all: tender meats, fish, falafel, haloumi, salads, sauces to die for and a range of sides and drinks. The staff at the Hataitai local are friendly and quick - and there's even a lolly jar on the counter for you to stave off hunger while waiting for your big feed.

The title sums it up - delicious chicken burgers and wraps, with multiple sides of your choice, in a nice, bright orange store, well-lit and lots of seating. I recommend the wraps, the chicken was tender and juicy and delicious. Not to be missed.

Chill out before your movie and grab a delicious ice-cream - no end of flavours, cool staff in funky hats who like to chat and lots of seating beside the cabinets. Delish!

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.

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.

So Freyberg has a spa, a sauna and a steamroom for $4.80ea but there are deals if you want a swim too, check out the prices board above the counter as you go in. Excellent spa facilities, always clean and they play some chill out pop music so you can relax to some sounds when you're having a soak! My favourite hotpools in town.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Can't beat a killer coffee on a Saturday morning sitting in the sun at Chalk Choku. Check out the comfy customers lounging on beanbags in the sun with piping hot caffeinated goodness - heaven!

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.

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.

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.

Listed as one of the world's top art hotels, Museum Hotel is conveniently located opposite the waterfront, a stone's throw from Te Papa - a great spot for visitors to Wellington to stay to get a feast of world art in an intercity wonderland. Right next to the weekend waterfront markets if you want to pick up some tasty fruit and veg during your stay. The hotel also has a 'VIP for a night' service as well as specials and deals. Check out the easy-to-negotiate website www.museumhotel.co.nz.

Te Papa never fails to inspire me and I'm always impressed by the commitment of their friendly staff who are ready to welcome you at the door. I love coming to this place of learning where cultures merge together - experience your own if you're a local with the amazing Awesome Forces exhibit, or check out our natural flora and fauna on the same level, or be blown away by the beautiful Marae. I just saw the Andy Warhol and the Impressionists exhibits here last weekend (both exhibits for the student price of $20) and both were very impressive. Colourful and highly recommended for the kids too.

Can't beat a killer coffee on a Saturday morning sitting in the sun at Chalk Choku. Check out the comfy customers lounging on beanbags in the sun with piping hot caffeinated goodness - heaven!

Martin Bosley's has won stackloads of awards and when you taste the food you'll know why. They believe that food should be in season, local and fresh. That's the food philosophy that keeps happy customers like me coming back. They have assorted menus, all available online for you to peruse: lunch, dinner, degustation, set menu, canapés and platters, wine list, hen's teeth list and last but certainly not least, the beer list. Always a popular spot to impress guests with the ultimate of fresh seafood. Yum!

So convenient to have the downstairs café in the museum itself so you don't have to cross lanes of traffic to get to Courtenay Place for lunch. Lots of fresh, delicious cabinet food and lots for the kids (fries as a treat!). Sunny and spacious. Recommended.

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.

Listed as one of the world's top art hotels, Museum Hotel is conveniently located opposite the waterfront, a stone's throw from Te Papa - a great spot for visitors to Wellington to stay to get a feast of world art in an intercity wonderland. Right next to the weekend waterfront markets if you want to pick up some tasty fruit and veg during your stay. The hotel also has a 'VIP for a night' service as well as specials and deals. Check out the easy-to-negotiate website www.museumhotel.co.nz.