A tranquil spot minutes walk away from central city. Good for a lunchtime walk or an evening jog you can sit by stream and contemplate life. Or if you’re already sorted: push some kids off the fly fox and have a go.

Sometimes you just need to sing. However, your flatmates often don’t like you belting out Bohemian Rhapsody while they’re trying to finish their really important cross stitch. If you’re in the same situation then head on up to the "Botans". The bowl is the perfect place to practice your opera singing… or just sit back and enjoy the fresh air.

Politics drives Wellington. So wrap your head around the inner workings of our democracy and take a tour. Stop by the giftshop on the way out and pick up some Parlia-MINTS. Oh the puns. Also a great place to just sit on the lawn and think about life and the way things are going.

For all your essential geeky accouterments from velociraptor earrings to pantone mugs, something to tickle every geek's heart.

With all designer clothes, you also must have a designer beard! Get your beard oil here.

My ‘go to’ place when I have to buy something for a lady friend. Cute jewelry handmade by Madame Fancy Pants herself, gift cards and cool little craft stuff. Everything you could want to bring a smile to a lady’s face.

A non-sleazy, woman friendly shop for your hidden desires. Most of their products are New Zealand made and the staff are always happy to help.

Sitting in the back courtyard of Olive I feel as if I am in a jungle. My quinine-infused tonic (probably more gin-infused given the lack of malaria-carrying mosquitos) aides in summer cooling. The barely audible sounds of the city could be the breeze rolling up from the savannah. With live music and good food this is a great place to dine.

There is something magical about the Southern Cross. It’s warm couches and open fires make it perfect for a rainy day. They’ve done a really good job of building a great staff culture where everyone is friendly and helpful. I love sitting outside in the garden bar when the weather is not so rainy with a refreshing soda pop. Brilliant!

A favourite spot to grab a drink and enjoy the summer sun, St. Johns is a Wellington icon with it’s character interior and prime waterfront location you won’t be disappointed.

Hot damn. Mexican done by Mexicans. Authentic. Delicious. Fresh. The fun staff are always happy and the food is always good. The courtyard is going to be great in summer.

Let me tell you a tale. It is a love story. But unlike most love stories, this yarn is not about a man and a woman, not even a man and a man: ‘tis between a man and a burger. I fell in love with Ekim burgers. The Little Mike. Oh mumma! You need to try these burgers. Now. Go. Go out to Llyal bay right now. Stuff one in your mouth and love it like I do.

$4 bottomless coffee, this is the perfect place to sit in the window and watch the world go by.

One of Newtown’s classier establishments, Monterey is a hip little hole where you can go to get burgers, sardines, chips, and coffee. Bonus points for the newsprint table cloths and provision of pencils so you can channel your inner Monet while you dine.

The thick aroma of wood-fire cooked meat is rich and delicious and will fire up your taste buds from the moment you walk into El Matador. Another great place to line your stomach in preperation for a night out on the town, this Argentinian style steak house is truely a wonder.

STEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAKKK!

We’re not in Wellington anymore, Toto. KC BBQ is a real slice of America in New Zealand! Uncle Mike’s specialty is slow-smoked, barbecued meats. Must try the Obama burger and the beef ribs. It’s a meat-eater’s heaven decked out in cowboy style décor.

A classy establishment situated close to Parliament, the restaurant specialises mainly in meat. Deliciously seared steaks, umami-filled burgers, and bacony goodness abound. Head there for a drink and some smokey beef. Totes worth it.

I wish Mena was my Aunty. Her delicious vegetarian dishes have been a staple of my diet since I moved to Wellington 10 years ago. The shop could been my surrogate aunty, with all the nutritious food they’ve served me over all those years. Try the Laksa!

It doesn’t have to be midnight to enjoy Midnight on Cuba. The icon of Wellington serves up mainly fresh vegan and vegetarian food to the masses. It’s also a great place to just watch the world go by with a late night coffee and a copy of Kafka.

With the most impressive array of cabinet food in Wellington, Deluxe caters for any kind of dietary requirements. Be you vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose free: their smiling staff will ensure you’re caffientated and well fed.