The nature setting and animals at Staglands make it an ideal spot for a family day out or romantic afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both adults and kids will love meeting the critters in the barn, a bushwalk or cart ride and a picnic or cafe lunch.

So many spots to choose from! Over summer, a night of food and drink on the lawn at the Sound Shell while listening to a live show is divine, while the hill by the playground and The Dell are also awesome spots for eating, drinking and sunbathing!

Pack a picnic and hit the sand at Oriental Bay. The rocky sand means it won’t fly up and get in your food, while there’s New World on the way to grab some last-minute treats! After filling up, lie down in the sun and digest for 30 minutes before a splash in the sea.

The top of Mount Vic is ideal for a picnic (especially a romantic one) during the day or night. Get intrepid and climb the mountain or drive to the top, sit down and look out over the city or stargaze! Bliss!

It was with a heavy heart I discovered the Kapiti cheese and ice cream shop here had closed. Luckily, there’s still the farm you can visit to meet heaps of cute animals - and you can even pack your own cheese for a picnic in the sun on a fine day. An awesome escape from the city!

The mee goreng here is excellent - the noodles are just the right texture, and it comes packed with veges and tofu (or meat, if that’s what you’re after). Try also: Oriental Kingdom, just up the way.

Delicious mee goreng, packed with spice and fresh vegetables. An ideal BYO spot for dinner with friends.

Arguably Wellington’s best curries - offering both Indian and Malaysian curry, and heaps of options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. It’s also BYO so grab a date or a group for a tasty and cheap night out.

A slightly different mee goreng - this one’s got a tomato base, unlike others around the place. Nonetheless, delicious - and spicy! The menu is full of excellent and cheap dishes.

The ultimate Wellington destination for vegetarians. Lots of mock meat or, if that creeps you out, stick with soy and veges, in a myriad of different Asian dishes. Delish.

Hit up Kiwi brand Phoenix for a makeover, makeup lessons and ladies’ nights (both ideal for hen parties!), brow shaping or eyelash extensions and snap up their foundation or other cosmetics for a flawless look.

Heaven for makeup lovers! My go-to brand for all things cosmetic - especially lipsticks! New collections come out regularly and are all equally covetable, with something for every style. Plus purchase a makeover and you get that amount redeemable on product!

Heaven for a makeup fiend. Get started in Mecca Cosmetica, with international brands like NARS and Stila, hit up the MAC counter (get your makeup done and get the price redeemable in product!), get down-to-earth in Bobbi Brown or browse the numerous other top brands like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancome and many more.

I can’t get enough of this store! There’s so much to look at - makeup plus skincare, haircare, perfume and everything else beauty! The staff really know their product and can help you choose your best match from the multitude of brands on offer.

One of Wellington’s only retailers selling Smashbox, this relatively new store offers both retail makeup and makeup artistry, so snap up a makeover or high-end products that make you look and feel good!

Gorgeous dresses and more from Kiwi and international designers. I covet the Zimmermann dresses - ideal for a bridesmaid or wedding guest - plus there are plenty of other fabulous garments for work and play.

RUBY never fails to disappoint, bringing out beautiful dresses every season, from party frocks and workwear to full length black-tie gowns. Also on offer: cute streetwear, accessories, shoes and nail polish!

Win a lady’s heart with the jewellery, clothes and accessories on offer at this awesome boutique - nothing says "I love you" like a Meadowlark ring or Deadly Ponies bag!

Beautiful, locally made dresses for brides, wedding guests and lovely ladies.

Be inspired by the gorgeous garments, with a mix of styles for daily wear and dressing up, created by a Kiwi designer.

An excellent spot for meeting up with friends, with lots of space and lots of menu options. I like to grab avocado with lemon and black pepper on five grain, then add some eggs… and maybe hollandaise. The Zany Zeus Greek yoghurt with fruit (varied depending on the season) and coffee are also excellent. And they never do holiday surcharges!

You might not pick it, but the staff at Moore Wilsons know a lot about the many alcohol options they have on sale! Get a deal by buying in bulk.

The cupcakes at Tempt are perfect for a gift (either to someone else or yourself). Perfectly presented with a swirl of frosting and sugary decorations, such as glitter, flowers and butterflies, and such a tasty range of flavours.

Well worth a short trip out of the central city for these breakfast/brunch options, followed by a stroll along the beach. Their cupcakes are also excellent, and the staff are super friendly.

Tucked away in Karori, Sweet offers made-to-order cakes and cupcakes in a huge range of flavours and for any occasion.

A cute little bar with heaps of Sprig and Fern beer on tap. Order in food from one of the neighbouring restaurants to team with a pint.

Some of the best fine dining you’ll find in the suburb. The menu changes regularly, but is always delicious. It’s a perfect date-night spot.

Best known as a politics pub, you might not pick chips off the massive, MP-themed menu. However, The Backbencher’s chunky potato chips rate among the best in Wellington - best served with a pint of one of their tap beers.

Delicious Italian food in a family-run restaurant, ideal for a date with your beloved. The gnocchi is divine!