Hangdog is awesome because you don’t need to commit to weekly classes or have your own fancy gear. You can hire everything you need and just go when you want to. Their experts are great and you feel completely safe (if not exhausted) scaling their walls. If you get hooked, which I’m sure wouldn’t take a lot, you can get 10 trip cards and membership pricing too.

Face your fears and head skywards. Pretty terrifying but also loads of fun. There are different levels for different fear levels and if you ever get stuck, the staff will help you down. An awesome team bonding experience!

So many classes, not enough time! The Community Education Centre have a range of classes to suit. From languages to fitness, cooking, crafts and business courses, the classes are offered throughout the year. The great part is that for a lot of the more popular classes, there are options for days and times. Some courses go for a term, others a month, there are even Saturday courses. Go with a friend or brave it alone, the teachers are friendly and so are the other students. It’s never too late to learn something new!

Ever wanted to join a circus? Learn a party trick? Touch your toes? This is the place to learn it all. They take students of all shapes, sizes and abilities in a safe and encouraging environment. I’m currently trying to master the art of hand balance but there are HEAPS of other course such as hula hoop and trapeze too. Half the fun of going to class is watching the others leap, bound and balance around you. I don’t think enough people know about this Wellington gem so go and see how cool it is for yourself! It’s good for you too!

Ever wanted to learn how to cook Beef Wellington or Pad Thai? This is the place to go. Social Cooking is exactly that, a great place to visit for a team event or a fun night with friends, you’re guaranteed a good time and good food.

Of course their bread is delicious but did you also know they do fantastic cakes? They do and so you need to go there, to balance out your healthy sandwich.

Palace can always be trusted for a tasty treat. They have a menu board as well as cabinet food for when you’re in a bit of a rush. They do a really good samosa and their service is super friendly. They seem to have a lot of regulars, which can only be a good thing!

This cafe is always humming and for good reason, they do tasty meals as well as cabinet food. I recommend their berry smoothies.

So many good looking things to choose from, including knitted beanies! They do a really good snickers slice which hits the spot when you’re craving something sweet.

Awesome coffee and food. I really love their outside courtyard, perfect for a summer’s afternoon.

Leuven is known for their kg pots of mussels but you can also get a variety of Belgian delights. With so much to choose from, taking your pick can be a bit of a chore. But I must say, in all my times here, I’ve never picked a dud or known anyone else to. Everything on their menu has a suggested beer match and on Sundays and Mondays and you can ‘double your mussels’! I often go here before a game at the stadium or for after work snacks if I don’t want to go up the other end of town.

There’s so much to love about this family run restaurant. The service is excellent with great food to match. They also have an amazing deli where you can buy an array of cured meats and cheeses to recreate their tasty antipastos as home. They also do catering, classes and have a shop full of imported Italian foodstuffs. There’s so much to eat, drink and see, I could spend all day here!

We went here for a late lunch and it was lovely, the sun was streaming in and the place was buzzing. I have to say their pâté was some of the best I’ve ever had! We also decided to give their escargot a go and they were like chewy garlic mushrooms, delish! They also have a range of sweet treats in the counter and a little gift store to peruse on your way out. Don’t forget to try their pâté (totally worth two mentions)!

A must for duck lovers. Beautiful French food in lovely Thorndon. Try their profiteroles! And if you’re feeling extra fancy, they have a degustation menu too.

In a cool little building on Tinakori Road these guys to yummy Italian food. From pizza to veal, there’s a lot to tempt you!

There’s something for everyone at this cosy Cuba restaurant. Roti chicken wraps for those who like to play it safe and massive dosais for the adventurous. They do a delicious mango lassi if the food you’ve ordered is a bit on the spicy side. The friendly service gets everyone coming back for more so best to play it safe and book!

Irashaimase! Is what the workers here yell as you enter the restaurant, it means ‘welcome’ and is heard everywhere in Japan. Once inside you can choose to sit at the traditional low tables, at the bar or at a table with chairs. The menu is full of a mixture of traditional and made-for-locals dishes. A few of my faves are - the agedashi tofu, which is deep fried tofu served in a light broth. The sashimi and avocado salad which has an incredible dressing And the spicy crab which the waiter agreed was delicious if not very traditional. I would say this was the most authentic of Japanese restaurants with their variety dishes and their Japanese speaking staff. They also have a great selection of Japanese drinks!

This Cambodian restaurant has to be one of my faves. There’s so much to choose from, even your fussy mates will find something to their fancy. My favourites are their Deep Fried King Prawns and Green Curry. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! They also do delicious frozen cocktails which are a nice alternative to dessert if you’ve eaten a bit too much ;)

One of the original yum cha restaurants of Wellington, they also do an impressive dinner. Try their orange beef! Incredible!

I love KK's.  So cheap and so tasty!  My favourite is their deep fried tofu, but I've tried a lot of things on their menu and can't spot a dud anywhere.  I don't think there's anything on the menu over $15.  This place can get pretty busy so you might not always get a seat but they do take out so it's never a biggie!

This Argentinian restaurant is a great place to go with friends. My group shared one of their steak plates, which was loaded with perfectly cooked meat and came with a side of their delicious chimichurri. I also highly recommend saving room for the churros, which comes with an incredibly moreish chilli chocolate dipping sauce. Muy bueno!

This Cambodian restaurant has to be one of my faves. There’s so much to choose from, even your fussy mates will find something to their fancy. My favourites are their Deep Fried King Prawns and Green Curry. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! They also do delicious frozen cocktails which are a nice alternative to dessert if you’ve eaten a bit too much ;)

There’s something for everyone at this cosy Cuba restaurant. Roti chicken wraps for those who like to play it safe and massive dosais for the adventurous. They do a delicious mango lassi if the food you’ve ordered is a bit on the spicy side. The friendly service gets everyone coming back for more so best to play it safe and book!

Leuven is known for their kg pots of mussels but you can also get a variety of Belgian delights. With so much to choose from, taking your pick can be a bit of a chore. But I must say, in all my times here, I’ve never picked a dud or known anyone else to. Everything on their menu has a suggested beer match and on Sundays and Mondays and you can ‘double your mussels’! I often go here before a game at the stadium or for after work snacks if I don’t want to go up the other end of town.

There’s so much to love about this family run restaurant. The service is excellent with great food to match. They also have an amazing deli where you can buy an array of cured meats and cheeses to recreate their tasty antipastos as home. They also do catering, classes and have a shop full of imported Italian foodstuffs. There’s so much to eat, drink and see, I could spend all day here!

A cold drink on the balcony is the best way to unwind after a long day. Be sure to check out the secret bar through the coat closet

Pumping on a Friday night, get in early to secure a bean bag on the lagoon-side lawn

Historic Wellington pub, almost as old as the city itself! Great if you’re on your way to the stadium or meeting friends post work

An iconic Wellington institution, take the chance to get a photo with your favourite politician’s caricature

Authentic American Bar and Grill, a favourite for watching the big sports event