Martyn P.'s
Get to know Tinakori Road
- 11Groom Barber - StylistThorndonThose who live on, or nearby Tinakori Road probably already know, but for a quality cut or shave in comfortable surroundings, Groom Barber is one of the spots! Time honored barber techniques and modern hairdressing styles for men and women.
- 24Flowers RediscoveredThorndonIf you need to order or pick up some kind of flower arrangement, and you're on, or near Tinakori Road, Flowers Rediscovered is an A+ affair.
- 31Artrium Art GalleryThorndonIt must be great living close to an art gallery. Tinakori Road offers that with great places like Artrium Art Gallery. Affordable fine arts for the win! Original paintings, sculpture, jewellery, glass, stone, bronze, clay, and limited ed. prints! very cool!
- 42Park GroceryThorndonThis place is a slick act. Groceries, magazines, confectionery, drinks and fresh flowers, all presented by friendly staff in a clean and comfortable environment. Great work.
- 52Memory LaneThorndonThe residents of Tinakori Road and the surrounding area must enjoy having close access to such a great antique store. You'll always find something interesting at Memory Lane.
Martyn P.'s
Special Wellington Institutions
- 17Graphic ComicsTe AroI've been a regular at Graphic Comics for a few years now. I originally ended up there after backtracking from AMC's The Walking Dead television show to the graphic novel series of the same name it's based on. Graphic Comics just have the most remarkable collection of stock, and crucially for me, a whole bunch of amazing stuff that doesn't involve men in tights fighting other men in tights and masks (ie: superhero comics). Graphic Comics introduced me to incredible graphic novels like Scalped, Love and Rockets, DMZ, The Boys, and the remarkable Humanoids, Pantheon and Cinebooks publishing lines. Incredible storylines and incredible art, what's not to love? The staff are fantastic as well; considered and knowledgeable.
- 213Slow Boat Records ShopTe AroYou "could" describe Slow Boat as one of the best record stores in New Zealand, but comparatively speaking, it might be one of the best record stores in the world. For early 20th century music, classic jazz, country, rock, soul, folk and beyond, Slow Boat has an amazing selection of both vinyl and CDs. The staff are extremely sharp and knowledgeable as well. This is one of those places where taking a recommendation is well recommended.
- 315Arty Bee's BooksWellington CentralSomething about the rain always makes me want to read, and when you’re reading, there is nothing like cracking into a book you’ve never explored before. Arty Bee’s has one of the best selections in the city. You could easily daydream through a rainy hour or two browsing the books there.
- 420These guys have a record player, and a record collection; and they rarely skip a beat when it comes to playing the right stuff. Best place for consuming coffee in the whole city as well.
- 520MatterhornTe AroThe Matterhorn is another place that gets food to drink with oh-so-right. White bean & lemon dip, crisp pita bread & spring onion relish! Yellowfin tuna, white miso, radish, sesame, house-made ponzu & chargrilled tortillas! Etc, etc. I have very little bad to say about a drink and a bite (or twenty) here.
Martyn P.'s
Best Sunny Coffee Spots
- 114PrefabTe AroPrefab is a class act. Affordable menu items, amazing coffee, super attentive and friendly (but not too attentive staff), off the hook counter food and delicious bakery takeaway items. On a Saturday morning, no matter how busy they are, Prefab never dissapoints.
- 212Milk CrateTe AroNine times out of ten, Milk Crate has some remarkable sweet baked goods on the counter. Paired up with great coffee, they’re always a good option.
- 315Deluxe Espresso BarMount VictoriaDeluxe Cafe has a fantastic range of sweet counter food, usually with gluten free or vegan options available as well. If you’re down Courtney Place, Deluxe is the move.
- 420These guys have a record player, and a record collection; and they rarely skip a beat when it comes to playing the right stuff. Best place for consuming coffee in the whole city as well.
- 528MontereyNewtownOh my days, the Monterey fries really do compete with the Sweet Mother’s Kitchen fries. Amazing sauces as well. Throw a haloumi burger into the mix for oh-so-yum times.
Martyn P.'s
Action Adventure Time
- 11Timeout / LaserforceTe AroYou're in maze. It's dark, but the edges are lit in fluro. Music is blaring loud. You and your team are wearing light up body armor and welding lazer guns. You're out to end the other team. They're out to end you. Adrenaline is pumping. You're having fun. Lazerforce. Well well recommended.
- 24Indoor Grand PrixKaiwharawharaGo-Kat racing. Close to deadly (in your mind), high-speed (again in your mind) go-kart racing. It's wild, it's fun, it's action packed, petrol fumes and all. In the other rooms, mini golf and lazer tag. For a two-one, or three-one party combo, this place is a devilishly good time.
- 33If a game of paintball doesn't bring you together as a group of friends, office or community unit, nothing will. Literally some of the wildest fun you can have with pants on. It's scary and immerse, but amazing as well. Pass through Paintball Adventure Challenge, you won't regret it. You will regret the bruises though, damn!
- 44Hangdog Climbing AdventuresAlicetownYou like climbing up rock walls right? With all the equipment on hand? And versions for all manner/level of participant? Imagine you're in James Bond movie, or just enjoy it for what it is, amazing exercise! Hangdog Climbing Adventures got it going on.
- 55Flying Foxes that fly through the trees, with you attached. Within minutes you’ll feel like you’re in a bush scene in Star Wars or something equally as ridiculous. Rope Bridges and Tarzan Swings as well. I’m using A Lot Of Capitals because it’s all a CAPITAL GOOD TIME. Options for all ages as well.
Martyn P.'s
Great Dairies of Wellington
- 112Nic Nac'sTe AroThis Cuba Street dairy has the most incredible selection of American (and I think English) sweets and chocolates. They also have some pretty nifty savory items on hand like pre-prepared curries, and an excellent drinks cabinet (or three)
- 22Jala's StoreMount CookLocated close to Massey University, Wellington High School and some prominent bus stops, Jala is a standard for a quick snack or last minute ingredients for dinner. The staff are super friendly as well.
- 34Shalimar Mini MarketAro ValleyThe craziest selection. The maddest staff. The oddest in-store experiences, and yet a strange compulsion to always return. Shalimar should really be an essential Wellington right of passage for all new residents or even tourists.
- 41Wing On Chang FoodmarketBrooklynAisles like a supermarket, fantastic frozen and chilled goods sections, quality canned/packaged goods, delicious reheat-able roti bread and an acceptable vegetable section. You can even send mail.packages here. A one stop shop of sorts.
- 52Oriental Bay StoreOriental BayA beachside diary which sells delicious ice creams and milkshakes and the like. The Oriental Bay Store really captures that small town vibe, but updates it into something more in keeping with this highly sought after suburb. Always a good combo with your summer swim.
Martyn P.'s
Best Places to Get a Cocktail
- 121Havana BarTe AroHavana is wonderful for some drinks and some tapas. They do remarkable platters and short plates. Crispy Potatoes with Paprika Salt and Lemon Aioli, Grilled Aged Beef Fillet Skewers, Marcona Almonds Toasted in Olive Oil & Sea Salt. Yum. I recommend the Chef’s Plate for 2. With a few sides it could be a plate for three.
- 220MatterhornTe AroThe Matterhorn is another place that gets food to drink with oh-so-right. White bean & lemon dip, crisp pita bread & spring onion relish! Yellowfin tuna, white miso, radish, sesame, house-made ponzu & chargrilled tortillas! Etc, etc. I have very little bad to say about a drink and a bite (or twenty) here.
- 324Six Barrel Soda FactoryTe AroSix Barrel Soda Factory is another one of those spots which just always sounds nice. While the musical direction is generally (at least in my experience) indie rock or folk music, they just seem to always select the choicest records for playback. Can’t complain!
- 419Much like Motel Bar, The Library Bar has all bases covered in cocktail world. You name it, they'll mix it up. Amazing environment and staff as well. Many a good night is to be had (and has been had) here. Special mention to their doorman Jay, dude is one of the best.
- 55Motel BarTe AroA tired and true cocktail spot for close to fifteen years now, Motel Bar never dissapoints. Whatever your fancy, they have definitely got your tastebuds quenched.