I grew up in Island Bay so this beach is loaded with special memories for me. It was my local and I still love it.

I live in Melbourne now but whenever I come home to Wellington, which is more often now that we’ve recently released a new full length album as Shihad, I go to this Newtown institution and order their wrapped chicken dish. It’s awesome!

Another favourite Wellington meal that I love is the mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and parsley that you get from Nicolini’s.

Whether you are a local or just visiting Wellington, you can’t beat taking a walk from one end of the waterfront to another on a nice day. It doesn’t take too long and it’s a great way to experience the city.

Shihad loves this place because it’s such an awesome venue to rock. We are classically Kiwi in that whenever we are recording a new album we drink flat whites to get the vibe happening. And once all the music is made, there’s nothing better than rocking out the tunes at the Wellington Town Hall.