Joe S.'s
Great Date Spots
- 120MatterhornTe AroIf you’re looking for ambience, great food and great drinks look no further. The outdoor courtyard provides an excellent setting for a more relaxed date, while the indoor setting definitely allows for a more intimate feel. Knowledgeable and attentive staff provide you great service and the ability to make some extremely great cocktails helps a lot as well. An excellent choice for those with a little more in the pocket or those who have been together for a while looking for a excellent date night.
- 219Golding's Free DiveWellington CentralGoldings Free Dive is fresh from winning ‘best local establishment’ at the annual Capital awards. Less a dive bar, more craft beer bar, it’s also smoke free for those who care about such things. The staff here are extremely knowledgeable within the beers they stock, pizza comes freshly supplied from Pizza Pomodoro, which is just across the lane. Its relatively small, and cozy, which makes it great for going out for a drink, especially if you both love beer (or just you do) with a supply of all the other usual ingredients expected in a bar, it makes for a great little date spot, with enough going on around you to keep conversation going.
- 320Wellington Botanic GardensKelburnOn the cheaper but more thoughtful side of things, a great spot is the botanical gardens. You can pack a picnic with all the artisanal goods available around Wellington and catch the cable car up to the Botanical Gardens. An excellent date idea for those that seek a more meaningful activity compared to going to an establishment. However if you do decide that picnic is a good idea, its always advisable to have a back up plan, as the weather here isn’t always our most reliable and caring friend.
- 415Ortega Fish Shack and BarMount VictoriaAnother excellent eatery in Wellington is Ortega fish shack. One of wellingtons finest restaurants with an excellent menu alongside a well thought out wine and beer list. Not exactly the cheapest place around, this makes an excellent choice for a meaningful date for relationships both new and old. The superb food and relaxed setting provide an Ideal ambience for a fantastic date night.
- 510If you want to do something more adventurous for your date you can go on trip up to Zealandia. Just under 2km from the city center, you end up at Wellingtons eco sanctuary park. An excellent day activity to plan with a variety of walks into some excellent flora and fauna, with some of New Zealands most endangered native species existing and flourishing within the sanctuary. A great adventure and learning activity as well for a date. Definitely advisable if your partner has a love of the outdoors and native wildlife.
Joe S.'s
Best For DIY
- 11Pettengell DesignWellington CentralA little unknown in Wellington, Matthew Pettengell is just getting started on designing and building some wickedly cool bits of furniture. Check back at his website in a little while once its completed it’s redevelopment, but for now you’ll have to trust me. One of pieces on commission and some stock products all proudly locally designed and made. If you have some ideas about building bit s of specific furniture then getting in contact is a must.
- 22Trash PalacePoriruaA little drive out from wellington towards Porirua and you end up at Trash Palace. This is the place to go if you are looking for cheap pieces to up-cycle or to breakdown and reuse in a variety of ways. It has nearly everything! It’s a must go if you are on a shoestring budget, aside from that you should go anyway, there are always gems on offer here! And with some work you can do magical things with a limited spend. And every dollar you spend has the added bonus of helping out Mana Recovery Trust, a not for profit entity which aims to help those with mental health issues rehabilitate and gain vocational training.
- 31Common GoodsWellington CentralSo you have a home renovation idea, or you just want to renovate something. Or you have an idea about doing a business redesign or fit-out. You should definitely get in touch with Commongoods aka Matt Smith and some others. They can provide you with a complete design/build if you ask, though he has limited housing experience his shop fit outs are fantastic, check out his work at Monterey/Six Barrel Soda/Garage Project for an idea of style and then get in touch. Matt’s great dude who will provide some excellent ideas and craftsmanship.
- 41In terms of tradesmen, my knowledge is limited with the housing sector, but if you are looking for a job extremely well done, with extreme attention to detail, then you should call up these guys, local family run company based in the Hutt, specializing in home renovations. You will not be disappointed with the work ethic and craftsmanship available. It will be dollars well spent, as they have a long history of excellent jobs!
- 52The General StoreWellington CentralAt 81Aro Street, across the road almost from Garage Projects brewing HQ is the General Store. For things slightly off kilter from what you find in your average furniture stores stock, they have a supply of things that always look wonderful for furnishing your home. A must visit, whilst not supplying building material it can help stoke ideas and provide items for décor. Also note the pieces of furniture done by Norwegian Wood, a local crafter inside of Aro that is up to all sorts of tasks if you ask him.
Joe S.'s
Sunday Brunch
- 14LorettaWellington CentralI’ve been waiting for all the hype around this place to die down, so that maybe there are not so many people in Lorettas all the time. But it shows no signs of waning, mainly cause the menu is on point, seasonal and well put together. Their menu uses only the freshest produce, and not one person will be unaccounted for. From the classic eggs and bacon to more fanciful dishes, it all sounds mouth wateringly awesome! Highly advised brunching, I feel like this is probably the peoples favourite currently, but you should go and taste all the food for yourself and make up your own mind on this…
- 232OliveTe AroIf the weathers good Olive is the place to be. The wait on food is never unreasonable, and you do get to sit in Wellington’s best outdoor area. It’s got excellent service, and the food is seasonal and on point, I’m yet to receive an over poached egg with my order at Olive. If the weather doesn’t allow seating outside, try get into the second room with banquette. I’m a fan of simple brunches so I usually get the eggs ‘your style’ on sourdough, though if you have a sweet craving the maple infused french toast with blueberry compote.
- 333This place wins on a Sunday in a big way, you can sit out in the sunshine, on the street or hideaway in the alcove area while still being outdoors if it’s a bit windy. It’s conveniently placed for your stop of before or after the markets or your Moore Wilsons shop. The food is superb; the dukes dawn here comes in both meat and non meat editions, both of which are awesome and highly recommended, especially if you’ve maybe had a few too many the day previous. The build your own breakfast here is easily laid out and a personal favourite starting at $6 for the eggs on toast.
- 445Sweet Mother's KitchenTe AroDown the Mt. Victoria end of Courtney Place is Sweet Mothers Kitchen, a New Orleans fashioned restaurant with southern style cooking. Brunch here goes all day on a Sunday, so its an excellent choice if you are a late riser. I’m a big fan of the eggsadilla which is essentially a large breakfast burrito, also on the highly rated menu are the waffles with fried chicken, top shelf hangover food for those who are in need, also good anytime for those who are fans of well, fried chicken!
- 58Neo Cafe & EateryTe AroWith a facelift a while ago, this once kind of odd looking place became an excellent little café. With a slick clean aesthetic, good service and a simple but excellent menu. Coming in highly recommended, the pancakes with banana, a sure fire winner with excellent stacking in form of spaced banana in-between pancakes winning votes. The big breakfast here is also pretty tasty, at $20 its relatively well priced and is especially good for those who into black pudding, cause that’s totally on this dish alongside all the regulars.
Joe S.'s
Best Long Lunch Spots
- 133Sitting just of the middle of Cuba Street, just beyond Cuba mall, lies Duke Carvels; an almost unassuming façade easily opens up into its true European culinary heritage and design aesthetic. With a slightly sophisticated demeanor, you feel right at home, no matter the length of your stay. The service is fantastic, which in my eyes is one of the most important attributes in what makes a good long lunch. Also the food is always great, serving a variety of plates and also an excellent value set menu on offer, my pick for a place to go to for a long lunch. The place to sit if you intend to be there a while is in the sheltered outside area, tucked into a corner by yourself or whoever you are having lunch with, a guaranteed good time.
- 232OliveTe AroOlive is just up the road from Dukes, it boasts an impressive array of dining areas, with the best outdoor area in Wellington, full of greenery and charm. This is definitely a restaurant you can have long relaxing stay in. The lunch menu is a simple but delicious affair, with enough variety to suit everyone without overcomplicating any decision. Service here is as always superb, with friendly attentive staff ready to help. Go in and take one of the tables out the back, hide away from the world and all its distractions and you will not be disappointed.
- 324Nikau CafeWellington CentralInside City Gallery lies this wonderful cafe, with a seasonally changing menu with local produce. This place is definitely one of the top long lunch spots, either starting with the breakfast or lunch menu, you can find yourself spending a long time here. Another place with highly attentive and skilled staff members, you can easily spend a long time over lunch here. Or better yet, simply go and wander the always great and thought provoking exhibits and installations in the gallery before or after your lunch to make a whole afternoon of it. Highly advised dining.
- 45Charley NobleWellington CentralSituated in the Huddart Parker building in Post Office Square, Charley Noble brings a definitive fine dining experience, open for morning tea through lunch. What make Charley Noble a desirable long lunch destination is not only the superb menu, but also the level of service, you are never waiting long with highly attentive service. Because of this, you find yourself able to relax into whatever activities you intend to partake in your lunch period, whether it be catching up with a friend or business orientated conversations.
- 53Smith The GrocerWellington CentralTucked in the Old Bank Arcade is Smiths the Grocer, this place is ideal for either a long or quick stay. Specialising in comfort food from local sourced food, suitable for speed and long stays, you can take yourself out of the main cafe area and down a few stairs and find yourself in a comfortable environment away from the bustle. A highly advisable stop for food that is homely and well made, with the ability to just sit down and hide away.
Joe S.'s
Best Campgrounds
- 13Kaitoke Regional ParkPakuratahiProbably the largest campsite on this list, and definitely the most viewed. Kaitoke Regional Park is at the base of the Rimutaka hills, spread over large flat grassy areas, there is definitely no shortage of space for your camping crew. Kaitoke boasts a formidable amount of native wildlife and fauna, more inclined with the original vegetation of the Akatarawa area. The activities available range from rafting, to walks and tramps for all ages, or just relaxing within the confines of the campground. The campground is probably most well known for its role as Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings and you can access the filming site though no physical remnants of the filming remain. Definitely my pick of this bunch purely due to its locality to both the Wairarapa over the Rimutakas and into Wellington, alongside the tremendously beautiful natural surrounding you find yourself in. Prices per night 18 & up - $6 5-17 - $3 Under 5yrs free
- 22Otaki Forks CampgroundOtaki ForksSituated at the western entrance to the Tararua Forest Park just over an hours drive outside of Wellington is the Otaki Forks campsite. Surrounded by river terraces and bush, with access to the Otaki river gorge, alongside a large variety of walks for all experience levels, you will be able to lose yourself in a place far removed from the hustle of city life. At only $6 a night for adults $3 for those aged 5-17 and free for under 5 it makes for a wonderful place to visit especially if your inclined towards tramping and walks in nature. Prices per night 18 & up - $6 5-17 - $3 Under 5yrs free
- 31Catchpool Valley CampsiteWainuiomataOut the back of Wellington, 12km past Wainuiomata is the Catchpool Valley campsite. Camp next to a stream and involve yourself in the nature that surrounds you. Placed at the entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park, which by chance happens to have some of the best mountain bike trails available in the Wellington region if that’s your thing. With a multitude of walks available and large array of native birds and fauna, this campground is definitely worth taking a trip to. With full facilities available (that means hot showers) and the large array of activities that cater to all ages and fitness levels you can fully explore some New Zealand’s finest bush and maybe even see a Kiwi if your really lucky. Prices per night 18 & up - $10 5-17 - $5 Under 5yrs free
- 41Matiu/Somes Island CampsiteWellington CentralTravel out to Maitu/Somes Island, in the middle of Wellington Harbour, and discover a fascinating getaway. The campsite on Maitu/Somes Island is surrounded by historical buildings, one of which now provides the basic campsite facilities that are available. Completely powered by renewable energy, take one of the guided walks, or even volunteer to help out in the various projects available and take in Wellington from the completely different point of view. Take note that only 12 people are allowed on site at one point in time so booking ahead is advised. Prices per night 18 & up - $10 5-17 - $5 Under 5yrs free
- 51Kapiti Holiday ResortParaparaumu BeachEverything else listed in here are in parks or reserves, which provide grounds and some facilities. But if that isn’t your style and you prefer some home comforts while you ‘camp’ the Kapiti Holiday Resort could be right up your alley, with a shower and toilet for every campsite. Just across the road from Paraparamu beach and only a 45-50 minute drive from Wellington. Natural beauty is in abundance on the beach and an easy walk down to the marine parade, which has all the usual suspects (café, restaurants and other boutique businesses) offers all the modern luxuries. Family friendly with playgrounds and even a skate park close by, wireless is even available for those who can’t keep away from the net. Prices per night 15& up - $20 5-14 - $10 Under 5yrs free