WellingtonNZ.com, New Zealand

KNOW What's happening

• Congratulations to Matterhorn! Not only did they win the NZ Bar of the Year (for the third year in a row), they have also just won the Supreme Award and Best Casual Dining - Metropolitain, at the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year 2008 Awards! If you haven't yet visited this fine establishment there's no excuse - you won't be disappointed.

 

• Check out the glamorous shoes at Maher, the new shoe shop on Willis Street. They've got beautiful shoes for both men and women that are bound to turn heads.

 

• Find a beautiful new bag to match those shoes at Strandbags - the new store on Lambton Quay (next to Burger King). There are also lots of great opening specials!

 

• See the dark comedy, The Dentists' Chair as it returns after a sell-out season at the NZ International Arts Festival. It's on from 26 - 30 August at The Opera House.

 

• Enjoy a show of Wellington fashion and style at Be Gorgeous In The Zone Fashion Show on 29 August. Models on the catwalk include sporting personalities Piri Weepu, Cory Jane and more, all in support of the Wellington High Performance Netball Programme.

 

• Head down to Westpac Stadium for some afternoon rugby and support our Wellington Lions as they take on the Bay of Plenty Steamers in the Air NZ Cup on 30 August. Kick-off is at 2.35pm.

 

• Feast on an array of authentic Thai food at the newly opened Thai Chef's Restaurant on Blair Street. The exotic flavours will create a taste sensation that's bound to impress.

 

• If you're heading to the theatre, make sure to have a meal in style beforehand with the Express at The Grill. Indulge in any 2 courses for only $42.50 - including perfectly matched wine!

 

• Get your hands on the hottest boutique brands in cosmetics, skin care, hair care and body care (Nars, Stila, Khiels, etc) at Mecca Cosmetics - now open in Kirkcaldie and Stains!

 

• Have a laugh with Raybon Kan at his stand-up comedy show, Benefit of the Doubt at Blue Note Bar from 21-23 August. It's bound to have you in fits of laughter.

 

• Discover NZ's largest bar, The Temperance. It consists of four differently themed bars and nightclubs, all under the same roof. Entrances are on Blair Street and Cambridge Terrace.

 

• Taste fresh and authentic sushi and other Japanese meals at newly opened MI Sushi, on Manners Mall.

 

• See the surreal new installation - The Beautiful and the Damned by Joanna Langford at Michael Hirschfeld Gallery. It's a miniature cityscape constructed from recycled computer keyboards, lit by hundreds of LED lights. Opens tomorrow until 31 August.

  

• Check out the fantastic range of stylish clothing and accessories for women at Evolution - the new store on Customhouse Quay (previously NZ girl).

 

• Sip some fine cocktails and taste Mediterranean style tapas at the stylish new bar - Duke Carvell's Swan Lane Emporium in Swan Lane (next to Floriditas).

 

• See the largest ever collection of work by one of NZ's most best-loved artist, Rita Angus: Life and Vision. On now only at Te Papa.

  

• Love Wholly Bagels? Then you'll love Wholly Pizzas! The local bagel store is now making their very own pizzas - currently available only at the Thorndon store after 5pm.

 

• Trade Kitchen's new winter menu is under way - try the daily specials by Chef Ady Verbane and the delicious winter desserts including a warm Strawberry and Rhubarb pie.

 

• Taste delicious Asian-inspired soups, noodles and rice dishes at the new stylish Wagamama restaurant on the waterfront, in the Meridian Energy Building.

  

• Check out the new specialised book store, Minerva on upper Cuba Street. There's tons of books about textiles (knitting, patterns, etc), they also sell embroidery thread and have a gallery where textile related art is exhibited.

  

• See beautiful NZ made furniture and homeware at Staple - the new design and furniture store on the corner of Bond and Lombard streets.

 

• The famous Vault design store has a new home! It's now located at the bottom of Plimmer Steps, Lambton Quay.

 

• Check out the newly opened environmentally friendly cafe, Green Land on Molesworth street. It's made entirely of environmentally-sound and recycled materials - right down to the kitchen sink!

  

• Discover art from underground local artists at Manky Chops - the new gallery space on upper Cuba Street.

 

• Taste authentic mexican food at Viva Mexico in Left Bank Arcade, off Cuba Mall. It's a cozy cafe serving a range of delicious tacos and enchiladas at affordable prices.

 

• Have friends and family visiting soon? Or just want to see what else you can do in Wellington? Then head to the Wellington i-SITE Visitor Centre on the corner of Victoria and Wakefield Street. It's a one-stop shop for information and free bookings of activities, transport, accommodation.

   

• Spend a winter's afternoon in a grand way at James Cook Hotel's High Tea. Nibble on a delicious range of sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats with bottomless tea and coffee.

  

• Indulge in delicious cupcakes at newly opened cupcake store, Tempt in the Old Bank Arcade. They're small celebrations of food, flavour and beauty perfect for a special occasion.

  

• Keep our city clean and green by using the new bright green 'Love NZ' recycling bins specifically for drink bottles. The bins have just been installed around the city by the WCC..

 

• And don't forget - you can always find a car park with Weekend Parking for those in the KNOW.