Travel trade toolkit

Iconic Wellington dining experiences

A foodie paradise, Wellington has plenty of high-quality places to eat. If you’re looking for some of the most iconic, quintessential ‘Wellington’ hospitality experiences, then add these must-do spots to your list.

The interior of Bellamys, a restaurant in the Beehive building in Pipitea, Wellington, has green velvet seating and various paintings on the wall by Rita Angus.

Bellamys

There’s nowhere in New Zealand quite like Bellamys. Found on the third floor of the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament, otherwise known as The Beehive, the location is unique to Wellington. Bellamys is open for lunch and dinner, offering a high-quality but approachable version of fine dining.

Logan Brown

In a heritage-listed former bank on Cuba Street, Logan Brown is an icon of the city’s hospitality scene. The fine-dining restaurant has been open for 20 years, with a menu that focuses on excellent technique and quality ingredients.

4 customers enjoy their food and drinks at Hillside Kitchen.

Hillside

Seasonal vegetables are used in innovative ways to delicious effect at this purely plant-based fine-dining restaurant. Don’t let the meat-free menu put you off — Hillside has won awards for its multi-course offering and focus on sustainability.

Burger Liquor

A Kiwi take on an American burger bar, this casual restaurant brings a sense of fun to both the menu and the atmosphere. The Smokey is a menu classic and Burger Liquor’s most well-known burger, having served almost 200,000 of them.

Waiter setting a table inside Ortega Fish Shack. A large Marlin is mounted on one wall and a very large painting of a lake is on the other.

Ortega Fish Shack

Ortega is Wellington’s favourite seafood restaurant. The food is upmarket, while the atmosphere is relaxed. The ceviche is a local favourite, and, despite being a seafood restaurant, so are the steak frites.

Garage Project

Wellington has a reputation as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. A proudly local craft beer brewery, Garage Project remains in the petrol station where it started (and inspired its namesake) in Aro Valley. Head into the brew HQ to see the product being made, or pop across the road to the taproom, 91 Aro, to sample a drop.

Inside Puffin wine bar on Ghuznee Street in Te Aro, Wellington. Round velvet booths line the walls of exposed concrete. There are patrons enjoying drinks in the dimly lit space.

Puffin

Hidden away under The Intrepid Hotel, Puffin is a stylish, relaxed wine bar. The wine list changes weekly and heavily features organic, biodynamic, and minimal intervention wines. Low lighting and thoughtful decor make it the perfect place for a nightcap.

L’affare

Visit the café and coffee roastery that was a pioneer of Wellington’s celebrated and world-famous coffee culture. The all-day menu offers classic café and brunch favourites and strong coffee. You can even try one of Wellington’s favourite baked goods: cheese scones.

Inside Scopa, an Italian pizzeria on Cuba Street in Te Aro, Wellington. The dimly lit space has copper tiles and modern decor.

Scopa

Owned and run by a pair of brothers, Scopa is a beloved local Italian restaurant and pizzeria on iconic Cuba Street. All pizzas are made in wood-fired ovens, with fresh high-quality toppings on light crunchy bases. For many locals, Scopa is famous for its hot chocolate. They’re so thick you can eat them with a spoon.

Karaka Café

Karaka is a Māori and Pacifica-owned café open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Found on the waterfront on the edge of the lagoon, it’s great for summer coffee or drinks. The menu combines the flavours of local Indigenous cuisine with modern café fare.

Looking for more?

Close up of meals served at Geat India, with vibrant colours.

Asian restaurants for FITs and groups

Find information about a range of Asian restaurants in Wellington including their address, phone number, and website.

Waiter serving meals to a table inside Great India Restaurant.

Halal visitor guide

Information about accommodation, restaurants and more for halal visitors while in Wellington.

Waiter setting a table inside Ortega Fish Shack. A large Marlin is mounted on one wall and a very large painting of a lake is on the other.

Restaurant suggestions for groups

Looking for a restaurant suitable for a group? Wellington has a number of dining options that can cater to your client’s needs.

A helicopter flying over the Wellington Harbour with the city centre visible in the background.

Transport and accommodation product updates

Find out what transport and accommodation has changed for the 2024/2025 tourism trade season.

Two children and two adults are in a Māori exhibition in Te Papa Museum in Wellington admiring the woodwork that's displayed.

City break itinerary: Two to three nights in Wellington

With plenty to see and do, Wellington is an excellent place for a city break. The city is compact, so your clients can fly in and explore without needing a car, and with a wide range of accommodation options, you will be able to find the perfect spot to meet their needs.

View of Wellington Cable Car and Wellington city from the Kelburn Lookout.

Self-drive itinerary: Two to three nights in Wellington

Let your self-drive clients see the best of Wellington with two nights in the central city and one night in Kāpiti Coast or the Wairarapa region. With a wide range of accommodation options, you will be able to find the perfect spot to meet your client’s needs.

The view of Wellington city from Mount Victoria at sunset.

Introducing Wellington

Wellington is a compact city with a compelling mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, making it the perfect addition to your client’s New Zealand itinerary.

People walking down Cuba Street, past the Bucket Fountain, an iconic kinetic sculpture.

Travel trade training videos

Join us on a virtual tour of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. These videos are perfect for travel sellers wanting to learn about the vibrant art, food and nature experiences their clients can immerse themselves in.

A young family stop along a gravel path to admire a bird flying through the lush green trees of Zealandia.

Activity and experience updates

Find out what activities and experiences have changed for the 2024/25 tourism trade season.

A team member from Isite helps a customer look at a map of Wellington, and they share a laugh.

How we can help

Our Tourism Trade team works with a range of local tourism businesses. We can help you understand visitor markets and connect with travel sellers.

Boats are moored on the Wellington waterfront. Te Papa is in the background.

Wellington blurbs for tourism

Here is text about Wellington that you can freely use for your brochures or websites.

Three people cycle through a vineyard on a sunny day.

Top tips for travel sellers

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re promoting or selling Wellington as a visitor destination.

A family walks up steps away from the Castlepoint lighthouse with plants surrounding and sun shining behind them.

New Zealand tourism industry information and resources

There are several key players that make up the New Zealand tourism industry. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Tourism Team at WellingtonNZ.

Let’s talk

Our Tourism Team is on hand to help you promote and sell Wellington to your clients, start or develop a tourism business or bring a new tourism experience to Wellington.

Two electric bikes from Switched On Bikes sitting on the Wellington waterfront, with two people sitting nearby enjoying the view of the city.

Sustainable tourism programme

WellingtonNZ is working with Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) to ensure sustainability is top of mind for Wellington’s tourism businesses.