Puffin wine bar: Wellington's hidden gem

Puffin prides itself on an extensive list of organic, biodynamic, and minimal intervention wines. This, paired with a chic interior, makes it an ideal spot to decompress and catch up with friends. With boutique accommodation at The Intrepid Hotel above, this hidden Ghuznee Street watering hole exudes personality.

Inside Wellington’s Puffin Wine Bar. It has exposed brick walls illuminated by bright pink light, a taxidermied peacock, and round booth seating.

Four people sit at a round table in the lobby of the Intrepid Hotel on Ghuznee Street in Wellington. The room has red lighting, taxidermy birds and dry flowers as decoration and wood-paneled walls.

A person wearing a white shirt sits at a booth table drinking a glass of wine at Puffin Wine Bar in Wellington.

Inside Puffin Wine Bar in Wellington. The space has concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and low lighting. The tables and booths are filled with people enjoying a drink.

Brushed concrete floors, emerald-green velvet booths, brass fittings, and chandeliers are all part of the Puffin experience. Taxidermied animals perch on shelves around the bar — yes, one of them is a puffin. Despite the glamour, it’s a comfortable space for a casual drink, and a chance to discover new wines.

The by-the-glass wine list changes weekly. According to owner Hannah Wells, this is because of the huge array of quality wines available. “We want to bring people wines they may not have tasted before. Wines that come from thoughtful winemakers from New Zealand and the rest of the world.”

House cocktails include negroni, martini, and an amaretto sour. There’s a range of New Zealand beers, from Hastings’ Brave Brewing to Warkworth’s 8 Wired. Wellington’s Parrotdog also makes an appearance. For something a little different, there are fortified wines, including Agnese Vermouth and Niepoort Ports, from Portugal. Wash it all down with some small, salty, umami-rich snacks. Puffin provides a selection of locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and other small dishes.

Two glasses of wine and a bowl of olives are on the stainless steel bar at Puffn Wine Bar in Wellington.

Puffin’s focus on organic and biodynamic wines comes from Hannah’s experience working at another Wellington bar. She cut her teeth curating short lists of interesting wines. Visits to wine bars and festivals overseas also inspired her. “At the time, these bars had lists that focused on smaller producers, organic and biodynamic practices, and small plates of food that went with the wine.” The bars were filled with an energy that was all about sharing the love of wine and food with people. Hannah wanted to build a space that supported and celebrated that ethos.

This principle extends to the Puffin Wine Shop at the entrance of the building. It focuses heavily on New Zealand producers with a nod to some quality international makers as well. Just like the bar, there are some classics interlaced with exciting discoveries. If you can’t stop in at the bar, grab a bottle from the shop to take up to your hotel room or home.

A moody and dark hotel room inside The Intrepid Hotel on Ghuznee Street. A beige brick wall is surrounded by rustic accents and a double bed.

Have a laidback, luxurious stay

Wellington is a great place to treat yourself. Throughout the region, these hotels and hosted stays offer beautiful and immersive experiences that are distinctly Wellington.

Two people converse over a glass of wine in the corner booth at Puffin wine bar, a natural wine and cocktail bar in Te Aro, Wellington.

Hidden bars of Wellington (and how to find them)

Up a flight of winding stairs or down a laneway, these are Wellington’s best-kept secret bars.

Graze Wine Bar

Nestled in Kelburn village, Graze is a sustainably focused wine bar that’s sure to become your new local.

Inside Rosella restaurant and bar. The large window on the ground floor lets in plenty of light with seats lining a narrow bench along the window.

Rosella Wine Bar

With a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa, this Mount Victoria charmer is a quality dinner choice.

Plonk

Standing one block back from Wellington Harbour, Plonk provides an oasis of breezy sophistication to counter the busy road outside.

Four colourful cocktails lined up on the counter at Crumpet, a bar located on Manners Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

Mix it up at Wellington’s cocktail bars

Shaken or stirred, the capital’s bartenders know how to make a mean cocktail. Revisit a classic, or ask for something made specially for you. These cocktail bars have a tipple or two to tempt your tastebuds.