WellingtonSee & Do
Two people play Super Mario racing arcade game machines in Holey Moley, the mini golf course and bar at Willis Lane located in the Central Business District of Wellington.

Things to do when you want to have fun

If you want to have a fun day or night out in Wellington there are plenty of options in the city. Why not think outside the box and try something different.

Looking straight down the middle of the arcade with pinball machines on either side. Multiple neon lights and blinking lights from the machines. There are several people playing arcade games, some of whom are blurred in mid movement.
The interior of Counter Culture, a boardgame café and bar located on Victoria Street in Te Aro, Wellington.
The interior of Holey Moley, the mini golf course and bar in Willis Lane, located at 1 Willis Street in Wellington. A person puts on a course with mannequin arms fixed to the felt floor reaching upward as an obstacle around the whole.
The interior of Escape Mate, an escape room located in Wellington Central. The room has colourful accent lighting and futuristic-space-themed decor.
Two people prepare to throw axes at wooden targets at Sweet Axe Throwing. Metal fences line the throwing area.
Four young people at the beginning of a golf hole celebrating a shot. One has their putter held above their head while the others are looking on in excitement. In the foreground there is a pretend large red lizard head looking on.
Looking straight down the middle of the arcade with pinball machines on either side. Multiple neon lights and blinking lights from the machines. There are several people playing arcade games, some of whom are blurred in mid movement.

Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe

18A Bond Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Plunge the ball, flip the flipper, and aim for the high score. Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe is a classic pinball arcade complete with blinking lights and crazy music. Established in 2018, the arcade offers a selection of 22 pinball machines. You and your friends can spend ages immersed in movie and cartoon-themed worlds. Try your hand at Elvira’s House Of Horrors, Ghostbusters, Fish Tales, or Weird Al’s Museum of Natural Hilarity. The arcade is also licensed so the over-18s can grab a beer in between games.

Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe
The interior of Counter Culture, a boardgame café and bar located on Victoria Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

Counter Culture

211 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Coffee, beer, food, and board games — what a combination. Counter Culture mixes classic hearty eats with good ole’ board game fun. You can select something to play from the 1,200 games onsite. There is literally something to please everyone including strategy, wordplay, classics, and the latest crazes.  Grab some friends, order a burger or quesadilla, select a game (it could take a while), and sit down for some fun and games. 

Counter Culture
The interior of Holey Moley, the mini golf course and bar in Willis Lane, located at 1 Willis Street in Wellington. A person puts on a course with mannequin arms fixed to the felt floor reaching upward as an obstacle around the whole.

Willis Lane

1 Willis Street, Wellington

Beneath the road on Willis Street lies a subterranean wonderland. Willis Lane offers a multitude of entertainment options.  There’s mini golf, a 10-pin bowling alley, and dozens of arcade games. The huge entertainment hub hums with life throughout the day and night. There are licensed bars, restaurants, and quality fast food options lining a ‘street’ with New York-style vaulted brick archways. Visit for coffee, lunch with workmates, evening drink, or games night.

Willis Lane
The interior of Escape Mate, an escape room located in Wellington Central. The room has colourful accent lighting and futuristic-space-themed decor.

Escape Mate

12 Johnston Street, Wellington

Wellington’s original escape room offers an immersive gaming experience for all ages. Your powers of deduction will be put to the test as you and your group solve high-tech puzzles and untangle mysteries. An Escape Mate host will guide you through one of three themed escape rooms. You could save the world from an alien invasion, discover the dark secrets of Atlantis, or take on the wrath of the gods in an ancient temple. Get your brain into gear for a fun night out.

Escape Mate
Two people prepare to throw axes at wooden targets at Sweet Axe Throwing. Metal fences line the throwing area.

Sweet Axe Wellington

60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington

For the sharpest fun in town head to Sweet Axe. Throwing an axe is an exhilarating experience that prioritises form over force. Once you get some guidance from Sweet Axe’s friendly axe-perts your technique will take you far. The safe and supportive space is sure to develop some untapped throwing skills. Open to all skill levels 12 years and up.

Sweet Axe Wellington
Four young people at the beginning of a golf hole celebrating a shot. One has their putter held above their head while the others are looking on in excitement. In the foreground there is a pretend large red lizard head looking on.

WellyPutt

5 Wigan Street, Te Aro, Wellington

WellyPutt has created a quirky mini golf experience for all ages.  The 16 holes are inspired by the culture and scenery of Wellington and New Zealand. The indoor venue offers interactive challenges and moving obstacles. All the mechanical sets, design work, and art are handmade. WellyPutt is an all-ages activity for players eight years and over. It’s the ideal place to celebrate family events, birthdays, or a get-together with friends. There’s also a bar providing low and non-alcoholic refreshments for your team.

WellyPutt

Looking for more?

View of Courtenay place from Dirty Little Secret rooftop bar.

Get a taste of Courtenay Place

A hotspot for all things fun and entertainment, there’s plenty to tempt your tastebuds on one of Wellington’s buzziest streets — Courtenay Place.

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.

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.

The exterior of Roxy Cinema.

Wellington’s boutique cinemas

The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.

A person walks through an immersive art installation at the Whirinaki Whare Taonga, an arts centre in Upper Hutt Central. The space is illuminated in pink light from a flower-patterned floor and has a wavy, reflective ceiling.

Family activities in the Hutt Valley

The Hutt Valley is a giant playground for families to explore. There’s everything from magical scenic reserves to art galleries and thrilling adventures. There’s plenty of fun on offer for kids and adults alike.

Two customers clink their wine glasses and enjoy their food at Graze Wine bar.

Wine not? A full-bodied list of Wellington wine bars

Part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wellington is the perfect place to sample a local drop (or two). The city’s wine bars offer tasty food, a relaxing ambience, and, of course, an impressive selection from the cellar. Natural or biodynamic? Local, or from further afield? Take your pick at these wine bars around Wellington.

A person chats with friends over coffee and pastries at Floriditas.

Wellington city brunch: Start your morning sunny side up

Wellington is a city that takes its mid-morning meal seriously. Whether you’re in the mood for eggs just the way you like them, a vegan feast, or a sweet treat, you’ll find a meal to suit your cravings. Cosy up in a casual café, or get your crew together to debrief on the week. Here’s where to get brunch in Wellington.

Three people sit around a table covered in foot plates at Charley Noble. They are clinking wine glasses.

Spoilt for choice — your list of special occasion spots

Got something to celebrate? Or just feeling fancy? Wellington restaurants know how to make you feel special. Try out these top-tier places for your next big occasion — whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or just a Wednesday.

A parent taking of a photo of their child posing in the Well_ngton sign on the waterfront.

Getting around Wellington — your guide to seeing the city

When you’re in Wellington the world around you always has something to look at. In and around the city there are many modes of transport where you can slow down and take in a view. Get around with the options below.

Two people enjoying food and wine at Kisa, a Mediterranean restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro, Wellington.

From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinner

If the way to your date’s heart is through their stomach, Wellington has plenty of options to keep them happy.