Independent listening in Wellington

Slow Boat Records has been selling vinyl and CDs old and new on Cuba Street since 1985. The capital’s oldest independent record store, it’s a haven for music lovers near and far. It’s easy to spend a few hours flicking through the racks, digging out old favourites and discovering new ones. In the decades since opening it has welcomed several celebrity clients. It also hosts intimate in-store performances from local and international acts. 

Established in 1981, Flying Nun is an independent record label. It’s known for promoting the ‘Dunedin Sound’ — characterised by indistinct lyrics, droning guitars and lots of reverberation. This musical movement is said to have been at the forefront of the global indie music scene. Many well-known New Zealand bands are associated with the label.

Its store in Cuba Street stocks Flying Nun vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and merchandise. It also holds a selection of music from other record labels plus new releases and music books. The curated selection leans toward alternative and specialist music genres, such as indie, post-punk, krautrock, electronic, and ambient.

It’s little, it’s pink, and it’s right in the centre of the city-fringe suburb of Newtown. Creeps Record Parlour is a snug space packed full of quirky and curious music things.

You’re in for a treat when browsing the racks, with over 10,000 vinyl records in store. On top of records, there are CDs, cassettes, and VHS tapes. The shelves also contain retro games, toys, and plenty of kitsch items. Creeps Record Parlour try to cover all music tastes — from the latest vinyl releases to classics and obscure local artists. If you have records to sell, the team is regularly buying stock. There is also a good selection of paraphernalia to preserve your expanding vinyl collection.

If music on wheels is music to your ears, then you need to seek out Herb’s Mobile Record Store. Owner Ben James has loaded his music collection into a 2004 Mitsubishi Canter truck. The blue and green paint job and mural on one side make the truck hard to miss as it travels around the region.

Ben parks up in neighbourhood streets, sets up a speaker, and creates a vibe. The 16 square metres of space inside the truck holds 2,000 new and used vinyl records plus a selection of CDs and cassettes — all for sale. There’s also a collection of t-shirts, stickers, and toys all designed in-house. Keep an eye on Herb’s website to see where he will be cruising to next.

This small record store is packed with a huge stock of rare and interesting vinyl. Its speciality: secondhand New Zealand and Japanese vinyl pressings.

This is a proper old-school record store. You’ll find used singles, brand-new records, and dozens of CDs and cassette tapes. There’s also a large collection of music-related merchandise to choose from. The owner has a huge back catalogue of music knowledge and can help with obscure record requests. 

One of Wellington’s favourite venues, San Fran has been part of New Zealand’s music history since the 1960s. It has become a cultural hub for Wellingtonians and visitors with its eclectic mix of gigs. With a capacity for 500 and great acoustics, San Fran creates an amazing atmosphere for listening to live bands and solo artists. You’re likely to hear established local acts and the of the best up-and-coming international bands. Some legendary evenings include visits from The Breeders, Stereolab, Ween, Courtney Barnett, and The Beths. 

Since being established in 2008, Meow has become a staple of the New Zealand live touring circuit. With a capacity of over 300, Meow creates an intimate atmosphere for bands to play in. It’s not just a live music venue though. The programme allows for a diverse range of acts including stand-up comedy nights and poetry slams. Tucked away in an inner-city alleyway in between high-rises, Meow is a hidden gem. With a schedule packed with great local and international acts, it’s well worth seeking out.