Wellington Nights
‘I love going out and doing new things.’ – Bo Jackson.
I’ve
lived in Wellington for about seven months now. I’m not going to lie, as much
as I love this city, it is small and I am rapidly running out of the usual
touristy things that fill time when you first arrive somewhere new. There are
still a few places I have left to see (people are often horrified when I admit
I’m yet to climb Mt Vic to admire the views), but on the whole, I’ve reached a
point where I have to start getting creative in the things I do and the places
I go to have fun.
lived in Wellington for about seven months now. I’m not going to lie, as much
as I love this city, it is small and I am rapidly running out of the usual
touristy things that fill time when you first arrive somewhere new. There are
still a few places I have left to see (people are often horrified when I admit
I’m yet to climb Mt Vic to admire the views), but on the whole, I’ve reached a
point where I have to start getting creative in the things I do and the places
I go to have fun.
Since I
work full time, my evenings are usually the time when I socialise and like to
get out and do things. Of course, I have Saturdays and Sundays free and I try
to make the most of them too, but in this particular post I would like to focus
more on evening activities than day time activities. It has become a frequent
complaint in the hostel where I live that Wellington at night is just a bit
rubbish, and I tend to agree when it comes to a Saturday night out on, say,
Courtenay Place.
work full time, my evenings are usually the time when I socialise and like to
get out and do things. Of course, I have Saturdays and Sundays free and I try
to make the most of them too, but in this particular post I would like to focus
more on evening activities than day time activities. It has become a frequent
complaint in the hostel where I live that Wellington at night is just a bit
rubbish, and I tend to agree when it comes to a Saturday night out on, say,
Courtenay Place.
Don’t get
me wrong – I like a drink as much as the next person, but to be honest,
Courtenay Place just does not really float my boat. It’s okay once in a while,
but every weekend is a bit much. Too crowded, too expensive, too samey. I’m
beginning to want to expand my horizons and go beyond Courtenay Place.
me wrong – I like a drink as much as the next person, but to be honest,
Courtenay Place just does not really float my boat. It’s okay once in a while,
but every weekend is a bit much. Too crowded, too expensive, too samey. I’m
beginning to want to expand my horizons and go beyond Courtenay Place.
I have to
disagree with the idea that all of Wellington at night is rubbish though. I love Wellington at night. I think it is when the city is most beautiful, with all
the lights twinkling and the reflections on the water. The streets are quieter
and I like exploring under the cover of darkness (no, I’m not a vampire) and
looking at the city in a different light, from a new perspective. I
particularly like wandering up Cuba Street and checking out the cool little
restaurants and cafes that serve all manner of exotic and interesting foods,
just begging to be sampled. Another favourite night time stroll is along the
waterfront, especially if it’s a wind-free night and the water is calm.
disagree with the idea that all of Wellington at night is rubbish though. I love Wellington at night. I think it is when the city is most beautiful, with all
the lights twinkling and the reflections on the water. The streets are quieter
and I like exploring under the cover of darkness (no, I’m not a vampire) and
looking at the city in a different light, from a new perspective. I
particularly like wandering up Cuba Street and checking out the cool little
restaurants and cafes that serve all manner of exotic and interesting foods,
just begging to be sampled. Another favourite night time stroll is along the
waterfront, especially if it’s a wind-free night and the water is calm.
Above: Circa Theatre at night, as seen from Te Papa entrance. Can you spot Jupiter shining away overhead?
So, I’ve
compiled a list of things that I would happily suggest to people who live in
Wellington, or who want to do something a bit beyond the usual touristy,
night-clubby scene. Most of the suggestions I make are quite cheap, or even
free, and I have tried to reflect my personal interests in the ideas I give to
you. Above all, I’ve steered well clear of Courtenay Place!!
compiled a list of things that I would happily suggest to people who live in
Wellington, or who want to do something a bit beyond the usual touristy,
night-clubby scene. Most of the suggestions I make are quite cheap, or even
free, and I have tried to reflect my personal interests in the ideas I give to
you. Above all, I’ve steered well clear of Courtenay Place!!
Monday
Although
I admittedly am still to do this myself, I think you could do a lot worse than
climbing Mt Vic at night time to view the sunset and the city lights twinkling below. I’ve
seen the city from other vantage points at night and it really is beautiful. I
think that with a group of mates, it could be a great way of experiencing the
city in a whole new way and I definitely want to do this myself in the near
future. You can either drive to the top or walk through the town belt bush to
reach the summit and you could take a picnic tea with you too. Why not take a
bottle of wine up with you to enjoy as well? During the summer, this is a great warm evening option, or during the winter wrap up warm and take a flask of soup or a
hot drink to sip whilst you admire the view.
I admittedly am still to do this myself, I think you could do a lot worse than
climbing Mt Vic at night time to view the sunset and the city lights twinkling below. I’ve
seen the city from other vantage points at night and it really is beautiful. I
think that with a group of mates, it could be a great way of experiencing the
city in a whole new way and I definitely want to do this myself in the near
future. You can either drive to the top or walk through the town belt bush to
reach the summit and you could take a picnic tea with you too. Why not take a
bottle of wine up with you to enjoy as well? During the summer, this is a great warm evening option, or during the winter wrap up warm and take a flask of soup or a
hot drink to sip whilst you admire the view.
Above: view from Mt Vic as the sun sets (Photo Credit: TripAdvisor)
Tuesday
Most of
the cinemas in the city do $10 deals on Tuesdays. Wellington is the home of the NZ film industry, so it seems fitting to grab a cheap seat and indulge in a
movie whilst you’re here. There are plenty of cinemas to choose from, including
many independent and smaller cinemas, such as the Penthouse in Brooklyn, the
Embassy on Kent Terrace and the Roxy in Miramar (currently showing all the old James
Bond films in the run up to the release of the new one!).
the cinemas in the city do $10 deals on Tuesdays. Wellington is the home of the NZ film industry, so it seems fitting to grab a cheap seat and indulge in a
movie whilst you’re here. There are plenty of cinemas to choose from, including
many independent and smaller cinemas, such as the Penthouse in Brooklyn, the
Embassy on Kent Terrace and the Roxy in Miramar (currently showing all the old James
Bond films in the run up to the release of the new one!).
Alternatively,
if it’s a clear night and you fancy trying something different, you could grab the cable car (runs until 10pm) up to the Botanic Garden and go check out the
Carter Observatory. The observatory is open until 9.30pm on Tuesday nights and
tickets include a planetarium show (different shows happen each hour, on the
hour) and access to the displays and the big telescopes, through which you can
spot planets and other interesting night sky views (I saw Saturn, rings and
all, when I went). You could then either catch the cable car back down to
Lambton Quay or walk back into the city, depending on how lazy you’re feeling!!
if it’s a clear night and you fancy trying something different, you could grab the cable car (runs until 10pm) up to the Botanic Garden and go check out the
Carter Observatory. The observatory is open until 9.30pm on Tuesday nights and
tickets include a planetarium show (different shows happen each hour, on the
hour) and access to the displays and the big telescopes, through which you can
spot planets and other interesting night sky views (I saw Saturn, rings and
all, when I went). You could then either catch the cable car back down to
Lambton Quay or walk back into the city, depending on how lazy you’re feeling!!
Above: Wellington Cable Car
Wednesday
By Wednesday, you probably fancy a night off cooking, so
why not check out some of the cheap meal deals that are popular (and all over
the place) in Wellington. My personal favourite for a Wednesday evening is the
$10 large pizza from Pomodoro Pizzeria, just off Cuba and Dixon Street. Only margarita
pizzas are offered in the deal, but trust me, you won’t want anything else –
the pizzas are incredible, large and definitely a steal. You know it’s good
when the Italians in the city make it their port of call for dinner…
why not check out some of the cheap meal deals that are popular (and all over
the place) in Wellington. My personal favourite for a Wednesday evening is the
$10 large pizza from Pomodoro Pizzeria, just off Cuba and Dixon Street. Only margarita
pizzas are offered in the deal, but trust me, you won’t want anything else –
the pizzas are incredible, large and definitely a steal. You know it’s good
when the Italians in the city make it their port of call for dinner…
Alternatively,
if you fancy something a bit meatier, why not check out the $7 steak deal at
Meow Meow on Edward Street, or try seeking out your own awesome meal deals on
Wednesday, or pretty much any night of the week!!
if you fancy something a bit meatier, why not check out the $7 steak deal at
Meow Meow on Edward Street, or try seeking out your own awesome meal deals on
Wednesday, or pretty much any night of the week!!
Above: Pomodoro pizza going in the stone oven (Photo Credit: In The Kitchen With)
Thursday
On Thursdays, Te Papa stays open later, which is great news
for those of you who work during the week and want to beat the weekend crowds,
especially if you want to catch the incredibly popular Gallipoli display which
is currently running. Although the display is there for three years, the museum
is experiencing some epic queues with tourists and locals alike trying to get
in to see the highly praised exhibition. But head there on a Thursday and it’s
quite likely you’ll breeze in without any problems.
for those of you who work during the week and want to beat the weekend crowds,
especially if you want to catch the incredibly popular Gallipoli display which
is currently running. Although the display is there for three years, the museum
is experiencing some epic queues with tourists and locals alike trying to get
in to see the highly praised exhibition. But head there on a Thursday and it’s
quite likely you’ll breeze in without any problems.
Te Papa
has many other permanent exhibitions too, and it’s definitely one of my
favourite places to go in the city, especially when it’s quieter in the
evening. Check out the Air New Zealand 75th anniversary exhibition (closing 26th July 2015, so hurry!) or
go and explore a Marae on Level 4 (two personal highlights).
has many other permanent exhibitions too, and it’s definitely one of my
favourite places to go in the city, especially when it’s quieter in the
evening. Check out the Air New Zealand 75th anniversary exhibition (closing 26th July 2015, so hurry!) or
go and explore a Marae on Level 4 (two personal highlights).
Above: a few images from the Gallipoli exhibition – models all created by Weta Workshop for Te Papa.
Friday
You can
do no worse on a Friday night than head to Cuba Street’s Night Market on the Left Bank for
supper ‘on the hoof’. You will be met with an almost bewildering array of
amazing food from around the world, including Moroccan, Mexican, German,
Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Egyptian and many others besides.
Be sure to check out the amazing dumplings from House of Dumplings and the $9 nachos from a
little Mexican stall near the back of the market – they’re so good! Then enjoy
your food whilst listening to live music as various artists take to the
makeshift stage in the centre of the market. The food is not too expensive at
any stall, but beware – if you’re anything like me you’ll have difficulty
choosing what food looks best and end up spending heaps on various dishes,
leaving the market an hour or so later absolutely stuffed to the gunnels!
do no worse on a Friday night than head to Cuba Street’s Night Market on the Left Bank for
supper ‘on the hoof’. You will be met with an almost bewildering array of
amazing food from around the world, including Moroccan, Mexican, German,
Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Egyptian and many others besides.
Be sure to check out the amazing dumplings from House of Dumplings and the $9 nachos from a
little Mexican stall near the back of the market – they’re so good! Then enjoy
your food whilst listening to live music as various artists take to the
makeshift stage in the centre of the market. The food is not too expensive at
any stall, but beware – if you’re anything like me you’ll have difficulty
choosing what food looks best and end up spending heaps on various dishes,
leaving the market an hour or so later absolutely stuffed to the gunnels!
Above: crowds at Friday night’s market on Cuba Street
Above: tasty nachos from the night market
Another
cool idea for a Friday night might be to check out Wellington Zoo’s sleepovers.
It costs $800 for 20 people, which seems expensive, but divide it down and it
works out at just $40 per person for the night, and that’s with a bit of supper
and breakfast included, as well as cool experiences with the animals. It’s definitely
something different and I imagine it would be a real laugh with a big group of
friends. Something to try next time it’s somebody’s birthday, perhaps? You can
sleepover at the zoo any evening of the week, but I suggest Friday as I imagine
people are unlikely to want to sleep over and then head to work the next
morning…
cool idea for a Friday night might be to check out Wellington Zoo’s sleepovers.
It costs $800 for 20 people, which seems expensive, but divide it down and it
works out at just $40 per person for the night, and that’s with a bit of supper
and breakfast included, as well as cool experiences with the animals. It’s definitely
something different and I imagine it would be a real laugh with a big group of
friends. Something to try next time it’s somebody’s birthday, perhaps? You can
sleepover at the zoo any evening of the week, but I suggest Friday as I imagine
people are unlikely to want to sleep over and then head to work the next
morning…
Saturday
There will be plenty of happy hours and drinks offers
available on a Saturday night, but in the spirit of steering clear of Courtenay
Place and trying somewhere different, I suggest checking out the $10 cocktails
at Dockside if you fancy a weekend drink or three. Dockside is located on the
waterfront – in the summer you can while away the evening hours in the sunshine
outside, watching the world go past. The cocktails are delicious – my personal
favourite is the Passion Fruit Mojito, although I’m also partial to a vodka
martini with a lemon twist, if I fancy something stronger! Alternatively, check
out Cuba Street for live music options and other drinks deals on a Saturday
night.
available on a Saturday night, but in the spirit of steering clear of Courtenay
Place and trying somewhere different, I suggest checking out the $10 cocktails
at Dockside if you fancy a weekend drink or three. Dockside is located on the
waterfront – in the summer you can while away the evening hours in the sunshine
outside, watching the world go past. The cocktails are delicious – my personal
favourite is the Passion Fruit Mojito, although I’m also partial to a vodka
martini with a lemon twist, if I fancy something stronger! Alternatively, check
out Cuba Street for live music options and other drinks deals on a Saturday
night.
Above: a Passion Fruit Mojito from Dockside
Sunday
Time
to recuperate from a heavy night (perhaps) or just get out and stretch your
legs after a lazy day. Maybe you had a big Sunday dinner and want to work some
of it off… My personal favourite night time activity is a stroll
along the waterfront. In the summer, you may be tempted to sit awhile and watch
the joggers and walkers go past, but in winter it’s also great, those twinkling
lights reflecting off the water and looking just beautiful. There’s the
waterfront artwork to check out and a nice stroll is a good way to round off
your weekend on a peaceful note and get you ready for the week ahead.
to recuperate from a heavy night (perhaps) or just get out and stretch your
legs after a lazy day. Maybe you had a big Sunday dinner and want to work some
of it off… My personal favourite night time activity is a stroll
along the waterfront. In the summer, you may be tempted to sit awhile and watch
the joggers and walkers go past, but in winter it’s also great, those twinkling
lights reflecting off the water and looking just beautiful. There’s the
waterfront artwork to check out and a nice stroll is a good way to round off
your weekend on a peaceful note and get you ready for the week ahead.
Of
course, some of these things are only available on the day I’ve put them (e.g.
Te Papa late opening on a Thursday) but you can obviously mix and match the
other activities to make your week perfect. There are also heaps more places
you can go and things you can do aside from my suggestions, and don’t forget
that Wellington Council is really proactive in advertising their seasonal
events like the food festival coming up in August or the ice skating rink that
is currently open near Te Papa. It well worth checking out the Absolutely Positively Wellington website to see what is going on when you visit!! Above
all, have fun, whatever you get up to. And remember, there are heaps more bars
and pubs available than those on Courtney Place – you just need to start
exploring a little further afield…
course, some of these things are only available on the day I’ve put them (e.g.
Te Papa late opening on a Thursday) but you can obviously mix and match the
other activities to make your week perfect. There are also heaps more places
you can go and things you can do aside from my suggestions, and don’t forget
that Wellington Council is really proactive in advertising their seasonal
events like the food festival coming up in August or the ice skating rink that
is currently open near Te Papa. It well worth checking out the Absolutely Positively Wellington website to see what is going on when you visit!! Above
all, have fun, whatever you get up to. And remember, there are heaps more bars
and pubs available than those on Courtney Place – you just need to start
exploring a little further afield…
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