Where to Go for a Drink in Wellington
Part of any city life means going to a bar or two, right? In New Zealand’s capital city, you can find a contrast of bars along Courtenay Place. There are places for a posh drink, a quiet Irish pint, or a boogie to cheesy music. Find some of the best bars in Wellington right here on this listicle!
For more tips, check out our Guide to Wellington Nightlife. Plus, remember that New Zealand is very strict on only serving alcohol to those with valid ID. Find out more in What ID is Valid for Buying Alcohol in New Zealand? And don’t forget to have a place to stay at the end of the night by checking out The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
On a final note, drink responsibly: many backpackers find themselves going on a ferry to the South Island the next morning with a raging hangover.
1. Mishmosh
Mishmosh is not hard to miss. It is on the corner of Courtenay Place and Allen Street with its lit-up sign at night. A great place for cocktails, burger and beer deals, and a real city vibe.
Location: Courtenay Place
© Mishmosh2. The Residence
Find the local Wellington crowd here. There is a wide selection of beers on tap to even please the fussiest of drinkers. You’ll often find some good food and drink deals to start you off on a big night out in Wellington!
Location: Courtenay Place
© Pexels3. The Bangalore Polo Club
For your classier nights out in Wellington. Sports fans will also love The Bangalore Polo Club to catch the latest game of rugby and cricket. Find out more about watching sports in New Zealand in The Best Places to Watch Rugby in New Zealand.
Location: Courtenay Place
© Bangalore Polo Club4. Electric Avenue
… and the not-so-classy nights out. Get drunk to all the cheesy hits from the 80s and 90s in this guilty pleasure of a bar in Wellington. It’s also a good place to go if you are wanting something cheap and cheerful to go with your 14 Free or Cheap Things to do in Wellington.
Location: Courtenay Place
© ranjan pandey on Flickr5. D4 on Featherston
Ah yes, the token Irish bar of the city. However, D4 on Featherston likes to do things more subtly focusing more on New Zealand craft beer. (Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get a pint of Guinness though). See here for more about craft beer in New Zealand.
Location: Featherston Street
© D4 on FeatherstonLooking for More Things to Do in Wellington?
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
