Food Activities in Wellington
If you like to experience a city through its flavours, then you’re in luck! Wellington is a city that not only have a superb array of eateries, but hands-on foodie experiences to take your visit to the next level. Join winery-hopping tours, city centre artisanal food tours, visit vibrant markets, try craft beer and much more! We’ll go through some of your best options, in our humble opinion, in this list of things to do in Wellington for foodies!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Foodie Guide to Wellington and 10 Best Accommodation in Wellington for Foodies.
1. Join a Culinary Walking Tour of the City
Get orientated to foodie scene of Wellington with Zest Food Tours. Their Capital Tastes Walking Tour is a half-day tour taking you to visit a number of local artisans, including a coffee roaster, a gelateria, peanut butter producer and a chocolatier. The tour gives you exclusive access to boutique food factories that you would otherwise not get, as well as expert advice from your guide for making restaurant plans for the rest of your stay. For more information on Zest Food Tours, check out their listings on Viator and Tripadvisor.
© Zest Food Tours2. Check Out the Local Craft Beer Breweries and Brewbars
By the time foodies travelling the country reach Wellington, they probably know about the passionate craft brewery scene in New Zealand. Wellington is certainly an amazing place to experience true “hoppiness” with brew bars and breweries found all over the city and surrounding region. Fork Brewing has an in-house brewery on Bond Street, while Garage Project on Aro Street is a popular brew bar to taste beers from the brewery located on the same street. Head on your own brewery mission by locating all of the 14 Breweries & Craft Beer Bars in Wellington. Alternatively, join a craft beer tour with Zozo Travel (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Tranzit Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor). If beer isn’t your thing, check out more bars such as cocktail bars and nightclubs in the Guide to Wellington Nightlife.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Take a Tour to the Wairarapa Wine Region
As much as Wellington likes its beer, it also loves its wine. Explore the neighbouring wine-making region of the Wairarapa, specialising in varietals like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and more. There are plenty of day tours to the wine region departing from the city, such as the scenic train journey and winery-hopping excursion with Tranzit Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and the half-day small-group winery tour with Zozo Travel (on Viator and Tripadvisor). Learn more about the vineyards in 10 Exquisite Vineyards & Wineries in Martinborough.
© Dominic Lockyer on Flickr4. Do the Wellington Chocolate Factory Tour
Ever wondered how a cacao bean is turned into chocolate? Well, wonder no more, because the Wellington Chocolate Factory is running tours on Saturdays! Learn how freshly-roasted cacao beans are transformed into artisan chocolates on this chocolate factory tour, which, of course, includes tastings! Public tours run on Saturdays at 10.30am, 1.30am and 3pm and private tours are also available by booking.
© Unsplash5. Try Out the Local Street Eats
Food trucks, pop-up food stands and more make up the Wellington street food scene. Try some of Wellington’s cuisine without breaking the bank, for instance, pick up a mouthwatering waffle for under NZ$10 from the Little Waffle Shop on Courtenay Place. Delve into The Capital Market on Willis Street for international food vendors in a vibrant food court. For a hearty lunch, head to Fidel’s Cafe on Cuba Street for its NZ$10 lunch box. Check out more recommendations in Cheap Eats in Wellington.
© Pexels6. Indulge at Wellington’s Fine Dining Restaurants
For the foodie seeking luxury, book a table at one of the city’s fine dining establishments. One of the most renowned eateries in town is Logan Brown. Set in a historic banking chamber on the iconic Cuba Street, Logan Brown has an ever-changing creative menu that appeals to even the fussiest eater. Alternatively, check out Jano Bistro on Willis Street. The homely ambience is amplified by the historic cottage setting. The bistro offers set menus of Kiwi cuisine with a French twist. See more recommendations in our 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wellington.
© Pexels7. Try Kiwi or Maori-style Food
Although Wellington is a city of international cuisine, we know that most foodies want to try something “local”. Try the iconic Kiwi dish, fish & chips, at the Wellington Seamarket on Cuba Street, The Mt. Vic Chippery on Majoribanks Street or Huckle & Co. in Seatoun. For Maori-style cuisine, check out the Karaka Cafe on the waterfront, which serves hangi-style food with a modern twist. Hiakai on Wallace Street has a more fine dining approach to Maori cuisine. Finally, make sure you try some classic New Zealand savoury pies at eateries like Caffee L’affare, Clareville Bakery and Midnight Espresso.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Browse Wellington’s Markets
More street food experiences and local artisan goodies can be found at Wellington’s markets. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays come alive with street food vendors and market stalls! Check out the Asian-style night market on Cuba Street every Friday and Saturday night. Pick up some souvenirs at the indoor Wellington Underground Market at Frank Kitts Park on a Saturday. And after a visit to the Te Papa Museum, check out the City Market and Harbourside Market next door on Sundays.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Hit One of Wellington’s Foodie Events
Wellington hosts one of the country’s largest food events of the year, Wellington on a Plate. The annual food festival is a month-long celebration of all things food and involves more than 100 restaurants across the region. Check out events like burger battles, cocktail contests and check out the pop-up eateries across the city. Another event worth being in the region for is Toast Martinborough in November. The weekend in the wine-making region of the Wairarapa is where more than 20 wineries come together to share current and past vintage wines. See more events in New Zealand Events Calendar: What’s Going On?
© Pexels
