10 Things to Do in Wellington for Foodies

1. Join a Culinary Tour of the City

Embark on a mouthwatering journey through Wellington’s vibrant food scene with Kaewa Tours Ltd. Their exclusive “A Taste of Wellington” tour offers a personalised experience like no other. For seven hours, you’ll have your very own dedicated Driver/Guide and ‘Memory Creator’ to escort you through the culinary delights of Leed Street and beyond.

This private tour takes you to some of Wellington’s finest foodie hotspots. You’ll savour artisanal treats at Small Batch, explore aromatic blends at Ripe Coffee Roasters, and indulge your sweet tooth at the Wellington Chocolate Factory. The journey continues with authentic Italian flavours at La Bella Italia, heavenly desserts at Zelati Dessert Cafe, and craft brews at Fortune Favours Beer.

With no mixed groups, this tour ensures an intimate and tailored experience for food enthusiasts seeking to uncover Wellington’s gastronomic treasures.

© Zest Food Tours

2. 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 15 Breweries & Craft Beer Bars in Wellington.

Alternatively, join a craft beer tour with Zozo Travel and Capital Personalised Tours. If beer isn’t your thing, check out more bars such as cocktail bars and nightclubs in the Guide to Wellington Nightlife.

© WellingtonNZ

3. 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 drive and winery-hopping excursion with WineInsights and the half-day small-group winery tour with Zozo Travel.

Learn more about the vineyards in 10 Exquisite Vineyards & Wineries in Martinborough.

© Don Benny Vergara

4. Do the Wellington Chocolate Factory Tour

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Wellington Chocolate Factory, where you can join their most popular experience and learn the art of craft bean-to-bar chocolate making. This interactive tour lets you create three unique chocolate bars of your own!

Under the guidance of expert chocolatiers, you’ll explore the fascinating world of chocolate production and choose from a variety of locally-sourced ingredients to craft your own flavours.

Whether you prefer milk or dark chocolate, the ethically sourced base blends support cocoa growers and the planet. Vegans, rejoice – this experience caters to you too!

Your chocolate adventure includes crafting three personalised bars to take home, a complimentary hot chocolate, an educational talk about the factory and chocolate-making process, chocolate tastings and a 20% discount on in-store purchases. It’s a chocoholic’s dream come true!

© WellingtonNZ

5. 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.

Explore the Capital Market on Willis Street for a variety of international food vendors in a lively 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.

© Ella MacDiarmid - WellingtonNZ

6. 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.

© Pexels

7. 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 Café on the waterfront, which serves hangi-style food with a modern twist.

Finally, make sure you try some classic New Zealand savoury pies at eateries like Caffee L’affare, Clareville Bakery and Midnight Espresso.

© Celeste Fontein - WellingtonNZ

8. 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.

© Ryan Domenico - WellingtonNZ

9. 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

10. Embark on Wellington’s Asian Walking Food Odyssey

Discover Wellington’s vibrant Asian food scene on the “Asian Walking Food Odyssey” by Food and Spice Odyssey. This sensory-rich journey takes you through five to six tasting stops, sampling a variety of dishes, including Vietnamese bánh mì, dumplings, Korean snacks and Malaysian curries.

But it’s more than just a gastronomic adventure; it’s a cultural immersion woven with stories of local artisans and migrant communities that have shaped Wellington’s diverse food identity.

With small groups of up to eight people, you’ll gain insider knowledge and discover off-the-beaten-path gems you might miss on your own.

© Phoebe Mackenzie - WellingtonNZ