Vogue’s 15 Must Visit Spots in Wellington

Vogue has presented a list of 15 spots to have a perfect day in the “coolest little city in the world: Wellington, New Zealand”

“New Zealand’s capital city is no longer just a sleepy layover town where you catch the ferry across the Cook Strait.

“Nestled around Wellington Harbor on the southern end of the North Island, “Welly”, as it is affectionately known, has in recent years become a locavore’s dream, with budding coffee, food, and cocktail scenes to rival that other hipster capital (Portland, Oregon).”

Vogue’s guide has a list of the 15 spots you absolutely must see.

Starting with Wellington Harbour, which you “couldn’t miss”, but no visit is complete without a walk along the waterfront.

Vogue recommends people stay at the Museum Art Hotel, “a luxury boutique hotel that houses a large collection of contemporary art from New Zealand. The lobby is a cozy place to read the paper or check your email. We don’t suggest a morning cocktail, but keep in mind that bartenders will mix up something delicious for day’s end.”

They also recommend visiting the curiosity shop, Brown & Co. at the hotel’s ground level to pick up a souvenir.

For museums and galleries, Vogue recommend Te Papa for history of New Zealand and Maori Culture, the City Gallery for local artist exhibits, or the Peter McLeavey Gallery run by the long-time dealer of contemporary New Zealand Art.

Vogue also recommends three cafes, Hangar in Te Aro, Loretta on Cuba Street and Prefab Café, all a leisurely stroll apart.

“Wellington is wonderfully walkable, and often more efficiently travelled on foot than by taxi or bus.”

For an alternative to coffee, they suggest Six Barrel Soda and order an old-fashioned artisan sarsaparilla.

Good as Gold is an “absolute must-stop” as “the Southern Hemisphere’s answer to Opening Ceremony”.

For dinner, Ortega Fish Shack: “You’ll be drawn in by their marine-blue paint, eclectic art, and a rainbow of tiles on the floor, but it’s dishes like the smoked mussels and blue-moki chowder with crayfish oil (and a side of chips) that will stick with you.”

Matterhorn and The Library are equally recommended for a sweet treat and a nightcap after dinner.

View the complete list on Vogue.com.

Original story reported by Lizzie Garrett Mettler, Vogue, September 15, 2014

Photo credit: Lizzie Garrett Mettler