The little city with a big heart sits at New Zealand’s southernmost point on the North Island and is becoming a hot destination for all the lovers out there.
With breath-taking views, secluded spots, over 55 art galleries and plenty of romantic restaurants for wining and dining, Wellington is the perfect place to woo your special someone.
The creative energy, culture, history, nature and cuisine makes it a city where couples can both relax and enjoy life, but also explore and discover all of Wellington’s special destinations.
Eat and drink
A romantic dinner in Wellington wouldn’t be complete without seafood. With seasonal, local produce and using the freshest ingredients, Whitebait provides a loved-up dining experience with an amazing interior and spectacular views across the city’s pristine waterfront. The elegant bistro serves Wellington’s best fruits of the sea including diamond clams, rock oysters, delicious scampi, octopus, prawns, and crab, as well as alpine salmon and juicy muscles. To top it off, Whitebait even makes its own sourdough!
After the ultimate foodie feast, hitting it up at one of the best rooftop bars in Wellington is a must. The funky bar on the roof, that is Arborist Rooftop Bar, is the perfect place to go for happy hour to enjoy a brew with a sweeping view above the city. Frozen cocktails are the specialty here, as well as a wide range of beers, wines, top-shelf spirits and boutique sodas so all your drinking needs are covered.
Explore
There’s nothing more romantic than taking a long walk on the beach at sunset with your other half. In Wellington, you can do this at Oriental Bay, but New Zealand likes to make things more interesting and even more beautiful! Driving or walking up to Mt Victoria Lookout and watching the sun go down with a ready-made picnic makes for the ultimate ‘wow’ moment. The stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour is something that you and your partner won’t forget.
Wellington is nestled between two world-class wine regions – Wairarapa, a one-hour drive from the city centre, and Marlborough, a 20-minute flight or three-hour ferry ride. A Martinborough wine region gourmet wine tour is the easiest way to experience local wineries and taste fine New Zealand wines and gourmet food all in one day!
Shop
The Wellington Underground Markets are a fun and exciting shopping experience as there is always something interesting to buy and eat! It’s an experience within itself, especially as the capital is famous for its many markets across town. Every Saturday morning you can find arts, crafts and artisan food products from local artists, designers and small business owners for you to enjoy.
On the other hand, Wakefield Street caters to the more traditional shopping experience and is home to high-end shops, eateries, galleries and specialist food stores. This is a great place for couples to shop, while she trots off to The Service Depot, a fashion boutique that stocks the best of New Zealand’s up and coming designers, and the beautiful Karen Walker store, he can shop till he drops at Man to Man, home to all things Hugo Boss!
Stay
It’s always nice to stay somewhere special on a couple’s retreat and the QT Museum Wellington is a luxurious and trendy place to consider. This colourful and extravagant hotel will make you feel like you’re in Alice in Wonderland. The explosion of colour and texture is a unique expression of art and design within the city centre and the cool luxury, high-tech, sophisticated space is also home to one of the best restaurants and cocktail bars in town! Hippopotamus restaurant is a must-see and eat if you stay here, just look at the photos, seriously!
Park Hotel is situated in the heart of Wellington’s CBD, nestled between the bustling Terrace and Midland Park. The hotel has spectacular views of the city and has everything you need for a fun couple’s getaway. The boutique hotel is also fit with Sterling Woodfire Eatery & Bar, renowned for their seasonal menu showcasing local produce and flavours, and is designed around a glorious wood-fire oven the perfect treat for your taste buds after exploring Wellington!
