I used to be really into writing monthly run downs of the things I’d loved doing/seeing/buying in and around Welly but Ive sort of got out of the habit! This was quite a lot of work and I have gotten lazy, but it was a good way of sharing bits and bobs from Wellington life, so I have decided to format the posts into seasons rather than months. This is my low down for what I have been loving during summer (and a bit of spring) in Wellington this year.
The best bit overall about this summer was definitely the weather. It was everything we could have hoped for; Warm, sunny days that went on and on. The weather has been memorable. I have also been away from Welly quite alot this summer, including my Christmas trip to Austrialia (see post HERE) and a trip home for family reasons (see post HERE). But in the time I have been around there have been some amazing times, including my road trip of NZ South Island (see post HERE) and an amazing weekend in Tora (see post about this HERE). Anyway, other stuff I have been doing/seeing/buying and liking is as follows:
Coastella
Coastella in Feb was my first NZ festival. It was a great intro to NZ festival vibez. Highlights of the day would probably be local songwriter Nadia Reid, who’s set unfortunately was cut short due to technical issues but she was allowed to come back on again at the end for the Black Seeds. The mood of the day was definitely very chilled and family, with loads of great local food vendors and these amazing fizzing smoking gin cocktails from The Roxy. The music would probably suit most tastes and people of all ages. I mean, don’t expect Glastonbury, but it was really a fun day! I am excited to see what happens next year.
Oh Natural
I am loving the new(ish) NZ online store Oh Natural. They describe themselves as Conscious Beauty and Lifestyle and they basically sell stuff for your home and your body that is chemical, cruelty and predominantly plastic free. I really suggest checking them out to see what is in your life you might be able to replace with something a little more ethical and cute. My favourite thing from here was the Lilybee beeswax food wrap which means I don’t have to use cling film any more when I take leftovers to work. They have loads of useful and environmentally friendly stuff like this so go and check it out. And they are NZ based, so a great company to support.
Rita Resteraunt
I had been wanting to go to Rita in Aro Valley for aaaaaages after walking buy one day and seeing how amazing it looked. I finally went with Lucas on Valentines Day and I’m not lying when I say this is my favourite restaurant I have been to in Wellington. It is small in size with a capacity of around 25 so I would advise booking if you want to go but this small size leads to a really lovely intimacy. The staff are so friendly and helpful and they will explain the nightly set menu to you with real knowledge and understanding of food.
The food is all locally sourced, seasonal produce that is curated into a set menu that is beautifully different but makes complete sense! The menu is always changing and is the same for everyone. I love this kind of dining because it means that the chefs are focused on creating something beautiful with the correct amount of sourcing rather than producing a vast menu where things go to waste.
We had a beautiful tomato gazpacho followed by Kapiti caught tuna with corn and followed by an amazing summer fruits tart. We also added some local oysters onto our order. It really was so amazing. Basically: you have to go. Look out for the groovy way the cutlery is presented: genius! Its also right next to Garage Project so you can have a beer after.
The food is $65 per head. Good value for such an amazing experience in my mind
The Tongariro Crossing
I finally did the Tongariro crossing this summer. I have been wanting to do it since moving to NZ and made it there in January. One thing anyone needs to know when thinking of doing this 19km volcanic walk in the vacinity of Taupo is that although it is beautiful it is hard and you must be prepared. Its like they say, no matter what the weather is like at the base, it can turn super quickly on the tops. We chose a not so great day to go up and there was some serious wind chill near the top. BUT it was still lovely and the turquiose lakes looked even more eerie and spectacular in the mist. It was super exhausting but I would recommend to everyone. Just make sure you are fit enough and have all the right gear!
Busters Woodfired Pizza
This one has been great over the summer. Heading down to Lyall bay, or any of the bays, and grabbing a Busters for dinner on the beach! All the wood-fired pizzas are made for you on the spot. They are named after Wellington suburbs and they are really really delicious. Busters, run out of a shipping container have made many summer nights easy and yummy. Also, Parrot Dog Brewery is next door, so its a perfect combo!
Seresin Estate Wine + New Zealand Cellar Brixton
This one is kind of not from Summer in Wellington but I thought I would include it because its relevant to people in Welly. When I was back in the UK I went to my old haunts of Brixton to a wine tasting at the NZ Wine Cellar at Pop Brixton. If anyone is in or visiting London, I would really recommend checking this place out. They have an super amazing selection of NZ Wines and are doing a lot to promote the industry in the UK. I have been following them on facebook for a while and was so happy when my brother suggested going down to try the Seresin wines at one of their free tasting sessions.
It was great, I learnt so much including that 94% of NZ wines are produced sustainably which makes them the most successful at this in the world. Nice one. Also, Seresin wine was yum. Highly recommend trying their Rachel Pinot Noir, found everywhere in NZ. They were also serving Seresin at the Kowtow store opening a few nights ago – they are in all the good places!
Beach Knickers
Ever since a friend recommended this brand to me I have been obsessed with it. Designed by young NZ chick Rose Ackland somewhere up north. Its super girlie and floaty and pretty and I want everything from their website. They originally started making super cute little vintage inspired underwear/beachwear sets and its developed from there. Its like Brigitte Bardot in the french countryside, if you get me. The clothing is all quality cottons and high end fabrics and NZ made of course. Lots is sold out at the moment but I’m so excited for the new collection which i believe will be launching soon. On this train of thought, there are so many lovely NZ independent fashion brands; I think I will write a post about my favourite ones soon – watch out for that 🙂
Pause Yoga – Days Bay
Pause Yoga studio is absolutely amazing! Unfortunately it can be my everyday studio because it is over in Days Bay and I dont have a car but I went for a class as I wanted so badly to visit and it lived up to my expectations. It is set overlooking the harbour surrounded by green and lush native trees. You really feel like you are in the middle of a really natural and beautiful setting. I took a class with owner Cathy, who is extremely enthusiastic and the class was perfect. She also burns beautiful Ecoya candles during class so the whole place smells amazing. Basically, even if you don’t live over that side of Wellington, it is well worth heading over for a class or two just for the joy of it. Check them out here: Pause Yoga
Jacinda Ardern
I can’t really talk about this summer in NZ without mentioning the new Prime Minister, Jacinda, She’s 37, she’s’ pregnant and she’s running the country. Its pretty great I reckon. I love her no shit taken approach, I love her climate focused policies and I love that she is breaking the mould. I don’t really know a whole lot about politics but I know a positive progressive move when I see one. The rest of the world could learn a lot from lil old NZ. (see my old post about how New Zealand might be the most progressive country in the world)
Thats all I’ve got for now! A few random things that I have loved this summer. I’m sure there are more, but I am not very good at recording and writing things like this down, so I forget. Please comment below and let me know if you have read this or what you think. It means so so much to hear from you!
Thanks for reading guys and come back soon.
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For more from my summer check out these posts:
Memory of Greentops: A Photo Shoot @ Tora
My 5 Favorite Coffee Shops in Wellington
NZ South Island Road Trip Itinerary
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