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What’s Wellington known for?
Wellington pulsates with an energy unmatched by any other city in the country. Renowned for its scenic waterfront promenade, the city blends natural beauty and urban sophistication. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, Wellington boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with theatres, art galleries, and a thriving music and film industry that has earned it the nickname "Wellywood."
What’s more, food lovers will revel in Wellington's reputation as the culinary capital of New Zealand. Whether you’re looking for a morning brew or an evening bite, the city's streets are dotted with artisanal coffee shops, cafes, and stand-out eateries (more on the best restaurants in Wellington soon, we promise.)
What’s the best way to explore Wellington?
To truly embrace the spirit of Wellington, there's no better way than hitting the road in a maui campervan. A campervan journey allows you to curate your New Zealand itinerary to suit your needs, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the Wellington culinary, cultural, or natural gems on your list. Whether you're keen to explore the city's renowned Asian restaurants in Wellington, or you're on the hunt for the newest culinary trends hitting the city at the new restaurants in Wellington, travelling in a campervan ensures you have the luxury of time and freedom of movement.
Plus, choosing the right maui camper rental is easy with a variety of campers available for hire, from boutique campervans ideal for romantic getaways to family-sized motorhomes equipped for a gourmet adventure, every traveller can find their perfect match. Discover the joy of waking up to a new view every day, be it the bustling cityscape or the serene Wellington waterfront, and enjoy meals prepared in your mobile kitchen or dine out at some of the top restaurants Wellington has to offer.
For tips on making the most of your campervan adventure in Wellington and beyond, consider taking a look at our top guides below:
A Foodies Guide to Wellington
Prepare your taste buds as we dive into the heart of Wellington's cafe and fine dining scene, showcasing the unique flavours and culinary craftsmanship that make Wellington a must-visit destination for foodies.
Image: Kate Scherer
1. Brunch & Coffee in Wellington
Wellington's brunch scene is as diverse as it is delicious, boasting an array of spots that serve everything from classic Kiwi breakfasts to international delights. Coffee lovers will also feel at home here, with the city's renowned coffee culture offering the perfect blend of beans, baristas, and bespoke cafes. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in Wellington for a morning brew or bite to eat.
Flight Coffee Hangar
Nestled in the heart of Wellington, Flight Coffee Hangar is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability. A standout dish that captures the essence of Wellington's culinary innovation is the “Hangar Hotcake.” This dish, a twist on the classic pancakes, features house-made hotcakes served with perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon and Canadian maple syrup.
What makes this restaurant special is not just its food but its dedication to serving ethically sourced coffee roasted to perfection. For those exploring Wellington in a motorhome hire NZ, parking is conveniently available at the Airport Way S Parking car park, just a short walk from the cafe, making it an easy stop on your New Zealand road trip.
Prefab
Prefab offers an expansive space with a unique blend of exceptional service, in-house baked goods, and a community-focused atmosphere. Its standout dish, the “ACME Granola,” is a testament to Prefab's commitment to quality and simplicity. Served with fresh, seasonal fruits, maple syrup, and Greek yogurt, this granola is a must-try when visiting this restaurant in Wellington. For camper rental travellers, the nearby car park on Tory Street offers ample space, ensuring that your visit is hassle-free.
Fidel’s Cafe
Fidel’s Cafe, a cornerstone of Wellington's vibrant Cuba Street, encapsulates the city's spirit with its eclectic menu and quirky decor. The standout dish here is the “Cuban Burrito”, a hearty and flavorful tortilla filled with black beans, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar topped with crispy jalapenos, pico de gallo and smoked chipotle sour cream. Parking for your motorhome can be found at the Marion Street car park, a convenient spot to explore the best restaurants Wellington CBD has to offer.
Loretta
Loretta, another top restaurant on Wellington’s famed Cuba Street, offers a rustic yet refined dining experience focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The standout dish is hands-down the “Broken Venison Sausage Pizza”, topped with nduja, stringy mozzarella, and gremolata. Loretta's minimalist decor and open kitchen design invite diners into a warm, welcoming space. For those on a New Zealand road trip, the nearby Marion Street car park offers several campervan parking options.
Fred’s Sandwiches
Fred’s Sandwiches is a hidden gem that has quickly become a favourite among Wellingtonians for its innovative and delicious sandwiches. The standout dish, the “Mushroom Sandwich”, is a masterpiece of flavours, combining truffle mushrooms with gruyere, parmesan, onion and sage jam on Wellington sourdough and toasted to oozy-cheesy perfection. What sets Fred’s apart is its dedication to crafting each sandwich with care and using the best local ingredients. Campervan travellers will find convenient parking along Wakefield Street, allowing easy access to Fred’s and the other top restaurants in Wellington CBD.
Squirrel
Squirrel is a charming and cozy spot known for its creative dishes and warm atmosphere. A standout dish for brunch is the “Sourdough Crumpets” topped with a berry compote, fluffy whipped cream, and drizzled in local New Zealand honey. Squirrel's commitment to providing a welcoming space for all, paired with its delicious menu options, makes it a must-visit when exploring the best restaurants in Wellington. For motorhome travellers, the CarePark on Tory Street offers easy nearby parking, making Squirrel an easy addition to any New Zealand itinerary.
2. Dinner in Wellington
Looking to explore the best restaurants in Wellington at night? In this section, we'll guide you through some of Wellington's finest dinner spots, from cozy pizzerias to elegant seafood restaurants, where the quality of food and the ambience speak volumes. Prepare to indulge in some of the best restaurants Wellington has to offer, each bringing its own unique flair and flavour to your dining experience.
Scopa Pizzeria
Scopa Pizzeria is a beloved Wellington institution famous for its cozy atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. The standout dish, the “Formaggi Pizza”, is a cheese lover's dream, featuring a heavenly blend of mozzarella, blue cheese, provolone, and sweet onion, all atop a crispy, thin crust. What sets Scopa apart is not just its mouth-watering pizzas but its dedication to creating a warm, family-friendly environment.
The restaurant's use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and commitment to traditional Italian cooking techniques make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Wellington's dining scene. For those travelling in a campervan, the CarePark on Tory Street offers convenient parking just a short walk away.
1154 Pastaria
1154 Pastaria stands as a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine, offering a menu that's either “Pasta” or “Not Pasta” (how can you go wrong?) The standout dish here is the “Fusilli Alla Vodka”, perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's approach, with al dente fusilli tossed in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce, topped with sweet garlic and chilli and a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
For campervan diners, the CarePark on Tory Street is conveniently located nearby, offering an easy parking solution in the heart of Wellington's culinary district. This spot also specialises in to-go and delivery, so is a great option for ordering take-out from restaurants in Wellington CBD.
Ortega Fish Shack
Ortega Fish Shack offers a dining experience that's as unique as Wellington itself. Specialising in seafood, the restaurant's menu is a testament to New Zealand's rich marine bounty. The standout dish from their à la carte menu is the “Brined and Seared Octopus”, served with cabbage and almond cream on a bed of crispy rice and drizzled with a black bean dressing.
Ortega Fish Shack's intimate setting, adorned with nautical decor, creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that complements its exquisite dishes. For those exploring Wellington by campervan, the CarePark on Tory Street offers nearby parking options, allowing easy access to one of the top restaurants in Wellington, celebrated for its commitment to quality and sustainability.
Charley Noble Eatery and Bar
Charley Noble Eatery and Bar is renowned for its wood-fired cooking techniques, which impart a unique flavour to every dish. A standout dish, the “Wood-Fired Rotisserie New Zealand Pork Belly”, is a testament to Charley Noble's culinary excellence. Served with a side of seasonal fennel salad, apricot agrodolce and a rich, savoury Moscatel jus, this dish highlights the quality of New Zealand's game and the chefs' skill. For those travelling by campervan, the Te Papa Car Park on Cable Street offers convenient parking close to the restaurant, making it easy to enjoy one of the waterfront restaurants Wellington is famous for.
Kisa
Kisa is making waves in Wellington's dining scene with its fusion of Middle Eastern and European cuisines. The standout dish, “Lamb Shoulder”, perfectly encapsulates Kisa's innovative approach to food. Slow-cooked to perfection and served with a side of spiced laffa beards, mango amba, and toum, this dish offers a symphony of flavours that are the perfect balance between comforting and exotic. The restaurant's chic, contemporary decor and warm hospitality add to its charm. For campervan diners, the Te Papa Car Park on Cable Street is the closest nearby parking option.
Chow
Chow offers a fresh take on Asian cuisine with a menu ranging from classic potstickers and bao buns to rich jungle curries. A standout dish that captures the essence of Chow's menu is the “Smoky Red Duck Curry”. This hearty, coconut-based soup comes with sticky sesame and garlic-marinated roast duck, cherry tomatoes, bamboo and green beans.
Chow's commitment to providing a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options makes it a favourite among those seeking plant-based dining options. For those exploring the city in a campervan, the Tory Street Car Park is conveniently located nearby, providing easy access to Chow.
Where to stay in Wellington
Discovering Wellington's foodie scene (not to mention all the other attractions) is an adventure that will likely span from dawn to dusk. So, having a comfortable, convenient place to stay is an integral step when planning your New Zealand itinerary. For those traversing the city in a campervan, Wellington offers plenty of great holiday parks that are perfectly suited to campervan travel. These bases not only provide a place to rest but also position you perfectly to explore the best food spots Wellington has to offer. Here are a few of our top recommendations of places to stay in Wellington while exploring the best restaurants in Wellington.
Image: Gerhard Strahammer
Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park is located just a short drive from the city centre and offers the perfect balance between urban accessibility and a serene retreat. With facilities including powered sites for campervans, laundry amenities, BBQ areas and communal kitchens, it's an ideal spot for food lovers who love to cook as much as they love to dine out. Plus, the park's proximity to local markets allows guests to easily source fresh ingredients for cooking a feast in your campervan.
Cuba Street Motorhome Park
Cuba Street Motorhome Park provides a unique urban camping experience in the heart of Wellington's vibrant cultural and culinary district. This motorhome park stands out for its central location, giving travellers immediate access to the eclectic Cuba Street, renowned for hosting some of the best restaurants in Wellington (including cafes and bars.) The park's facilities are tailored for the urban explorer, with secure parking for campervans and essential services to ensure a comfortable stay. Staying at Cuba Street Motorhome Park means you're never more than a few steps away from the best restaurants in Wellington, whether it's a morning coffee at a trendy cafe or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants in Wellington.
Eat your way around Wellington with maui
There you have it – the best restaurants in Wellington to add to your New Zealand itinerary. From the artisanal cafes and brunch spots of the city to the exquisite dining experiences at night, Wellington is a playground for the palate.
Booking your maui motorhome is the first step towards an unforgettable foodie adventure in Wellington. With convenient pick-up locations across New Zealand, you can easily start your journey and explore Wellington's vibrant food scene at your own pace. Whether indulging in the city's famed coffee culture, exploring the diverse range of dinner options, or cooking up your own feast with local NZ ingredients, a maui motorhome offers the freedom and flexibility to savor every moment on a foodie adventure through Wellington.