Wellington, New Zealand, the perfect weekend getaway for foodies
THERE’S a reason Lonely Planet dubbed Wellington the “coolest little capital in the world”. And just a three-hour plane trip away, it’s within easy striking distance for Melburnians, Jack Paynter writes.
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From runway to runway it’s just over three hours.
If it wasn’t for waiting around at airports I’d be across the ditch quicker than I could drive out of Victoria — perfect for a weekend getaway.
New Zealand’s “coolest little capital in the world”, as described by Lonely Planet, is much like Melbourne. The city’s relaxed atmosphere and harbourside vibe offers an environment for coffee and craft beer to thrive.
With a bubbling entertainment precinct, a foodie culture and vibrant art scene, Wellington has a little bit for everyone’s tastes.
When people think of New Zealand wines perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is the Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
But about an hour train trip northeast of Wellington I discovered the Wairarapa region, home to some of the finest wines the Kiwis have to offer.
Martinborough in particular, has more than 20 boutique wineries within a stone’s throw of each other.
When you arrive go and see Stuart at Green Jersey who will sort you out with a hire bike, the best way to get around the cellar doors of Poppies, Pallister, Ata Rangi, Schubert — just to name a few.
Lance at Cambridge Road vineyard has even tried his hand at craft brewing.
In nearby Greytown, restored Victorian buildings house a range of shops, cafes and restaurants, including The White Swan — a former railway building cut into six in 2002, transported over a mountain range and put back together as a pub.
I also popped in to see Murray at Schoc Chocolates, renowned for his lime chilli flavoured concoction.
Back in Wellington, a stroll along Cuba St uncovers the city’s culinary and creative soul — all within walking distance.
At the southern end of Cuba St is Heyday brewery where you can watch the beer ferment while you taste the product.
A good way to see the sights is with a Zest Food Walking Tour as your experienced guide will take you around the trendiest coffee shops, food stores, art galleries and street art murals and Hannahs Laneway, an old shoe factory now home to chocolate factory, bakery, pizza shop and peanut butter store.
Sunday’s Harbourside Market on the waterfront offers a colourful array of produce and some of the city’s finest foods, a great conclusion to a relaxing weekend of wining and dining in the New Zealand capital.
The writer was a guest of Wellington Tourism.
Stay: Park Hotel Lamberton Quay, 101 The Terrace, Wellington. pH: +64 4260 5000
Play: Green Jersey Cycle Tours, 16 Kitchener St, Martinborough. pH: +64 2724 53489
Eat: The Larder, Cnr Darlington and Camperdown roads, Miramar. pH: +64 4891 0354
Drink: Heyday Beer Co, 264 Cuba St, Wellington. pH: +64 2044 39329