Wellington, New Zealand: The perfect place for your next girl’s weekend

THERE’S nothing better than a long weekend away with the girls, and no better place to spend it than in this affordable spot.

Where you should spend your next girl’s weekend

IF the first thing that jumps to mind when you think of New Zealand or Wellington is extreme sports, adventure, The Hobbit or The Lord Of The Rings, it’s OK — you’re forgiven.

But after a long weekend spent in the culture capital, I am very pleased to report that Wellington is home to much more.

It feels a bit like a mini-Melbourne where the cafes, restaurants and vintage shopping are the perfect ingredients for a successful weekend away. Everything in Wellington is also within walking distance, the scenery is impeccable, the flight is only three hours from Sydney and the Aussie dollar goes a long way.

Keen to check it out? Here’s how you can ace a long weekend in NZ:

ARRIVE AT NIGHT

Knock off work early on Friday and try to arrive just in time for Wellington’s Night Market. The food is tasty, cheap and diverse, and the shops around the market are open until 7pm, so you can have a wander with a full and happy belly.

You’ll probably be tired from travelling, so check out Wellington’s delightful Light House cinema for a low-key night out. Located just around the corner from the Night Market, Light House shows a range of independent and blockbuster films, and with two-seater chairs and boundless cushions it is probably the cutest cinema you’ll ever see.

DAY ONE

Sign up for a Capital Tastes tour through Zest Food Tours. Your guide will spend the morning taking you to their favourite food stores, coffee roasters, cafes and restaurants, and you’ll get lots of ideas about where else to eat during your stay, as well as discount vouchers and offers.

You’ll probably be tired from wandering around the city, so pop into The Finishing Touch on Lambton Quay for a facial — because everyone needs a bit of pampering once in a while. Once you’re re-energised, do a spot of shopping along the rest of Lambton Quay and up through the vintage stores of Cuba Street.

Come evening, there’s always lots going on at Wellington’s theatres, so why not check out a local production or concert? If you’re there during the World of WearableArt Awards Show season, even better — it’s a theatre spectacle not to be missed, and the perfect excuse for a girlie trip. Described by the likes of Stephen Fry as “simply fantastic”, the season runs for three weeks over September and October.

DAY TWO

Adventure time! Well, adventure of sorts. Jump on a bus and spend the morning exploring Hutt Valley, just ten minutes outside of Wellington. Make sure you stop in for High Tea at Sweet Pea in Petone — because what could be more girlie at a girl’s weekend than high tea?

Following your high tea, jump in a taxi and head to Living Treasures in Lower Hutt, a Maori art and craft museum and cafe. Located within a Maori village complete with a Waiwhetu Marae meeting house, the Hetet family will welcome you with open arms, proudly showing you the weaving work from their famous mother, and telling stories about their activist father. This is a realistic cultural experience not to be missed.

Continue your life of luxury back in Wellington, where you really can’t go past an afternoon spent wandering in and out of the vintage stores along Cuba Street. There’s plenty to keep you occupied, and lots of cafes to rest in along the way.

An early night is much needed by now. Why not spend a few hours grazing at the The Library, a lounge bar, reading room, live music venue and dessert venue all in one?

DAY THREE

We’ve got to throw some culture in before we leave, so head to New Zealand’s national museum. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa exhibits past, present and future across five levels, with several changing exhibitions as well. Be sure to sign up for a tour while you’re there — it’s how you’ll get the most out of it. My guide was so good, he actually made me enjoy a museum — something I never thought I’d say. Thanks, Roger.

For more ideas on what to do in Wellington, head to www.wellingtonnz.com

The reporter travelled as a guest of Positively Wellington Tourism.