Laura M.'s
What to do on a lazy Sunday
- 114City MarketTe AroGet some fresh sea air with a waterfront stroll. Grab a snack from one of the many stalls and walk or sit, or if you’re up to it, purchase some veges and other food to get you through the next week. Who says a hangover can’t be productive?
- 217Harbourside Market WellingtonWellington CentralIf you don’t go to the market on Sunday, you’ll regret it mid-week when buying a $5 capsicum or some other ridiculously priced vegetable! Everything at the Harbourside Market is well-below supermarket prices - the only problem is deciding which of the many vendors to buy from!
- 333Flight Coffee HangarTe AroFlight Coffee’s arrival in Wellington has shaken up the coffee industry, first with Memphis Belle, just down the road, and now The Hangar. The cool kids behind the counter offer espresso from their marriage equality-themed Slayer or different brew methods like Chemex, along with a heap of single origins flown in by Flight Coffee. Flight Coffee co-owner Nick Clark is also NZ’s top barista, recently placing fifth at the world champs. He and the other staff are super friendly, super babein, rad people who round out your epic coffee experience.
- 413All things good for you - heaps of fresh veg, packaged food items (including vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free) and even tasty cheese and dips, right through to organic skin and haircare. If your insides are feeling a bit down and out, get some of these organic goodies into you.
- 532OliveTe AroFew restaurants in Wellington have what Olive offers: cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, tasty counter food, a central location ideal for people-watching, and super affordable prices. It’s the perfect destination for any occasion: a date, a dinner with friends, or brunch for one.
Laura M.'s
Tasty, tasty cake
- 113Bordeaux BakeryPipiteaBordeaux is French for cake - or it should be. These wee French cafes throughout the city have some of the most excellent pastry and cake you can find. Their cronuts are killer (interpret that how you will) while the Royale (custard-filled, iced pastry with chocolate) is ideal for when you need a big cakey sugar hit!
- 236Midnight EspressoWellington CentralA Wellington institution serving up Havana Coffee, heaps of vegetarian and vegan counter and menu food, and a whole lot of cake! The nachos are some of Wellington’s best (and biggest)!
- 315Deluxe Espresso BarMount VictoriaAnother one of Wellington’s cafe institutions with lots of vegetarian-friendly counter food, excellent sandwiches, cakes and slices, and Havana Coffee. It’s a great place to stop for a snack before or after a film at the Embassy, or any other reason to visit. I wish it was closer to my house!
- 424Nikau CafeWellington CentralTucked in behind City Gallery, Nikau is the perfect spot for a meeting or brunch date. Its menu offers fancy food at friendly prices - try their wintertime soups or the highly-recommended kedgeree - while the open atmosphere is a great space for creative discussions.
- 532OliveTe AroFew restaurants in Wellington have what Olive offers: cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, tasty counter food, a central location ideal for people-watching, and super affordable prices. It’s the perfect destination for any occasion: a date, a dinner with friends, or brunch for one.
Laura M.'s
Vege-friendly dining
- 14The BeijingNewtownDelicious and affordable Chinese, eat-in (lazy Susans to complete the experience) or takeaway - with an entire vegetarian menu! I ordered a tofu sizzling pot (beware: it really it sizzling on the tongue) while friends couldn’t get enough of the mock duck pancakes. Licensed and BYO - perfect for a group dinner.
- 220The ultimate Wellington destination for vegetarians. Lots of mock meat or, if that creeps you out, stick with soy and veges, in a myriad of different Asian dishes. Delish.
- 349Fidel's CafeTe AroThe haloumi and chicken salad (I order it sans-chicken) is excellent - a massive, vege-filled salad with squeaky cheese, dressing and garlic bread. YUM!
- 45Chow WoodwardWellington CentralI love Chow - it’s delicious, fresh and good for you, just the right size for sharing (or keeping to yourself), has awesome staff and tasty drinks. Chow on Woodward Street is all of the regular Chow goodness, but easier to get a table at making it perfect for an inner-city lunch!
- 514Baobab CafeNewtownWith an emphasis on sustainability and local food, Baobab is a suburban haven of delicious fresh food choices - most of them vegetarian. Try the haloumi rosti stack or crispy fried falafel!
Laura M.'s
The best in town for ink and piercings
- 13ALC ApparelTe AroCraigy Lee at ALC is an excellent traditional tattooist, and speedy too! Check out ALC’s speakeasy tattoo studio - book a consult, lay out your tattoo ideas and get stabbed. Or if you’re scared of pain, just browse the clothing racks.
- 22Ninjaflower - Piercing & Jewellery StudioWellington CentralThe only place to go in Wellington for a piercing - trust me. Scott and team have many years’ experience with piercing and stretching, and walk you through the process like it ain’t no thang. Their piercings definitely heal better than some others joints’, and they have handy aftercare tips and heaps of jewellery too!
- 31Tattoo FreakyWaterlooDon’t let the name, or the Hutt, put you off - Dave at Tattoo Freaky is one talented guy. He’s fast, an amazing artist and creates incredibly detailed pieces.
- 47Le'Esscience 100% AromatologyKaraka BaysGillian from Le’Esscience is the genius behind Tinkture tattoo aftercare - my go-to to soothe red, bruised new stabs. Her other aromatology is also excellent - whether you’re sick, can’t sleep or need skincare solutions, she’s your lady!
- 53Simon and Char are my go-to peeps for stabs. Simon is very well-known for his cartoon and comic art, while Char is a real up-and-comer who does fantastic animal art. They’re both super friendly - so if it’s your first tattoo, they’ll put you totally at ease. Go visit their rad studio to talk through your ideas!
Laura M.'s
Cures for your sickness
- 112Milk CrateTe AroDelicious coffee and excellent counter food, plus real lemon, honey ginger drinks - ideal when you’re sick!
- 27You actually can’t go past a hot, hot curry when you’re sick with a cold or flu - and Tulsi’s offerings will fix you right up. Chuck in a garlic naan to really help fight the bad guys!
- 31Amazing Value MassageWellington CentralThe name kinda says it all - $35 for an hour or relaxation massage or $45 for remedial. See Christine for one of the best massages in town.
- 413All things good for you - heaps of fresh veg, packaged food items (including vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free) and even tasty cheese and dips, right through to organic skin and haircare. If your insides are feeling a bit down and out, get some of these organic goodies into you.
- 54Health 2000 Lambton QuayTe AroI’m a huge believer in vitamins - people ask if I’m sick because I have so many different bottles on my desk. But there’s nothing better than smashing some Vit C + Echinacea when you’re sick, or a multivitamin for everyday health. Health 2000 has every kinda vitamin under the sun to help keep you well.
Laura M.'s
Coolest hair salons
- 13With two stores, including the newer one on upper Cuba Street, the Powder Room and owner Lisa really know their stuff. Ladies have been flocking here for new ‘dos since it opened. They use Davines, Cloud Nine and evo products, stock Besame beauty products, offer lash and brown tints AND have an environmental policy! How cool is that!
- 22Jam Hair CompanyTe AroGo see Tony for the best cut and style of your life! JAM are the pros when it comes to creative cuts and colour, extensions and Wellington’s best destination for dreads. While you’re there, stock up on Davines and EVO hair products (your hair will thank you) or a Cloud Nine - the "new GHD".
- 31Buoy HairdressingWellington CentralAward-winning hairdresser Michael Beel is the creative director here, and the most sought-after snips in town. Buoy offers a huge range of cut, colour and style services, and L’Oreal and Kerastase products. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for! There’s also a medi-spa attached for extra pampering.
- 49Glory HairTe AroWith gorgeous, badass-looking staff in a burlesque-y salon, Glory is a go-to for Wellington gals. It has competitive prices and stocks a full range of Redken products. Their hair treatments are divine for sad, destroyed hair!
- 54Willis YorkTe AroIt’s all about fun colour and cuts at Willis York - the ideal place to go if you want to makeover your hair. Their staff are regular award-winners and each has a different style and specialities, so there’s definitely someone here who can deliver what you’re after!