Wellington, New Zealand After 5:00 pm

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Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, and as such, it’s also a financial and administrative center as well as the largest city after Auckland. It is located on the south-western coast of New Zealand, which means that it has more than a few gorgeous beaches and hills for you to explore and take photos of. In 2017, Wellington was even named the best place to live.

For this reason, and many more, it’s not hard to see why it’s a popular destination for tourists – both those who come for pleasure and those who come for business. So, if you fit into the business category, and you can only explore it after 5 p.m., here are a few places you should see.

Where to Eat in Wellington, New Zealand

Charley Noble Eatery & Bar // This award-winning place is great for all those looking for wood-fired cooking, craft beers, and natural wine. Whether you’re interested in fresh seafood or organic beef, you will love your choices here. You can come with your friends, family, business partners, or even alone, as there is something for everybody here.

Logan Brown Restaurant // This restaurant offers you a premium dining experience that would be great for afternoon business dinners with your clients. Plus, if you or your colleagues have any dietary requirements, there would be nothing for you to worry about, since the restaurant would be more than happy to accommodate you and ensure that you enjoy your food.

Pravda Café & Grill // You can find this restaurant in the heart of the city, and it suits every occasion. The restaurant focuses on fresh and quality dishes, and it serves some of the finest steaks in the city. So, if you’re looking for quality food in a relaxing atmosphere, you should visit this restaurant.

Noble Rot Wine Bar // This wine bar offers some of the finest wines you can find in the country, and it was founded by a group of talented people who saw the need for this kind of establishment in the city. So, whether you are a wine newbie or an experienced enthusiast, you would easily find something to enjoy here. Plus, if you do travel for business, there is no better way to celebrate a good business deal than with a glass of quality wine.

Prefab // No matter what business field you’re in, a good cup of coffee is probably an important part of your daily routine. And one of the best cafés for this energizing drink is Prefab. You can find it on Jessie Street, and you can recognize it by its industrial style and plenty of windows. It’s very popular with both locals and tourists, which says enough about the quality of its service. Speaking of quality, it also has more than a few fresh bakery products and food offerings if you’re looking for a quick snack to go along with your coffee. All in all, it’s a great place to sit and relax after a long day at work.

Things to See in Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington Cable Car // There is no better way to explore the hidden wonders of Wellington than by taking the ride from the city center to the lookout situated high above the city. This is equally popular with both locals and tourists, as it comes with some fantastic views that you could not see in any other way. Not to mention that it’s also a great way to simply get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, at least for a little bit. You can enjoy this activity between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on workdays, and the return ticket for adults is $9. Moreover, the cars run every 10 minutes, and after 8 p.m. every 15 minutes, so you wouldn’t be waiting for your ride for too long.

Mt Victoria Lookout // If you love taking photos of the places you visit and are looking for a perfect spot for that, Mt Victoria Lookout is the spot for you. It is 196 meters high, and you can get there by bus, car, or, if you’re in good physical shape, on foot. Besides the fantastic views, you can also find some interesting info panels at the top, so check those out as well.

Oriental Bay // After taking photos of the city from the lookout, you can go a bit down below. A must-see in Wellington is a beautiful small beach in Oriental Bay. This is a great place for relaxing, recharging your batteries after a long day, taking a dip in the water, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk along the coastline. Just keep in mind that in summer, it really comes alive, as it’s a very popular spot for families, swimmers, and party-goers. Also, one of its most distinctive features is the Carter Fountain, which might remind you of the Jet d’Eau if you’ve ever been to Geneva. Also, if you want to stay in contact with your business partners while exploring this area, don’t forget to get a New Zealand sim card before your trip starts. It would make communication much easier.

Wellington Parliament Buildings // If you choose to visit the Botanic Gardens, you should also check out the Wellington Parliament Buildings nearby. If you appreciate art and architecture, this is a must-see, but you can also go inside and get a bit more familiar with the history and culture of this city. You can sign up for one of many guided tours that would take you inside, as they are held every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – and they are also free. Additionally, there are a few different types of tours, so get informed on that too. If you are not into guided tours, you can always explore the outdoor areas on your own.

Cuba Street // You will probably be hungry after all the exploring, and one of the best places for delicious food is Cuba Street. It is known as one of the most active and lively streets in Wellington, and it’s filled with all kinds of cafés, shops, and bars. So, set aside one afternoon for exploring this street, and enjoy a meal outside where you can soak up the atmosphere and unwind.

Your Work Trip to Wellington

If you’ve been thinking about visiting New Zealand, its capital should be on your bucket list for sure. It has plenty to offer, from cafés with friendly staff and restaurants with fresh food to amazing sights that would leave you speechless. So, plan your itinerary in advance, make sure to include the above-listed locations, and your trip is guaranteed to be one to remember. 

Guide by Jack Kewell | Jack Kewell is a writer, science editor, naturalist, entrepreneur. He is focused on writing and illustrating books. Also, he is a regular contributor to Smoothdecorator.

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