We made it to Wellington! Known for its artsy vibes, incredible food, and those iconic steep hills, New Zealand’s capital definitely delivered – even if we only had one night to explore.
The Cutest Hotel
We stayed at The Cobbler Hotel, a super cute boutique hotel tucked just off Cuba Street. The rooms were beautifully done and the location couldn’t have been better – we were walking distance to everywhere we wanted to be. Bonus: Hanging Ditch, a moody little cocktail bar with seriously strong drinks, is right next door, as well as a couple of Asian restaurants. Perfect spot for a pre-dinner tipple. There’s even a cozy Irish pub nearby if you’re in the mood for a pint and some live music.
Where to Eat Gluten Free in Wellington 🍝🥢🍳
Wellington has a surprisingly great gluten free food scene, with lots of coeliac-friendly spots that made our short stay deliciously easy. Here are a few highlights:
- Miss Kangsta – A 100% gluten free Korean takeaway! Yep, you read that right. It’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall kind of place but the food is full of flavour and totally safe. Just note that it’s takeaway only – perfect for a casual dinner or late-night bite.
- 1154 Pastaria – This place is a must if you’re craving pasta. Their gluten free pasta is coeliac-friendly and absolutely luscious. A comforting, hearty bowl of goodness.
- Coene’s Bar & Eatery – Sitting right on the waterfront, Coene’s is a breezy spot with views and brunchy vibes. They offer gluten free options like poached eggs and more, and although they have a separate fryer, it is located next to the regular one, so I would avoid fried food or double check with staff.
New Year’s Eve in Wellington 🎆
We happened to be in town for New Year’s Eve, and it was such a fun way to experience the city. The waterfront was the place to be – packed with energy and people, and the fireworks at midnight were magical. If you’re ever in Wellington at that time of year, this is where you want to be for sure!
Exploring the City: Hills, Views & Movie Magic 🎬🏞️
Despite our short stay, we squeezed in a beautiful walk through some of the steep streets that wind their way up the hills. The views from the top were absolutely worth the climb — the city below, the sea, and the hills in the distance made for a perfect hilltop photo op.
Wellington also has a few Lord of the Rings filming locations scattered nearby, so if you’re a fan, it’s well worth hunting down a few for some LOTR fun and scenic snapshots.
Final Thoughts
Wellington might be small, but it packs a punch. Between the gluten free eats, the walkable city vibe, and the natural beauty surrounding it, I wish we had more than one night here. Whether you’re in town for New Year’s, chasing movie magic, or just want a good bowl of GF pasta, Wellington’s got your back.
Next on our road trip we ventured up to Rotorua for an INCREDIBLE Māori experience, it was a highlight of our trip, read about Rotorua here. Or if you want to have a read of the overall road trip route, check out my blog post on the full fantastic road trip.
