Wellington on a good day

Chances are you've heard the saying “you can’t beat Wellington on a good day,” and we all know how special those days really are. dish has rounded up the best places to spend a wonderful, sun-filled day in the Capital. From breakfast to an evening drink, we have your day sorted.

Rise and shine 
Every good day starts with a nice breakfast and a great cup of coffee. Here's where you’ll find it...

Lukes Lane - Peoples Coffee
Lukes Lane is a new addition to the Peoples Coffee family and is quickly becoming a regular stop for the city dweller. The recently renovated space is flooded with natural light. And the sun-soaked, cushioned concrete steps are a fantastic place to contemplate the day ahead. Enjoy a locally-roasted, organic Fair Trade coffee alongside a freshly-baked pastry or order from their unique toast menu. 

1 Lukes Lane
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, times vary

Prefab
Prefab is a wonderful sun trap and a great place to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch. Their menu is full of everyone's favourites, is always served promptly and cooked to perfection. Keep it simple with eggs cooked your way or change things up with a generous salad. The Reuben sandwich is a personal favourite, with melt-in-the-mouth corn beef, pickles and sauerkraut. These guys are experts on keeping you caffeinated, so enjoy an espresso or bottomless filtered coffee with your meal. Service is always outstanding and you'll never have to wait long for a table, even on busy days.

14 Jessie St, Te Aro
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 7.00am – 3.30pm

Chocolate Fish
If you have the time, take a drive around the bays to Chocolate Fish. This café offers a unique experience – located in an old Air Force accommodation building, styled with various Kiwiana, it's reminiscent of a classic Kiwi bach. There's plenty of room for lounging in the sun and a lawn area where kids can safely play. The menum offers a selection of flash sammies, burgers and quick breakfast options. After breakfast or lunch, visit the rock pools or pop round to Scorching Bay for a dip in the sea. 

100 Shelly Bay Rd, Maupuia,
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8.00am – 5.00pm

Stay Hydrated
After a long day in the sun it's essential to cool down with an icy beverage. Head to any one of these bars for a drink...

St John's Bar & Eatery
Situated in the centre of Wellington’s waterfront, Saint John’s offers one of the best outdoor areas. With a large lawn next to the harbour lagoon it's the perfect place to relax on a bean bag and catch up with friends. Once the sun's gone down, step inside and finish the night with a bite to eat inside. 

5 Cable Street, Te Aro
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am - 12am

Basque
Basque is a great place to start a night out or finish a long day. Grab a seat upstairs on the rooftop, soak up the afternoon sun and enjoy the views of Courtenay Place. Freshen up with one of their 10 sangria jugs or work your way through their long list of craft beer. To eat, chose from a range of tapas, shared plates and pizzas.

8 Courtenay Place, Te Aro
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, times vary

The Arborist
If you want to feel like you're in a treehouse in the middle of town, then The Arborist is the perfect perch for you. Get away from the busy city streets and enjoy the serenity of this rooftop garden bar. From the toilets being located in a garden shed, to the artificial grass under foot, The Arborist sets the scene for a garden party. On a scorching day be sure to try one of their delicious frozen cocktails – just watch out for brain freeze!

66 Willis St, Te Aro
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, times vary

Dirty Little Secret
If you want a great view of the Courtney Place strip then look no further than Dirty Little Secret's rooftop bar. The bar is inspired by Melbourne's rooftops and laneways with a container bar and an outdoor barbecue going on sunny days. Located close to the waterfront and in the middle of the Wellington’s nightlife, it's an easy place to meet for a drink in the sun. Here you'll find all your favourite beverages and they specialise in platters and burgers – the cheese platter is a crowd favourite.

7/11 Dixon St, Te Aro
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, times vary

A place for a picnic 
If you'd rather keep it simple and eat al fresco, there are plenty of good spots in Wellington to enjoy a picnic. Here are my top two picks...

Wellington Botanic Garden
Load up the chilly bin with your favourite beverages and head to the Wellington Botanic Garden. Adventure to one of the lookouts and search for that perfect picnic spot. In January be sure to check out the Garden Magic concerts, which are on most nights. There's a range of different acts from music to dance, so there's something for everyone. After the concert take a moment to appreciate the light installations in the trees – they're only up during summer.

Princess Bay
If you want the sand between toes then plan a day trip to Princess Bay, on the South Coast. Only a short drive from the city, this is the number one spot for a memorable sunset. The bay is nicely sheltered by the cliffs making it a fantastic place to go for a swim, hang with friends and cook up a barbecue.