Wellington Travel Guide: Why I Spent a Year Living in New Zealand's Capital
Wellington is one of my favourite cities in the world, and in this episode I'm sharing exactly why.
I first visited New Zealand's capital in 2013 on the Kiwi Experience and instantly connected with the city. In 2017, when …Wellington Travel Guide: Why I Spent a Year Living in New Zealand's Capital
Wellington is one of my favourite cities in the world, and in this episode I'm sharing exactly why.
I first visited New Zealand's capital in 2013 on the Kiwi Experience and instantly connected with the city. In 2017, when Emma and I arrived in New Zealand on a working holiday visa, we spent weeks road-tripping around both islands before deciding where to settle. I already had my sights set on Wellington, and thankfully Emma fell in love with it too. We ended up spending nearly a year living there, giving us the chance to experience the city far beyond the typical tourist highlights.
In this Wellington travel guide, I share the places, experiences and local tips that made the city so special to us. From riding the iconic Wellington Cable Car and exploring Te Papa Museum to walking the waterfront, climbing Mount Victoria and discovering all parts of the city, I cover the attractions that I think every visitor should experience.
Of course, no episode about Wellington would be complete without talking about coffee and brunch. This is the city where my love of coffee began, and over the course of 11 months I worked my way through more cafés than I can count. I share my favourite spots for brunch, great coffee, waterfront views and local atmosphere, including some long-time Wellington institutions that I still think about today.
I also dive into the practical side of visiting and living in Wellington, including where to stay, the best neighbourhoods to base yourself, transport options, day trips, travelling between the North and South Islands, and what it was like finding work while on a New Zealand working holiday visa. If you're considering moving to Wellington or spending time there as a backpacker, digital nomad or working holiday traveller, there's plenty here for you.
Along the way, I share some personal stories from our time living in the city, including working in government ministries, surviving a late-night earthquake, becoming known as the office "serial monster", buying a $1,000 road-trip car and somehow making a profit when it was written off.
Whether you're planning your first visit to Wellington, preparing for a New Zealand working holiday, or simply looking for inspiration for your next trip, this episode will give you an honest look at one of the most creative, quirky and liveable cities I've ever experienced.
In this episode:
• Why Wellington became our home for nearly a year
• The best things to do in Wellington
• My favourite cafés, brunch spots and coffee roasters
• Where to stay and the best neighbourhoods to explore
• Working holiday and job-hunting advice
• Transport tips and South Island connections
• Road-trip recommendations and day trips
• Stories from everyday life in New Zealand's capital
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Why Wellington became my favourite city
02:30 Wellington explained: location, culture and first impressions
03:20 The "Serial Monster" work story
05:50 Working holiday jobs and finding work in Wellington
08:10 Best things to do in Wellington
10:50 Waterfront walks, Mount Victoria and local neighbourhoods
12:05 Day trips, sporting events and road trips
13:30 Where to stay in Wellington
15:55 Support the podcast
16:40 Earthquake experiences in Wellington
17:50 Best cafés, brunch spots and coffee in Wellington
22:15 Food markets and eating on a budget
23:15 Wellington travel and transport tips
25:40 Kiwi Experience and travelling New Zealand
26:40 Buying a car and road-tripping New Zealand
28:05 Why Wellington is still one of my favourite cities
This week on Drop A Pin we have Sam Tallent live from Donnie’s Hoon Deck! Sam talks about how Chaps helped write his new novel Brut, writing in Paris during riots, touring in Australia and New Zealand and so much more!
Pre Order Sam’s new Book Brut Here Out September 22:
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Ti…This week on Drop A Pin we have Sam Tallent live from Donnie’s Hoon Deck! Sam talks about how Chaps helped write his new novel Brut, writing in Paris during riots, touring in Australia and New Zealand and so much more!
Pre Order Sam’s new Book Brut Here Out September 22:
https://a.co/d/07KnHkO2
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Show Start
(00:02:24) - A Word From Our Sponsors
(00:06:18) - Weekly Top 10
(00:12:18) - Pre Boarding
(00:24:57) - Sam Tallent Interview
(00:36:05) - Writing His Book In Paris
(00:55:00) - Touring In Australia and New Zealand
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What if you stopped waiting to feel ready and just started pedaling?
In this episode, Jackie sits down with Hana Black, a New Zealand cyclist and guide who, together with her partner Mark, bikepacked from Alaska all the way to Ushuaia, Argentina, covering roughly 32,000 miles through 16 countries …What if you stopped waiting to feel ready and just started pedaling?
In this episode, Jackie sits down with Hana Black, a New Zealand cyclist and guide who, together with her partner Mark, bikepacked from Alaska all the way to Ushuaia, Argentina, covering roughly 32,000 miles through 16 countries over more than four years. Hana shares how a quiet dream became a life-shaping quest, what it actually took to fund and begin such a massive adventure, and why you do not need to be an elite athlete or have perfect gear to do something extraordinary.
From remote Alaskan roads and rural villages in Latin America to Cuba, the Salar de Uyuni, the Andes, and Patagonia, this conversation is full of stories about kindness, freedom, fear, flexibility, and the magic of taking life one pedal stroke at a time.
Resources:
• Find out more about bikepacking and cycling from Alaska to Argentina and beyond at Highluxhighlux.co.nz
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
• Choose your OWN international adventure curated by Jackie at jumpadventures.com
• Follow Hana on Instagram at @beinghana
Produced by NOVA
Take a leap with Jackie IRL - join us in Greece and Norway in 2025 at JUMPadventures.com
Auckland, New Zealand has been growing at a dizzying pace, so Elle-Armon Jones from The Big Foody food tours is back to talk about the changes in her city. We explore the neighborhoods of Ponsonby and K Road. Plus, the only Cambodian restaurant in New Zealand, a memorable Samoan meal, and making gin…Auckland, New Zealand has been growing at a dizzying pace, so Elle-Armon Jones from The Big Foody food tours is back to talk about the changes in her city. We explore the neighborhoods of Ponsonby and K Road. Plus, the only Cambodian restaurant in New Zealand, a memorable Samoan meal, and making gin out of old bread. [Ep 386]
What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals ho…What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals how almost every experience on his list came directly from editing the show. Ryan covers his favourite moments in York and London: the wonderful Old York Tea House, the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre...more
Daren Grover was on vacation near the top of New Zealand’s South Island when he got a call: some whales needed help. Hundreds of them had stranded on a spot so notorious for whale strandings, it’s cause for celebration when a year goes by without a stranding: the Farewell Spit.
Have you ever heard another woman’s story and thought, If she can do that, maybe I can too? In this episode, Cheryl revisits four powerful stories from women who discovered that solo travel can become more than a trip—it can become a turning point. From a first international journey to New Zealand… …Have you ever heard another woman’s story and thought, If she can do that, maybe I can too? In this episode, Cheryl revisits four powerful stories from women who discovered that solo travel can become more than a trip—it can become a turning point. From a first international journey to New Zealand… To rebuilding life during divorce in Kuwait… To hiking mountains that quiet anxious thoughts… To finding healing and clarity halfway around the world… Each story reveals how ordin...more
Happy New Year from Destination Eat Drink! On our special New Year’s episode we’re ringing in the new year by banging bread on the wall in Ireland, celebrating the constellation of Matariki in New Zealand, and observing First Footing in Scotland. Plus, throwing furniture off the balcony in Naples an…Happy New Year from Destination Eat Drink! On our special New Year’s episode we’re ringing in the new year by banging bread on the wall in Ireland, celebrating the constellation of Matariki in New Zealand, and observing First Footing in Scotland. Plus, throwing furniture off the balcony in Naples and adding whisky to trifle! [Ep 369]
Show Notes:
Foodie Travel Guides by Destination Eat Drink
Flavour Trails food and whiskey tours in Ireland
Mickela’s TV show Bare Feet
Daniel Stables travel writer
Dan’s book Fiesta: A Journey Through Festivity
Edinburgh food tours with Nell at Edinburgh Food Safari
Brent’s video from the Lille, France Christmas Marketmore
We’re celebrating the 7th anniversary of the Destination Eat Drink podcast with some delicious wines from around the world. There’s the unusual native grapes of Veneto in Italy, a unique wine island near Auckland, New Zealand, a surprising wine region in the United States, and why you shouldn’t slee…We’re celebrating the 7th anniversary of the Destination Eat Drink podcast with some delicious wines from around the world. There’s the unusual native grapes of Veneto in Italy, a unique wine island near Auckland, New Zealand, a surprising wine region in the United States, and why you shouldn’t sleep on the underrated French region of Beaujolais. Plus, wine and food pairing tips! [Ep 366]
Show Notes:
Foodie Travel Guide ebooks from Destination Eat Drink
Mark Phipps left his native England at 19 and never looked back. After stints living in Australia, New Zealand, and the US, he now makes his home in Koh Phangan, Thailand. He is the founder of Lost In Paradise Travel, which makes trackable hardware covers for passports.
Mentioned in this episode:
…Mark Phipps left his native England at 19 and never looked back. After stints living in Australia, New Zealand, and the US, he now makes his home in Koh Phangan, Thailand. He is the founder of Lost In Paradise Travel, which makes trackable hardware covers for passports.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
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This week on Drop A Pin we sat down with two players from one of the most prestigious rugby teams of all time, The All Blacks. Billy Proctor and Pasilio Tosi came in the studio to tell Donnie and Chaps the ins and outs of rugby culture, what it means to be an All Black, and New Zealand itself! Then …This week on Drop A Pin we sat down with two players from one of the most prestigious rugby teams of all time, The All Blacks. Billy Proctor and Pasilio Tosi came in the studio to tell Donnie and Chaps the ins and outs of rugby culture, what it means to be an All Black, and New Zealand itself! Then stick around to listen to two of Barstools Biggest Nerds T-Bob and Rudy talk about their interests in New Zealand and specifically relating to the Lord of the Rings series.
Timestamps:
(00:00:37) Pre Boarding
(00:05:49) All Blacks Interview
(00:50:25) New Zealand Discussion with T-Bob and Rudy
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Hear about travel to the top half of New Zealand's South Island as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his adopted country.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Trav…Hear about travel to the top half of New Zealand's South Island as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his adopted country.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
Why should you visit the top half of New Zealand's South Island?
Jonty says that this area has "spectacular scenery, natural hot springs, beautiful beaches, world-class vineyards, and whale watching".
Jonty suggests a two-week road trip (with additional optional side trips, particularly for multi-day hikes) starting in Christchurch and looping north through North Canterbury, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough, and Kaikōura before returning to Christchurch. The trip combines cities, hot springs, alpine passes, national parks, short walks and multi-day hikes, vineyards, wildlife, and heritage.
Suggested Itinerary
Days 1–2: Christchurch
Explore the city centre, largely rebuilt post the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes: Hagley Park, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Avon River punting, and the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial.
Visit cultural sites: Canterbury Museum, Christ Church Cathedral ruins, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, aka the cardboard cathedral, Christchurch Art Centre, Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, Rutherford’s Den, and Christchurch Art Gallery.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/northern-south-island-of-new-zealand/
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PBS host Mickela Mallozzi told us about her adventures in Indonesia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Southern Italy and elsewhere, and also discussed what the future holds for her Emmy Award winning show "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi".
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts …PBS host Mickela Mallozzi told us about her adventures in Indonesia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Southern Italy and elsewhere, and also discussed what the future holds for her Emmy Award winning show "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi".
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy award-winning host of PBS's Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, transforms strangers into dance partners across seven continents.
Whether learning sean-nós in Ireland or celebrating Matariki in New Zealand, in this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Mickela reveals how asking perm…Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy award-winning host of PBS's Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, transforms strangers into dance partners across seven continents.
Whether learning sean-nós in Ireland or celebrating Matariki in New Zealand, in this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Mickela reveals how asking permission opens doors to authentic cultural experiences—and why the best travel connections happen when you follow your passion.
In this episode, you'll discover
How cultural appreciation differs from cultural appropriation—and why permission is key
What it's like to film a travel show without rehearsals or mirrors
Why dance reveals migration patterns and cultural connections across continents
Don't miss these transformative moments
[03:00] How Mickela's mission evolved from selfish adventure to platform for marginalized communities
[06:00] The weekly Zoom meetings with Māori elders that made filming in New Zealand possible
[11:00] Growing up in an immigrant family—from slaughtering chickens in Italy to catching the travel bug
[14:00] The Europade festival that reminded her why she fell in love with this work
[19:00] How Irish sean-nós connects to Appalachian clogging and eventually becomes tap dancing
[23:00] Why the Caribbean is her favorite place to see cultural fusion in action
[28:00] Her best travel advice: Find what you love at home, then do it everywhere you go
Read the transcript of the episode
Follow Mickela Mallozzi on Instagram.
Watch Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi seasons 7 and 8 (premiering December 2025)
Read more about Mickela's adventures in Ireland and Morocco on afar.com.
Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our other podcasts, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week, and View From Afar, where we spotlight the people and the ideas shaping the future of travel.
Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
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Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences?
Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s…Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences?
Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s helping promote sustainable tourism while living the slow travel lifestyle.
In this episode, we unpack what makes Timor-Leste one of the most under-the-radar travel destinations in the world. From coral reefs and dramatic mountain landscapes to warm, welcoming locals and a fascinating (if difficult) history, Jonty gives us a deep look at what it’s like to live and travel there and why more people should consider visiting.
We talk about the difference between traditional tourism and slow travel, and how living and volunteering in a place like Timor-Leste can offer deeper insight, stronger connection, and more personal transformation than a quick trip ever could. Jonty also shares his favorite things to do in the country, what to expect when traveling there, and how to navigate the lack of infrastructure without losing your mind. Plus, you’ll get three of his top picks for other lesser-visited destinations that are worth the effort.
Have you ever traveled somewhere that felt like a true hidden gem? What made it special for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why Timor-Leste gets so few tourists and why that’s part of its magic
How it feels to be one of the only foreigners in a place (and how locals respond)
What slow travel really means, and how it compares to traditional tourism
Advice for traveling in places with limited infrastructure (and why it’s worth it)
Jonty’s take on authenticity, cultural connection, and purpose-driven travel
The best things to do in Timor-Leste, from coral reefs to mountain hikes
What it’s like volunteering abroad and “working” while exploring
Why slow travel doesn’t have to mean doing nothing
A peek at Timor-Leste’s rich history and resilient spirit
And so much more
Resources:
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Jonty’s website and Instagram
Exploring Timor-Leste website
Jonty’s books on Timor-Leste
Exploring Timor-Leste Podcast
TikTok
YouTube
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Donna Pleiman is a Kentucky-based doctor who spent 6 months with her family in New Zealand during Covid.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel p…Donna Pleiman is a Kentucky-based doctor who spent 6 months with her family in New Zealand during Covid.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
Hear about New Zealand Great Walks as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from jontynz.com about these amazing multi-day treks in his home country.
Picture snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, brilliant blue alpine lakes, epic coastal scenery, unusual native birds, wilderness as far as…Hear about New Zealand Great Walks as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from jontynz.com about these amazing multi-day treks in his home country.
Picture snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, brilliant blue alpine lakes, epic coastal scenery, unusual native birds, wilderness as far as the eye can see, golden sand beaches, historic sites, lush moss-filled bush, and huge waterfalls.
New Zealand has ten Great Walks, 3-5 day hikes (or tramps in NZ) through some of the finest scenery in this beautiful country.
The Great Walks are an accessible introduction to multi-day hikes. They have well-maintained tracks and cosy huts, providing a relatively safe experience.These aren't the luxury hikes available in Europe; you will generally carry almost everything you need, and won't have a shower for a few days, but they're incredibly rewarding experiences.
Jonty gives an overview of each walk in alphabetical order, and finishes with general information and recommendations.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/new-zealand-great-walks/
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Today we're in for some adventure. We'll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we'll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot.
Joining me today to chat all things New Zealan…Today we're in for some adventure. We'll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we'll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot.
Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boorman. Phil spent his entire life leading far flung experiences around the globe until deciding to come home and show off his country to adventurous travelers.
We chat about how to have meaningful experiences as a tourist, life lessons learned from adventures, and how New Zealand gives you the time and space to slow down and enjoy.
If you're looking for a sense of meaning, luxury, and unique experiences all wrapped into one - this is the episode for you. I hope you enjoy this fun chat, on Luxury Travel Insider.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
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Hear about travel to Auckland, New Zealand, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about a city that he called home for a decade.
Why should you go to Auckland?
Jonty says, "Many people go to New Zealand, but spend almost no time in Auckland. It's a bit like a little siste…Hear about travel to Auckland, New Zealand, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about a city that he called home for a decade.
Why should you go to Auckland?
Jonty says, "Many people go to New Zealand, but spend almost no time in Auckland. It's a bit like a little sister or brother to Sydney in Australia, but with some unique New Zealand characteristics. There are over 50 extinct volcanoes. It's between two natural harbors. There are some very beautiful islands which are easily accessible from the CBD, and it's also got excellent restaurants, museums, art galleries, and beaches."
Waiheke Island:
Jonty’s Recommendations for Visiting AucklandExplore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf
,,,
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-auckland-new-zealand/
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In this episode we talk about leaving stress behind and embracing serenity through the South Pacific’s most acclaimed spa and wellness escapes. From the crystal-clear lagoons of French Polynesia to the alpine lakes of New Zealand, we share where to go when you want to just breathe, just pause, and j…In this episode we talk about leaving stress behind and embracing serenity through the South Pacific’s most acclaimed spa and wellness escapes. From the crystal-clear lagoons of French Polynesia to the alpine lakes of New Zealand, we share where to go when you want to just breathe, just pause, and just feel good again.
We tour six locations including The Brando, Six Senses Fiji, Aro Ha Retreat, Namale, Four Seasons Bora Bora, and Vahine Island—each with distinct treatments that blend local tradition with modern wellness. Whether it's a monoï massage under the palms or a detox menu curated by wellness chefs, these sanctuaries cater to body, mind, and spirit.
You’ll get practical tips for planning your wellness journey, such as booking sunrise yoga sessions, choosing eco-conscious spas, and understanding how local ingredients like volcanic clay and black pearl powder enhance your glow. This episode invites you to travel for you—to feel whole, healed, and deeply relaxed.more
