Join thousands of fellow campervan travellers
Sign up for our Britz newsletter to receive inspirational travel content and awesome deals, and we'll send you a copy of our Ultimate RV guide!
Thanks
Please confirm subscription in your email.
What’s Wellington known for?
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is renowned for its dynamic arts and culture scene. The city boasts countless galleries, theatres, and iconic events like the Wellington Festival of the Arts. But Wellington's acclaim doesn't stop at the arts. It's also celebrated for its culinary diversity, offering a pretty enticing selection across the top restaurants in Wellington, from waterfront restaurants in Wellington serving fresh seafood to hidden alleyway bars with craft cocktails – vibrant and full of surprises.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, Wellington surprises with its dedication to coffee culture, often claiming the title of the coffee capital of New Zealand. The city's unique character is also reflected in its love for craft beer, with numerous local breweries that invite visitors to taste their way through innovative brews.
What is the best way to explore Wellington?
Exploring Wellington? There is no better way than with the freedom and flexibility that comes with campervan hire. A campervan or motorhome hire not only provides a convenient way to navigate the scenic routes that wind around the region but also offers the unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes and restaurants in Wellington at your own pace.
Whether you’re waking up to the sound of waves at a beachside campsite and heading into the city for a day of foodie adventures or waking up at a local holiday park, grabbing a flat white from a waterfront café and ending the day with a gourmet meal at one of the top restaurants in Wellington – the day is yours to craft in a camper.
Want more tips for your upcoming campervan adventure? Check out our top campervan blogs for the North Island below:
Top 10 must-try food experiences in Wellington
Wellington offers an eclectic mix of dining experiences that cater to every taste and budget. In this section, we delve into the top 10 must-try food experiences, highlighting establishments that stand out for their unique flavours, exceptional dishes, and unforgettable dining atmospheres. As you explore Wellington in your campervan, we've also got you covered with convenient parking tips near each restaurant in Wellington, ensuring a seamless transition from food pit stops to your campervan road trip adventures.
Image: Instagram - @_letsescapetogether_
1. The Ram
Nestled in the heart of Wellington's vibrant Cuba Street, The Ram has a bar-meets-pub vibe that food lovers will not want to miss. This restaurant in Wellington is celebrated for its simple and contemporary approach to pub classics. A standout dish that epitomises their approach is the “Chicken (or Eggplant) Parmigiana,” which is the perfect mix of crunch and melting tenderly in your mouth with each bite.
What makes The Ram particularly special is not just its food but its commitment to creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels like dining among friends. For those exploring Wellington in a campervan, parking can be found at the Wilson Parking - Ghuznee Street car park, just a short walk from this restaurant in Wellington.
2. Rosella
Rosella, located at the heart of Wellington's culinary scene, is a wine bar and restaurant in Wellington that brings a slice of sophistication to a meal with their selection of fine wines and exquisite share-style dishes. The standout dish here is the “Nduja & Taleggio Empanada”, served with a drizzle of agave and fennel – a testament to the chef's prowess in combining flavours and textures. While the food here is exceptional, it is not the main event. Rosella's speciality lies in its carefully curated wine list, which features a selection of local New Zealand wines and international labels, perfectly complementing its gourmet offerings.
This, combined with its intimate and elegant setting, makes Rosella a must-visit restaurant in Wellington for those seeking a memorable dining experience. Campervan travellers will find convenient parking at the Barnett Street car park, a mere stone's throw away from Rosella.
3. Chaat Street
For a taste of authentic Indian street food, Chaat Street offers a vibrant and flavorful dining experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of India. Their menu showcases a variety of traditional dishes in “small–” and “medium bites”, with the “Papri Chaat” being a particular highlight. This dish is a zingy Indian take on the classic nachos – flour crackers topped with potatoes, pomegranate and yogurt with a sweet and spicy mint and tamarind chutney—a genuine feast for the senses.
Chaat Street stands out for its dedication to authenticity, using traditional recipes and cooking methods to deliver an genuine taste of India in the heart of Wellington. The restaurant's casual and colourful ambience adds to the overall experience, making it a fun and informal restaurant in Wellington to enjoy with friends and family. Campervan parking is conveniently located at Care Park Parking on Tory Street, providing easy access to Chaat Street for a quick and delicious bite.
4. Margot
Margot, situated in the trendy suburb of Newtown, this restaurant is Wellington's answer to modern New Zealand cuisine with a seasonally inspired menu. A standout dish that captures the essence of Margot is the “Roast Pork Lion”, served with crushed swede, watercress and a drizzle of mustard sauce. Each inventive, seasonal dish at this Newtown restaurant in Wellington showcases the kitchen's ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
The restaurant's sleek and minimalist decor complements its innovative menu, making it a chic spot for a sophisticated dinner in Wellington. For those visiting Margot in a campervan, the Wilson Parking on Hall Ave offers ample parking space and is just a short walk away, making it a convenient option for dining out in Newtown.
5. Koji
Koji presents a refined dining experience, blending traditional Japanese techniques with New Zealand's rich, flavoursome local ingredients. A standout dish, the “Korean BBQ Beef Toast”, epitomises Koji's culinary ethos. With its duck fat bechamel and zesty Szechuan pickle, this dish not only showcases the chef's precision but also Koji's commitment to freshness and quality.
What sets Koji apart is its serene, minimalist interior, which is perfectly aligned with the simplicity and elegance of Japanese design. It provides a tranquil backdrop for a dining experience that engages all the senses. For campervan travellers looking to dine at Koji, the Care Park car park on Tory Street offers convenient parking options nearby.
6. Rita
At Rita, the dining experience is akin to a heartfelt dinner party in a cozy, intimate setting. The best part? The menu changes daily – so no two days here are the same. An example desert dish that captures Rita's essence is the “Fig Leaf and Rosewater Kulfi”, served with brulee figs, a thick strawberry sauce and pistachio shortbread.
Rita's charm truly lies in its small, ever-changing menu, which encourages diners to venture on a culinary adventure with each visit. Campervan visitors will find parking along Aro Street, nestled in the historic Aro Valley.
7. Pizza Pomodoro
Pizza Pomodoro offers a slice of Naples in the heart of Wellington with its authentic wood-fired pizzas – the perfect restaurant in Wellington for a simple pizza night. The “Margherita,” a classic choice, is a testament to the simplicity of Italian cooking, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil on a perfectly charred crust.
What makes Pizza Pomodoro special is its adherence to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques, earning it a spot in the hearts of pizza purists. For those travelling in a campervan, the Wakefield CarePark is conveniently located nearby, making it easy to stop by for a taste of Italy in New Zealand.
8. Egmont Street Eatery
Egmont Street Eatery is a restaurant in Wellington known for transforming simple ingredients into exquisite dishes. The “Pan-Seared Market Fish” on a bed of seasonal greens with a fregola pea sauce highlights their philosophy of using fresh, local produce to create sophisticated, flavorful meals.
The eatery's modern, airy space provides the perfect setting for a casual yet refined dining experience, emphasising Wellington's laid-back yet discerning culinary culture. Campervan parking is available at the nearby Wilson Parking - Ghuznee Street car park, offering a hassle-free option for visitors.
9. Salty Pidgin
Salty Pidgin is a bistro prides itself on comfort food with a gourmet twist. The “Sweetcorn Congee” is a standout dish, showcasing grilled corn, shitake and dashi, served with a sesame and spring onion salad. This restaurant is special for its cozy atmosphere and a menu that combines the best of seasonal ingredients with international flavours. For convenient campervan parking, there is street parking close by, allowing easy access to Salty Pidgin's warm hospitality.
10. Apache
Apache brings a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine to Wellington's dining scene. The “Bang Bang Chicken Salad,” a creative combination of classic Vietnamese grilled lemongrass chicken with complementary fresh mango, candied cashews, cherry tomatoes and Vietnamese mint, is a must-try.
What sets Apache apart is its vibrant ambience and commitment to bold, authentic Asian flavours, making this easily one of the best Asian restaurants in Wellington. Campervan diners will find the Wilson Parking - Ghuznee Street car park convenient for visiting Apache, perfect for easy access to this fusion feast without any parking worries.
Where to stay in Wellington
For those travelling in a campervan, choosing the right place to stay is crucial to experience all that Wellington has to offer. The city and its surroundings boast several campervan holiday parks that are perfect for campervan travellers, providing amenities that ensure a pleasant and hassle-free stay. Below, we highlight two top options for your home away from home in Wellington, ensuring you're perfectly positioned to embark on foodie and city adventures.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park offers a welcoming retreat for campervan travellers looking to explore Wellington. Nestled in the scenic Hutt Valley, a short drive from the city centre, this holiday park serves as an ideal base for your Wellington adventures. The park boasts a range of facilities, including powered sites for campervans, shared kitchen and laundry facilities, and recreational areas for families to enjoy.
What sets the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park apart is its blend of convenience and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while being just a stone's throw away from the bustling city life and culinary experiences Wellington is famous for. The park's location also offers easy access to nearby attractions, including the Hutt River trail and the beautiful Wellington Harbour.
Cuba Street Motorhome Park
For those who wish to stay in the heart of Wellington, Cuba Street Motorhome Park is an unparalleled option. This motorhome park places you right in the centre of Wellington's vibrant cultural and culinary scene, with easy access to the iconic Cuba Street. Known for its eclectic shops, cafes, and restaurants, staying at Cuba Street Motorhome Park means you're never far from the action.
The park provides essential facilities for a comfortable stay, including power hookups, water supply, and waste disposal services, ensuring that your focus remains on exploring and enjoying the city. Its central location not only allows for easy exploration of Wellington's culinary offerings but also puts you within walking distance of major attractions, such as Te Papa Museum and Wellington Waterfront.
Time to plan your Wellington adventure?
There you have it – the must-try food experiences and the best places to stay in your campervan in Wellington. From the innovative dishes of Koji and the authentic flavours of Chaat Street to the comfort and convenience of Wellington's Top 10 Holiday Park and Cuba Street Motorhome Park, your journey through Wellington promises to be a treat.
Ready to start planning your Wellington adventure? You can book your Britz motorhome online and pick it up from any Britz branch before starting your campervan journey. Whether you're indulging in the city's best dishes or discovering hidden gems, your campervan adventure in Wellington is sure to be a highlight of your New Zealand road trip.