Overview
There's something about drinking outside that just makes you feel, cool. Whether it's the glamour of soaking up the sun while you slurp a cocktail on a rooftop or sharing a bottle of vino with your nearest and dearest in a lush courtyard, it's just so much better than being inside. In our cool little capital, we're pretty spoilt for choice with inner city escapes and waterfront gems, even more so now that warm weather is upon us. Here's our handy guide to the ten best places to get (responsibly) sloshed outside.
OLIVE
This list wouldn't be complete without Olive's iconic garden courtyard. With trees, flowers, and plants everywhere, you'll feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. What's even better though, is the atmosphere. It's a place where you hear big laughs, see the passing of wine bottles around the table, and hear the clinks of glasses — Olive is truly a family affair. With the garden offering refreshing shade, Olive is perfect for those blistering summer days.
170 Cuba Street
FOXGLOVE
An iconic fixture on Wellington's waterfront, Foxglove provides an experience like no other. Escape the hustle and bustle of the marina and head upstairs to their wrap-around balcony with drink in hand (I recommend the Gulf Stream: tequila, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit juice). Kill an evening watching boats bob along the harbour, or people watch until your heart's content — prepare to settle in for an afternoon and watch the day melt away.
33 Queens Wharf
NOBLE ROT WINE BAR
Cute and cozy, you'll feel like you're at a friend's home when you're at Noble Rot Wine Bar. Noble Rot Wine Bar is the perfect place to have an intimate catch-up and chinwag with dear friends as you sip on expertly chosen wine from their curated list. Choose a table outside or perhaps relax in their airy conservatory, but wherever you are, enjoy the sun, the cool breeze, and take a break from your busy day.
6 Swan Lane
KARAKA
The home of good vibes, Karaka is the ultimate place to chill and relax with mates. Bop along to the familiar kiwi beats playing and soak up the all-day sun that Karaka enjoys. You'll also be treated to the sights of novice kayakers trying not to flip their boats as you top up your fourth glass of vino. What's best, there's free live music every Saturday over summer — so grab a bottle of Tohu, plop a couple of beanbags next to the water, and turn into a grape as you laze the day away.
2 Taranaki Street, Taranaki Wharf
COENE'S BAR AND EATERY
Situated on Oriental Bay, Coene's is one of the harbour's hippest establishments. With a deck that's right over the water, you'll hear the waves ripple beneath you as the sun kisses your face. A great place to be social, get the drinks flowing with their summer specialty: frozé. Yep, you heard right, rosé infused berry-slushy goodness. Get the gang together, get a bit silly, and be cool for the summer.
103 Oriental Parade
BASQUE
Courtenay Place is home to many things: grimy clubs, cheap bars and J&M's to name a few, but it's also home to one of Wellington's best rooftop bars. Basque is pretty regular at first sight, but as you climb the second flight of stairs, you'll be pleasantly surprised. A large, open space provides enough room for you to bring the office up on a Friday arvo and cut some shapes if you're up to it.
8 Courtenay Place
Beach Babylon
BEACH BABYLON
Imagine this, you've been lying on the warm sands of Oriental Bay all afternoon, it's a lazy Sunday, and it's one of those days where everyone says, "you can't beat Wellington on a good day". What better way to top it off than crossing the street from the beach to the gorgeously retro Beach Babylon. Inviting, relaxed, and casual, pop in and get a refreshing beer as you enjoy the last rays of the day out on their outdoor area. Truly relaxing, blob out and watch the sun begin to dip below the horizon from the comfort of Beach Babylon.
232 Oriental Parade
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
If you're wanting to feel a little boujee, or payday has just rolled around, then Dirty Little Secret is the place to be. Far from dirty, and definitely not a little secret, this rooftop bar which overlooks the better part of Wellington central and the harbour has become a local favourite. Great for bringing a few friends along to, get a jug of beer and find yourself a fun little nook to spend the afternoon. The best thing is that Dirty Little Secret gets all day sun, which means you and your squad can get Insta-perfect snaps no matter what time it is.
7-8 Dixon Street
SPRUCE GOOSE
If you've ever had brunch, then I can assume you've been to Spruce Goose. One of the rulers of Wellington's brunch scene, Spruce Goose offers fabulous outdoor areas that are perfect for shaking away those pesky Sunday morning hangovers. Overlooking the beach, watch surfers carve the waves as you gulp down their rejuvenating and nourishing mimosas. With the sun, surf, sand, and mimosa in hand, prepare to be reborn.
30 Cochrane Street
THE ARBORIST
A favourite for after work drinks, The Arborist is a fun and energetic place to let loose after a hard week on the grind. Take the elevator (or the stairs, your funeral), to the top floor and you'll be faced with swinging chairs, music, and an all-round party vibe. Bright and warm, you'll be feeling positive and recharged in the sunlight as you dance and socialise with your friends.
166 Willis Street