Christchurch was hit hard by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. To give you an idea: almost 80% of the city centre was damaged and had to be demolished. Can you imagine? Now, 5 years later there are still many empty spaces (turned into car parks) and abandoned buildings in town, which doesn’t make the city look very attractive in tourists’ eyes.

But – and there is a huge but – Christchurch has taken this rebuild as an opportunity to make the city even better than it was before. They are not just rebuilding the city, they are making it the best version possible. Christchurch has been through a lot of pain and loss, but this rebuild gives hope and is seen as a second and unique chance to start all over again. And they’re doing such a good job.

Every day the city is looking better and cool and quirky places keep popping up. To all the tourists who are just flying in and out of Christchurch: The city is not dead! Have a look yourself and spend an amazing weekend in Christchurch.

1. Shop til you drop at The Tannery 

The Tannery is a Boutique Shopping Mall on the banks of the Heathcote River, on the outskirts of Christchurch.

It catches the eye with its industrial look and unique architecture – on the outside and inside! It’s super quirky, eclectic and a great place to wander around. There are more than 50 boutique shops and there’s even a deluxe cinema!

The Tannery is the place to be for clothes, art, antiques, book shops and so much more. You’ll find shops that yo do not find in the large city malls. There are also a few cafes to relax after hopping from shop to shop, or try a craft beer in The Brewery!

Extra tip: definitely try a croissant at the Tanner Street Bakery right across the main building. You won’t regret it!

2. Wander around at Lyttelton market

We are lucky in Christchurch, there are a lot of markets around. My favourite one is Lyttelton Farmers market next to Lyttelton port and only a 15 minute drive away from the central city. Lyttelton got struck quite hard by the earthquakes, but the strong and funky community managed to restore its charm. Lyttelton is now an artsy little town with cool bars and cafes.

The Farmers Market, which is community run, offers a variety of fresh vegetables, delicious fresh cheese, bread, juices or even a Japanese pancake, all in the main street (London Street). But what I love most – and is also very important – the atmosphere is right on. There are a few musicians positioned along the street, they play great tunes and they make people dance. Everyone is infecting each other with their happiness and that just puts a big dorky smile on my face.

No plans on a Saturday morning? Visit Lyttelton Farmers Market, because local food just tastes better! Every Saturday from 10 to 1pm.

3. Brunch at Hello Sunday

First of all I’d like to share my love for the name Hello Sunday. Quirky, cute and clever, all things we like! I was a bit naughty and went to Hello Sunday on a Saturday… And I was not the only one.

This place is very popular and the tables are (almost) all the time full. Make sure to book a table or you might have to take away. Don’t be put off by the small and busy area when you enter, there is another cosy larger room and courtyard in the back.

Hello Sunday offers coffee, cakes and delicious brunch. Imagine all that fantastic food in a beautiful old building. Did you know that it used to be a Post Office in the 18th century?

Granola, quinoa salad, savoury crumpets or the traditional eggs benny, you’ll find it all. The chef also pays a lot of attention to the presentation, which makes the food look even better (if that was even possible).

4. Get lost in the botanical gardens

If you want to stretch your legs, pay a visit to the Botanical Garden. Just make sure you’re not afraid of Pokemon hunters, because there are many. A walk in the quiet and peaceful area of 30 hectares is a perfect morning or afternoon activity! You can even make a full day activity out of it by visiting the Canterbury Museum, which is just next doors.

For the people who are on a lower budget and are looking for a free activity – this is it! In Summer it is blooming with all kind of flowers you haven’t even heard of and in Winter it’ super peaceful. Don’t forget to check out the Ilex cafe, its architecture will blow your mind!

If plants and huge trees are not your thing: you have still the Pokémon.

5. Find the perfect gifts at Re:Start Mall

Update 2018: Unfortunately the container mall doesn’t exist anymore. The mall was only temporary and has been replaced by new buildings. 

Have you every been shopping in containers? Here’s your chance at the Re:Start Mall – also known as the container mall. It’s one of many creative and original ways how Christchurch reacted after the earthquakes. Many cool and quirky projects turned up and Re:Start Mall was one of them.

The central city was severely hit by the earthquakes, and the city council knew the wait for new buildings would be too long. So a container mall was the solution. People needed to be encouraged back into the central city as soon as possible – and it worked!

It turned out to be a colourful collection of funky shipping containers that definitely brought new life into Christchurch. There are now more than 50 businesses. You’ll find gift stores, fashion boutiques, food, coffee, and even banks and a Post Office.

6. Catch a movie at Alice Cinemateque

Alice Cinematique is actually a video rental shop – yes they still exist – with an almost unnoticeable door left of the counter. That door leads you into a magical Egyptian style theatre! There is only one room and the luxurious dark red seats and Pharaoh statues make you feel in a different world.

The 38 seat cinema focusses mostly on art house movies and documentaries. You sit, relax, enjoy and afterwards you go for a stroll between the DVD’s or go for a drink at neighbouring cafe C1. And that’s how you enjoy a night out in Christchurch!

7. Discover the newest exhibitions at the Christchurch Art Gallery

The Christchurch Art Gallery has seen many lives. After the earthquakes it was turned into an emergency headquarters, then it provided temporary accommodation for Christchurch City Council staff and it also has undergone intensive repairs.

The public art gallery finally reopened last December! There are more than 20 exhibitions and installations to choose from and all of that in beautiful exhibition rooms. I also love the light and bright entrance. When you’re walking up the stairs, check out the art right above you!

The gallery is now one of the safest buildings in Christchurch and can deal with seismic events, which is very important to ensure the safety of the collection and its visitors. I also helps to secure the loan of art from around the world, art owners and insurers now have peace of mind that the art will be safe.

Entry is free and on Wednesday nights the gallery is open until 9pm.

8. Feel like a royal in Isaac Theatre Royal

This 100-year-old beautiful building has been through a lot. As many buildings in town, the Isaac Theatre Royal was severely damaged by the earthquakes. It took 3,5 years to restore and rebuild it and now it looks as glamorous as ever.

The beautifully restored heritage theatre re-opened on 17 November 2014 and is 100% safe if a new earthquake would hit the city. The engineers said that’s the place they would hide during an earthquake,that must mean something!

I just love going to the Isaac Theatre.  It’s such a classy venue and the attention to detail adds to the theatres ambience. Don’t forget to look up in the auditorium, the ceiling will blow your mind.

There is always something on, from musicals, ballet, drama to the NZ International Comedy Festival.  This Thursday 28 the New Zealand International Film Festival opens in the Isaac Theatre. Definitely go and check some of the movies out!

(Pic by Nico Babot)

9. Dine at Cook’n with gas

When people ask me to recommend a great restaurant I always say Cook ‘n’ With Gas. This place ticks many boxes. First of all the restaurant is in a beautiful historic 1860s villa, which is adorable. It looks small from the outside, but there is lots of space on the inside. The walls are decorated with frames of old movie stars which gives the restaurant a warm an quirky atmosphere.

And I haven’t even started yet about the food… It is all New Zealand made and it is delicious. I’ve been here four times and every time I left with a smile on my face. The staff is nice and the food is really good. You can order from a set menu, but I always go for a meal à la carte. You’ll pay about 45 dollar. My all time favourite is the lamb. And a nice little touch is that you get a tiny appetizer before your meal – on the house!

Something to celebrate or feel like a nice dinner out? Definitely go to Cook ‘n’ With Gas.

10. Go on a graffti hunt

Christchurch is the city of graffiti. Actually Christchurch is called the Garden City, but I think we should call it the graffiti city.

Around every corner you will discover some graffiti. And I’m not talking about ugly graffiti where teenagers write their names or bad words. I mean stunning, impressive graffiti, sometimes covering an entire wall. It’s an art and it is giving Christchurch that funky edge.

Street art became a big part of Christchurch after the earthquakes. The city centre was a mess, but beyond the abandoned skyscrapers and the scaffolding, walls of beauty started popping up.  Local and international artists created beautiful murals throughout the city and brought it back to live.

Anyone who visits Christchurch – and even every local – should wander around the city and be amazed by the street art in town. Put on those walking shoes and start walking!

Are there any places in Christchurch you highly recommend? Or places you would like to visit? 

The post No, Christchurch is not dead! appeared first on The World is a Circus.

Lucky me when I got invited to a Nature Frother Instameet. I can already see you raising your eyebrows. Nature frothers? What is that? I had the same reaction at first. A nature frother is someone who gets so excited about encountering the wonders of nature that they could start frothing at the mouth any moment. Yep, sounds like me! Sign me up!

I drove down to Dunedin and its beautiful Otago Peninsula and was ready to catch up with all those nature minded Instagrammers. As usual I was excited, hanging out with a bunch of crazy people who love photography and social media, who would say no to that?

Our two days in Dunedin consisted of exploring the peninsula and more important exploring the native (and often endangered) species around.

1. Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a place where New Zealand’s native birds and other wildlife can live in peace. It’s an ecological wildlife safe haven in the Orokonui Valley, 20km north of Dunedin city.

They eradicated all the pests to bring back rare and endangered native species that would have been there in the past, including kiwi, South Island Robin, kākā, South Island saddleback and many more. A predator fence surrounds 307 hectares!

I didn’t really knew what to expect when arriving at Orokonui. First thought that popped up in my head: awesome visitors centre. The architecture is pretty cool and gives a good view on the sanctuary.

I went for a walk via the many little paths and… I NEVER expected to see so many birds! I was seriously amazed and childishly excited! Especially the Takahe left quite an impression, seeing that big flightless bird (there are many in NZ) cruising between plants at a relaxed pace.

2. Penguin Place

Warning! When you visit this place you’ll leave with a warm fuzzy heart, a full SD-card and you’ll be the biggest penguin fan ever. There are some cuties walking around at Penguin Place. The cuties I’m talking about are the yellow-eyed penguin – also called hoiho, a very rare penguin species you can only find in New Zealand.

The awesome staff will take you on a little walk through the nature reserve where you’ll see the penguins just walking and hopping by. I have seen penguins before, but always from a distance. This time we had a close and clear look from behind trenches! The song I’m So Excited of The Pointer Sisters would be very appropriate – as I couldn’t hide my excitement of seeing those little cuties from up close.

Unfortunately it’s not only cuteness we link to the yellow-eyed penguins. They have a sad story. When Penguin Place got founded in 1985 there were eight breeding pairs on the property. They were able to grow up to 36 breeding pairs, but the last years there has been a huge decline. There are only four (!) breeding pairs left at the moment – and also in the rest of New Zealand there is a 25% to 50% drop in nesting numbers.

The Penguin Place offers the penguins a calm predator-free reserve to help them survive. They also have a penguin hospital for the injured penguins.

This conservation project is entirely funded by guided tours of the reserve, so go and say hi! http://www.penguinplace.co.nz

3. Monarch Wildlife Cruises

It took me a minute to see the difference between a Bullers albatros and a seagull from a distance, but with the great crew on board I learned how to spot them. The albatros is huge – did you know that their wings can get up to two-three meters?

Monarch Wildlife cruises takes you out at sea to spot the mighty Bullers albatros and some other special species. If you’re lucky you also see Hector Dolphins and penguins. I wasn’t, but I was able to enjoy some seals chilling along the coast.

It’s also the perfect way to explore the Otago Peninsula, you get a unique and stunning view that you won’t have on land.

The Monarch crew on board gave a lot of information and were so friendly to answer extra questions (and pose for my camera – thanks again!). And it wasn’t just albatros spotting, it was also an introduction to the albatrosses’ history and life facts. Apparently the world’s only mainland nesting place of albatross is at the Otago Peninsula… And we saw it, aren’t we lucky?

Jump on board, quickly! http://www.wildlife.co.nz

Because words are  never enough and I wanted to show my amazing experiences in Dunedin I made a short documentary.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZV-QEl-Zks&w=560&h=315]

For a person who doesn’t know a lot about birds a wildlife weekend like this is very enriching. I can’t only spot a bird (and know what it is), I also know their history and their often hard fight to survive, and that’s what’s important.

New Zealand is so unique, being an isolated island far away from other countries we have a lot of special native birds. But without our help they won’t stay there. I definitely realise now that they need a bit of help from us… I hope you do too.

The post VIDEO: Wildlife in Dunedin appeared first on The World is a Circus.

This park in the north of the South Island exists out of forest and an amazing golden coast. It’s even that amazing that it has one of New Zealand great walks: The Abel Tasman Coast Track. You can read my love for it in my previous post about the park .

Words are never enough, so I decided to record it all. I made a little video about a great day out in Abel Tasman National Park.

The post VIDEO: Walking Abel Tasman Coast Track appeared first on The World is a Circus.

One of those adventures is Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s smaller National Parks – it is ‘only’ 225km² – but such a scenic one.  Think golden beaches, turquoise water and lush native forest. I spent a day exploring this lovely park.

Activities

Abel Tasman National Park is quite famous among tourists, because it is one of the Great Walks you can do in New Zealand. But what makes Abel Tasman Nation Park so attractive is that there is something for everyone. It is not just a walk. There is so much more and it’s all beautiful.

The majority of the tourists will do the famous coastal track. The water taxi drops you on the track and you walk back or get picked up in the middle. Great service if you don’t feel like killing your feet. Everyone gets a day of fun tailored to their needs and fitness.

Those who don’t feel like walking can go kayaking. You’ll discover the most idyllic beaches and might even encounter cute puppy seals.

It doesn’t matter which season you’re visiting, there is always something to do and see. The advantage of winter is that you’ll have the park more to yourself, there are way less visitors and – also important – hardly any insects! If you visit in Summer, be sure to take your swimsuit!

For the more adventurous among you, you can also go canyoning! I’ve never done it there, but it looks really cool. Something new to add to the list…

I’ve visited Abel Tasman NP twice. The first time was 2,5 years ago when I first came to New Zealand. And now last weekend I explored it again, doing a day walk from about 12km. I got dropped off by a water taxi and walked from Bark Bay to Anchorage Bay. Really nice little bush track with views on the sea, a 47 meter long swing bridge and little paths down to the beaches.

Overnight stay

For the people who would like to stay a bit longer, that’s no problem at all. There are plenty of huts and campsites, you just need to make sure you book in advance. Remember you’re not the only one who wants to spend time in Abel Tasman. This will cost you 32 dollar for a bed in a hut and 14 for a spot on the campsite.

And if you stay longer, you’ll be able to finish the Great Walk. You’ll cover 60km in three to five days.

What’s so special about it?

Abel Tasman National Park is so different from the rest of the South Island’s nature. No huge, snow-capped mountains, no big blue lakes, but golden beaches, lush native forest, seals and cool cliffs. Every bay is a treat for the eye. Those cute little beaches make you feel like you’re on a tropical island. My favourite one is Te Pukatea Bay.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eh4zz4ou4Y]

Besides the idyllic scenery there is also a lot of wildlife. Some of the little islands in front of you are bird sanctuaries and there are fur seals (try to go when the pups are there!). You’ll also see little streams, waterfalls and beautiful trees.

As you can see it is a great recipe for a day of fun – for everyone!

I loved it, but I’m already planning my next trip. Next weekend I will go down south to Dunedin to meet some of the locals! Stay tuned!

The post A day in Abel Tasman National Park appeared first on The World is a Circus.

I never expected this, but the weather is so good. During the day it’s sunny and 28 degrees –  can you imagine, coming from 0 degrees at night in New Zealand? I especially adore the long days! I wake up every day at 6.30am (jetlag?), see the light through the curtains and think it’s 9am. It feels like I’m tricking the world, by flying from a NZ winter into a Belgian summer.

The long days make it possible for me to stuff a lot of things in one day – which is pretty convenient at the moment! Yesterday I managed to have three coffee&beer dates and go shopping in between. I definitely prefer these long days above the darkness at 6pm in New Zealand.

What caught my attention is that my fellow Belgians are so friendly. I had always in my mind that New Zealand is the friendliest, but I was happily surprised to get a few random smiles and talks in the coffee shop.  Or maybe I changed and I am more approachable now?

However it could be better apparently. I saw a story on the news (where I used to work ) that people aren’t saying hello to each other anymore . Check out the link below and try to do better and smile to that stranger in the street! It’s just so easy to be nice to other people.

Zeg eens goeiendag tegen een vreemde!

Regarding feeling home in Belgium I don’t know yet what to say. I have a lot of contradictory feelings. It feels good being with my family and walking around in my beloved Leuven and Antwerp. I just don’t know if I could see myself really living here again. And if you don’t see yourself living here anymore, is it still your home? On the other hand, New Zealand doesn’t feel like home home either, because I don’t have my friends and family there. Looks like were coming back to the same conclusion: my family and friends have to move to New Zealand!

And I’m seeing those friends and family non stop these holidays. It’s such a great feeling to hug your little brother again, go shopping with your mum or drink a glass of wine with some girlfriends.

I am experiencing one problem though. I’m not used to driving on the right anymore… A year and a half I’ve been driving in an automatic car on the left. They’re almost all automatic in NZ. When my parents picked me up at the airport my heart made some jumps (and I was only in the passengers seat!!). Can you imagine how I felt when driving myself? It kills me to say, but I’m driving like a granny at the moment.

I’m also loving the french fries, the beers and the cute little cafes , but I do miss the mountains and stunning nature.

And for my non-Belgian readers: French fries are from Belgium!!

The post Beers, fries and driving like a granny appeared first on The World is a Circus.

And I have no idea what’s still there, what’s cosy and delicious. It’s a very weird feeling, as I used to know the newest spots in town. Now I need to rely on Google..

After almost 1,5 years in New Zealand it’s finally time to visit my lovely home country, time to inhale the history of our cities, eat good mussels and fries, go to Ikea, drink the best beers and most of all catch up with my friends and family!

Rollercoaster 

I am so nervous and I don’t really know why. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for months and now it’s here. I guess that would make everyone nervous, right?

Besides the nervous feelings I’m also very excited. Although I’m away every weekend on a little New Zealand adventure, it’s been a while since I took a long flight. And it’s a loooong flight.  Four planes in about 36 hours. But that’s all easy peasy thinking that I will see my family and friends soon again.

This week my little brother (11) told my dad out of the blue: “I am so happy dad”.  Dad: “Ah, why is that son?” – “Because my sister is arriving Saturday”.

That makes me melt like an ice cream on a hot day. Mix that with the sweetest emails from family and friends saying they’re so excited that it feels like they’re expecting a baby and it’s almost like I’m being ‘reborn’ (I love my weird family); emails that they’ll spoil me like crazy and can’t wait to go shopping with me (YES!); people taking time off for me and messages to plan some bubble cava time – and you find me with a big smile even thinking about all that love!

I’m also curious how it will feel to go on a holiday in Belgium. Will it feel like a holiday? Or will it feel like New Zealand was just another life and Belgium is still my home? That’s for me to find out and I will keep you posted!

I think it’s obvious there is a rollercoaster of emotions going through me

What I know for sure is that I will behave like a tourist when I’ll be visiting Belgium. I’ll go to cities, cafes and restaurants to feature them on the blog. There is just too much beauty in our little country to ignore that.

Have you ever been on a holiday in your home country? How did it feel? Any advice for me?

The post On a holiday to… home? appeared first on The World is a Circus.

And isn’t that just the season that turns this country into a real life fairy tale! I think I could even use the word magical.

Arrowtown

The most famous autumn town is Arrowtown, a small cute town of about 2,150 inhabitants in Central Otago. Walking through the streets and seeing those orange soft colours, I imagine there’s a fairy going to pop up just around the corner. Unfortunately I didn’t encounter any fairies (yet), but I did find a few amazing spots.

What does it even more for me is the magical mix of old buildings with the soft-coloured leaves. It’s so perfect that it looks like an architect worked over-hours to get everything planned out. But hey, that’s just nature, and nature is beautiful.

We can all agree Arrowtown is beautiful and a must-visit, but the autumn beauty doesn’t just stay in Arrowtown. There is much more to see in Otago. Drive around, get lost on purpose and you will stumble upon cool lanes, beautiful orchards and so much more.

Cromwell colours

One of my favourite stops was at an orchard in Cromwell. It’s a small village in Central Otago with some great wineries around. It used to be a gold mining town, but now the region produces a lot of wine! Their most famous one: the Pinot Noir.

When driving around there was one orchard that stood out. The leaves and setting caught my eye, thinking: this deserves a stop! Time to take out the camera and have some fun!

Whenever you see a spot you’d like to take photos, always be respectful. Don’t litter, don’t break stuff, show respect for nature and the land owner (when you’re on an orchard or vineyard). The autumn colours are a beautiful thing and it is great that we all share this, so let’s do this with respect.

Ready for a fairy tale autumn in New Zealand? Come over in mid-late April and witness how the fruit trees, willows and poplar trees turn yellow and orange! And if you don’t make it to Arrowtown or Central Otago, no worries. Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Queenstown are also a feast for the eyes.

When, when, when?

Now, what do you have to take away from this article? The best time to visit New Zealand is mid autumn until the start of winter. Autumn in New Zealand starts in March, so the best time for the beautiful leaves would be May. This way you will get the fairytale colours AND the snow on the mountains. You won’t regret it, believe me!

The post Otago in autumn: a fairytale world appeared first on The World is a Circus.

Sandflies.

They look cute and innocent, like a harmless fruit fly, but don’t be fooled. They’re your worst bloodsucking nightmare.

You would think a bite of one of them isn’t that bad, right? Wait until you get here and get attacked by a gang of sandflies. They love your feet, ankles and hands, weak spots that itch a lot.

Once bitten, the best you can do is to not scratch. Easier said than done, especially for me.  The five seconds relief you get when scratching feels SO good, but it will haunt you later at night. The bite gets bigger, a bit infected and it will feel like your foot was dipped in itching powder. For 4 days.

Even adventurer James Cook despised the sandflies:

“The most mischievous animal here is the small black sandfly, which are exceedingly numerous, wherever they light they cause a swelling and such intolerable itching that it is not possible to refrain from scratching and at last ends in ulcers like the small pox”.

In Maori they’re called: “el namu”, which means little devils. Enough said.

Sandflies are found wherever there is water and bush, which you have a lot in New Zealand. I’ve encountered them many times at the West Coast of the South Island. They drive me so crazy that you’ll find me wearing long pants, sleeves and a scarf on a hot summer day…

A beautiful example of how annoying they can be, a little video of me “enjoying” Motukieke Beach at the West Coast.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f-NLfEWXNQ]

Have you heard of sandflies? Are there other insects you despise?

The post [VIDEO] Sandflies: New Zealand’s darkest secret appeared first on The World is a Circus.

I’ve even met people who’ve never been to the other island, and not just teenagers, they were middle-aged people living in the south who had never been to the north island. Luckily this is just a small percentage!

Highest mountain?

I told her that the highest mountain in Belgium is 694 meters, so New Zealand is a positive change and huge playground for me (with the highest mountain being 3724). The mountains, the lakes, the bush, there is so much to see and it’s all mind-blowing – no kidding. People are also the kindest. What also can’t be neglected is the way of living, it’s linked to nature, and it has a big impact on my life. Everything is way more relaxed than Belgium, life is ‘chill’ or ‘sweet as’ as Kiwis would say.

I feel like I’m getting more out of life in New Zealand than I did in Belgium. I start work at 8, finish at 4pm and that’s it. A second world opens when work finishes. I go running, climbing, grab a drink, work on my blog or do freelance videography. I didn’t know I had this much energy in me – and I still feel like I can/need to do more. Sometimes I wish that there were 30 hours in a day.

When I was still living in Belgium my days were often: work and then crashing in the couch. My irregular lifestyle as a journalist with crazy rosters didn’t help of course, but still. Life was more busy, more crowded and hasty. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my life in Belgium, my weekends were great, catching up with friends, going to our favourite bars and having series marathons with my flatmate and an unwanted hangover. I loved every moment of it (especially when my best friend brought me water and painkillers in the morning).

Do More!

In New Zealand I just feel like I’m doing MORE with my life. I’m out there, I see things, I hang on rocks and stand on mountains to watch the sunrise. And it’s all just in my backyard, the beauty is so close and is everywhere. Even being at home feels so different. I live in the hills in Christchurch and have a view on the mountains on the left and the ocean on the right. I appreciate life more and I live it more intense.

The only thing I miss are my friends and family at home. New Zealand hasn’t been able to fill that part in my heart. So that leaves me no other option than convincing them to move to New Zealand.

Do you have any family or friends abroad? How are they convincing you to move?  

The post Beauty in my New Zealand backyard appeared first on The World is a Circus.

So that’s that, I like Wellington, Wellywood, that windy city in New Zealand. Not just because it was my saviour, but also because it is artistic, cute, friendly and last but not least: walkable.

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure to spend my birthday in Wellington. It was the third time I was there and I was very happy to discover the city a bit more. My last visit was limited to one day to see AC/DC perform in the stadium. This weekend I would take my time to visit a lot!

And that’s what I did, with the help from my partner-in-crime. For my birthday Nico had made a list of all cute and cool cafes, bars and restaurants in Wellington. Places I would enjoy and that would be good for the blog. Perfect gift!

When we got off the plane it was raining like crazy. Big puddles everywhere, but that didn’t turn us off. It was a rainy, drizzling weekend, but we managed to amuse ourselves really well. Here’s a list of 10 great things to do on a rainy weekend in Wellington!

1. Have breakfast or lunch at Egmont Eatery

Egmont Eatery is quite new in Wellington. It is a young and modern spot with great food. You don’t notice it when you’re there, but until a year ago it used to be an old industrial carpark! It has been transformed into a multi-level, light-filled cafe. Great service and I don’t know if it was a coincidence, but all the waiters were pretty.

Of course the looks of the waiters is not the most important in liking a cafe or restaurant.. (right?) So let’s get back to business: the food! I ordered an avocado and bocconcini toast.  Everything with avocado does the trick for me, but this toast had just that bit more. They also care about serving it nicely and I appreciate that.

Nico had home made cornbread with spicy beans and an avocado salad. Good too, but my toast definitely won!

Where? 11 Egmont St, Wellington 6011

2. Visit the best museum in New Zealand: Te Papa

I love the Te Papa museum in Wellington. It is HUGE. There are so many different exhibitions about the interesting things in life. Everybody will find something in their alley. You can check out the underwater world with the colossal squid, you can discover the outdoor Bush City or you can learn more about the Maori culture and about the historical Gay and Lesbian protests. Don’t forget to go all the way upstairs, where you find the latest art exhibitions.

Te Papa has so much to offer and it is all FREE. It is great for kids and adults.

Where? 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011

3. Get stuffed in the cutest dumpling restaurant House of Dumplings

This place has lots of character. The dark timber walls make you think you’re in an ancient Chinese shop, but instead of an old and bearded Chinese man you see a charming cook.

It is a very small place, not convenient to find a seat, but it adds to its charm. House of Dumplings has a large variety of choice and all dumplings are handmade in Wellington. Another plus is that the restaurant cares about the environment. All their ingredients are local and they use 100% natural, free range, and MSG free ingredients. And the majority of their packaging (90%) is biodegradable.

I’m also a major fan of their sauces, self made with secret ingredients, but so good! This place manages to incorporate culture, quality, charm, ethics and taste all in tiny dumplings.

Where? 117 Taranaki Street, Wellington

4. Discover fun and colourful gadgets in Matchbox

Check out this unique and vibrant shop in Cuba Street. There is a lot to discover in this little boutique. Funny postcards, DIY-packages, happy mugs, interesting books and stationary etc. The list is just endless. Time flies because there is so much you want to look closer at. It’s a great place to find inspiration too!

Definitely check out the back of the shop, it is an exhibition area. I love the mix this shop offers!

Where? 166 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

5. Have a cocktail or tapas in Havana Bar

This is a cocktail bar and restaurant that refuses to give in to the big boys. You will find it ‘squashed’ between high rise. It’s such a unique sight. Havana Bar exists out of two cute little colourful houses.

They went all the way in the decoration and it pays off.  It almost feels like you’re in Cuba! The houses used to be historic Te Aro workingmen’s cottages and date from the late 19th century. The Havana bar embraces all things Cuban: its decoration, history, music, rum, famous cigars and coffee.

Don’t be fooled, it might look small from the outside, but it is a big bar and restaurant. And that’s one of their strengths. You can just hop in for a beer and cocktail in the bar area or have a dinner in the fancier restaurant area.

Where? 32a – 34 Wigan St, Wellington 6011

6. Catch a movie at Light House Cinema

I have a love for cute little cinemas, as you could read before on the blog. And in New Zealand there are many! Who would have thought?

Across the Havana Bar there is Light House Cinema. It is an independent, locally run Wellington business. Grab a glass of wine inside, get comfy with your lover in the double seats and enjoy the movie! This arthouse cinema is definitely a hidden gem for movie lovers!

Where? 29 Wigan St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

7. Have a French dinner in Boulcott Street Bistro

Do you want to go on a quick holiday to France? Have dinner at Boulcott Street Bistro. The good food and wine makes up for its unoriginal name.

The restaurant is a bit outside the main area and almost hidden between high rise. It’s definitely a must if you’re looking for some fine dining in an intimate and charming atmosphere.

Where? 99 Boulcott St, Wellington, 6011

8. Watch a show in Circa Theatre

On the waterfront, next to the Te Papa museum you find Circa Theatre. It is the leading venue for the theatrical arts. The building is an eye-catcher. I love the colours and the style.

Inside it is cosy and small with great noise control. When we were catching a show there was a music festival was on, right outside of the building. We didn’t hear a thing!

I can definitely recommending watching a show in Circa Theatre, it’s way more intimate than in the bigger venues.

Where? 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington 

9. Have a cocktail in The Library

I love it that when you google ‘the library Wellington’ a bar shows up and not the public library. But you’ll soon understand why.

Impress your friends and travel companions by guiding them to this hidden bar. The Library is located on busy Courtenay Place, but not easy to find. You enter by going through a small door and going up some stairs.

On the first floor you suddenly see a door full of books; that opens the door to another world. The world of books.  The interior

The cocktails are a bit pricey, but worth it!

Level 1/53 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

10. Stroll around

The best way to discover Wellington is by walking it. Even if the weather is a bit drooly, go for it! Take an umbrella, put on your warm coat and enjoy the city. This is one of my favourite things of Wellington, you can walk it! Everything is relatively close and the neighbourhoods are nicely attached to each other. Compared to Christchurch this is the walhalla.

Keep your eyes open on your discovery of Wellington. There’s a lot of graffiti, some of it hidden, some of it not.
What do you like about discovering cities? Is there something you check out in every city you visit?

The post 10 things to do on a rainy day in Wellington appeared first on The World is a Circus.