Stopover Wellington

Eat your way around New Zealand’s craft beer and coffee capital, sampling barbecued halloumi skewers, kimchi croissants and lemon meringue pie doughnuts

- Delaney Mes

1 Sunny-side up Just off Civic Square, in the City Gallery, you’ll find Nikau Café. A stalwart of the city, it serves an inspired, NZ-produce-driven menu, with some of the best breakfasts in town. Beautiful coffee, an array of sweet treats, and sage fried eggs are standouts, but it’s most famous for its kedgeree. nikaucafe.co.nz

2 Market fresh The Wellington waterfront is worth a wander in any season and, rain or shine, its Harbourside Market is a great place to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, and to browse an array of food vendors and trucks. Don’t miss the barbecued halloumi on a stick from Brazilian Skewer. harboursidemarket.co.nz

3 Herd instinct Fairly new to the Wellington restaurant scene, Shepherd comes with a high-calibre team. Serving an everchanging and inspired menu, expect surprises such as baby kimchi croissants or miso crème brûlée. With local beers and interesting wines, it’s equally good to stop by for a drink and a snack as it is for a full meal. shepherdrestaurant.co.nz

4 Pizza and beer Hannah’s Laneway is home to various artisan food factories (think peanut butter, bean-to-bar chocolate and soda). There’s also a dive bar called Golding’s Free Dive. Like something out of a movie set, the eclectic fit-out has a rotating selection of the best beers from NZ and abroad. Order a legendary pizza from across the laneway (pizzapomodoro.co.nz) and eat it at Golding’s with the local brew of your choice. goldingsfreedive.co.nz

5  Craft cocktails Low-slung lights and a healthy dose of velvet adorn