NEWS
EVENTS
Wellington on a Budget
Friday 2nd November 2012 | Thomas
Drinking
Mac’s Brewery
The home of many award winning bears, ciders and wine is that of Mac’s Brewery. Situated on the waterfront the establishment offers an array of drink and food. However it’s relatively upmarket, so to keep it budget make sure you bring friends and buy jugs, share the booze and split the cost.
Chicago Sports Bar
Another great waterfront bar where you can watch the game (of Rugby) and chat with the locals over a pint. Large portions of greasy food are available if you’re feeling like embracing the American Spirit!
Molly Mallone’s
Wellington’s original and premier Irish bar offers beers, spirits and wine as well as food throughout the day all at a good price. An added bonus is the live music for free they put on every night. Go see “the man on piano” on Friday night for an authentic night of Irish drunkenness.
Eating
Satay Kingdom
This Malaysian eatery is ridiculously cheap and if you keep it vegetarian you can easily for less than NZ$10. With pricing that rivals that of buying the ingredients individually it is a hungry backpacker’s paradise.
Sweet Mother’s Kitchen
Sweet Mother’s Kitchen offers a range of creole, Cajun and Mexican food in a friendly environment where you will find yourself among locals and travellers from all other walks of life. The time can past quickly here and it’s all very affordable.
Fidel’s
A famous café in a city famous for its cafés. Fidel’s is a great little place on Cuba Street (obviously!) with cheap meals throughout the day and its authentic Havana coffee. A great place to go before a night out in town or to relax during the day.
Sleeping
YHA Wellington City
This huge hostel is right in the heart of the city and is clean, affordable and has a range of room types to choose from. Despite its size the staff is friendly and make you feel welcome. There is even a barista on site if you fancy some real freshly brewed coffee.
Moana Lodge
If you fancy staying a short journey outside the city and want to stay somewhere small and quiet then look no further than Moana Lodge. People only have good things to say about the staff and it makes up for its distance from the city with stunning views of the bay.
The Cambridge Hotel
Despite its name The Cambridge Hotel also offers a wide range of rooms and can accommodate you if you are travelling on a shoestring budget. If you are feeling a bit more upmarket they can accommodate you with single and deluxe rooms. Again, a good central location and very close to the ferry terminal should you want to make your way to the South Island.
Partying
The Fringe Bar
Located on Wellington’s famous bohemian Cuba Street, The Fringe Bar is a great little venue that does something different every night. It does all types of comedy, be it improvisational or stand up as well live music, karaoke and poetry there is a great entertainment vareity. It is fantastic value with a large amount of events being free.
San Francisco Bath House
Another great venue on Cuba Street, be it Reggae, metal or hip-hop there’s variety to behold at the venue and artists are local and international. With drink deals on every night its easily affordable especially if you make sure you head down there when there is a free event.
The Big Kumara
If cover bands, live DJs, smoke machines, cheesy music and dancing on tables is your thing then ‘The Big K’ is definitely for you. One of the many venues on Cuba Street, it’s become popular with students and young people who visit it frequently. Although it may not be as classy as other venues, it’s still a fun and safe night out.
