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Where to eat, stay, and play this May for Visa Wellington On a Plate

March 23, 2023


Wellington is a famously walkable city which means means it’s easy for visitors to explore the city’s eateries on foot! Take your pick from stunning waterfront views or cool inner city surrounds for your next Wellington getaway with our Festival accommodation partners. 

 
Hippopotamus at QT Wellington
 
QT Wellington is located right across the road from Te Papa and a short walk not only to the waterfront but up towards Wellington’s foodie precincts around Kent Terrace and Cuba Street.  Lovers of fine dining French faire will adore Hippopotamus restaurant, while Hot Sauce serves up the flavours of Asia in a fun, casual setting. 

Chef Sean Connolly will bring a taste of his restaurant Esther to QT as part of the Chef Collaboration Series presented by Singapore Airlines.  Make sure you try their Dine Wellington Dish, Queer Eye for the Fungi. Or, if you are feeling thirsty indulge in their Cocktail Wellington. Their Avant Nightcap tipple is infused with housemade Mushroom House oyster mushroom liqueur.
 
The InterContinental Wellington takes pride of place across from the waterfront and is steps away from Lambton Quay in downtown Wellington. There’s plenty for foodies to explore from their all day eatery Two Grey, and GPO (opening in April) which will boast a mediterranean inspired menu. 

The Lobby Lounge is a great spot for a drink and to people watch, make sure you check out their Cocktail Wellington, the Wrecking Ball which encourages people to crack into it! Crayfish lovers should get in on the Cray Cray Friday Lunch
 
The InterContinental Wellington
 
The Jardin Grill at Sofitel

Sofitel Wellington boasts gorgeous park and harbour views towards the Parliament precinct. The green garden theme continues with their signature restaurant, The Jardin Grill.

A hot ticket for the festival is Autour Du Monde, a seven-course meal traversing the seven continents of the globe. Or, enjoy a pre-dinner tipple with their unique, smokey take on the traditional Negroni for Cocktail Wellington. Their Dine Wellington dish for 2023 takes inspiration from the Earth, Sea and Sky, book in to give it a try!

One of Wellington’s newest 5-star openings, the Mövenpick Hotel Wellington is convenient to the top end of Cuba St and Aro Valley. Their own-site eatery Forage Kitchen + Bar is your one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Find out more about our favourite hotels and check out the fantastic festival accommodation offers here.