Our capital city, right in the middle of Middle Earth, is well-known for an awesome cafe culture. And we agree. Coffee reigns high here. But not just coffee beans. There’s more, a fair share of cocoa beans, and some mighty fine peanut butter as well… Yes, no wonder it’s been crowned “the coolest little capital in the world”.
In the last couple of weeks, Mother Nature has made her presence felt in Wellington and the upper South Island. We have been thinking of our hardworking food artisans in these regions, affected in different ways by recent events - and we want them to know that their wonderful products are truly appreciated by anyone lucky enough to try them. Read more about some of New Zealand’s Wellington-based food artisan treasures.
You can’t beat Wellington on a good day. And it is a wonderfully walkable, if sometimes a little windy, inner city. Bring your trainers and get in your 10,000 steps. And walking gives you the ideal opportunity to check out all the street art - there’s a mural around every corner.
To kickstart your day
Many say that the day doesn’t start properly until you have a coffee. Igniting your senses, and all that.
And there is no shortage of quality roasters, where you check out the beans being tossed around while you get your day underway. Many thanks for the caffeine injections Mojo, Acme & Co, Havana Coffee Works, Coffee Supreme… Full of beans now, you might say.
Chocolate and peanut butter, and even chocolate peanut butter
In a lane, in close proximity, there’s chocolate, peanut butter, and more. Swap coffee for cocoa and watch other beans being turned into food treasure. The smell is intoxicating. Watching the velvety chocolate mix is mesmerising. And eating it is tantalising.
What more do you need to know? Wellington Chocolate Factory is the place to go.
And speaking of murals, an added bonus to the delicious chocolate is the amazing wrapping. The artwork by New Zealand artists on their wrappers is outstanding. And they have a great sense of history and place. We love their Great War Bar that remembers the Great War, WW1, like the capital is doing now all around town.
Nearby, hunt down the low little window with the peanut butter flag.
Fix & Fogg nut buttery here we come. Stop and chat with the dedicated peanut butter ambassadors, and choose from their range - smoke and fire to dark chocolate, crunchy to smooth, and more. Even fruit toast, for a limited release. And, peanut butter pins to show loyalty to your favourite. Leave your empty jars behind, they’ll be put to good use again.
To cleanse the palate
After all that chocolate and coffee, what better than another nearby stop. A cleansing soda anyone? At Six Barrel Soda Co, head upstairs for a tasting tray of house signature sodas. The menu descriptions are beautiful, like the sodas themselves. And the flavour combinations tempt, and delight the tastebuds. Orange and dandelion (citrus, herbal, bitter), hibiscus (plummy, floral) and celery tonic (celery, cucumber, apple)...
And here’s yet another chance to see the onsite action. It is so good to know where your product has been made - and check out their making, bottling and crating technique - there's one or two flavours a day on the go.
And so, easily 10,000 steps done, home time, with peanut butter, and produce from the nearby Moore Wilson - a Wellington food lover’s mecca. Time for a quick assembly of a favourite satay style dip. Click here for more.