What Food To Try in Wellington and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Wellington for 2025.
National currency: New Zealand Dollar, symbol — NZD$ (international currency code NZD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Wellington cafes and restaurants
$11.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $8.91
$59.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $48.25
$7.4
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.68
What to Try in Wellington
Must-try Dishes
Big Breakfast - Kiwi Breakfast (hearty start) - A plate piled high with eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Locals enjoy it on weekends, often paired with a solid cup of coffee before a day out.Fish and Chips - Fush and Chups (crispy delight) - Freshly battered fish served with crunchy chips, all wrapped in paper. A favorite street meal for lunch or a casual dinner near the waterfront.
Green-lipped Mussels - Kiwi Mussels (seafood special) - Juicy mussels steamed in garlic, parsley, and wine, offering a taste of the ocean. Best enjoyed at a coastal restaurant while watching the sunset.
Pie - Kiwi Pie (savory pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with tender meat and rich gravy, often topped with mashed potatoes. A classic comfort food staple, commonly found at local bakeries and pubs.
Cheese Roll - Cheese Roll (unexpected snack) - Grated cheese mixed with onion and Worcestershire sauce, rolled in a slice of bread, then toasted. It's a beloved street food item, especially at school fairs.
Whitebait Fritters - Whitebait Fritters (seasonal treat) - Delicate, tiny fish mixed with a light batter and pan-fried until crispy. Locals savor them in spring during the fishing season, often over a leisurely brunch.
Hangi - Hangi (traditional feast) - Meat and underground-cooked vegetables wrapped in leaves, resulting in a smoky flavor. Shared at community gatherings or special occasions, it's a significant part of Māori culture.
Desserts & Drinks
Flat White - Flat White (rich espresso with microfoam) - A velvety espresso-based coffee topped with silky microfoam, often made with one or two shots of espresso. Locals love to grab one at their favorite café, especially during the brisk mornings when the city is still waking up (by the way, don’t mistake it for a latte—it’s all about that extra creaminess!).Negroni - Negroni (bittersweet cocktail) - A perfectly balanced blend of gin, Campari, and vermouth, stirred and served over ice with a twist of orange. This drink pops up everywhere in the evenings as bartenders whip them up for happy hour, and it’s the go-to for someone looking to unwind after a hectic day around Cuba Street.
Pavlova - Pavlova (meringue dessert) - An elegant dessert featuring a crisp meringue shell with a soft, pillowy inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits like kiwi and berries. A staple during festive gatherings, you’ll often find locals enjoying this light sweet during summer celebrations or barbecues with family and friends.
Gelato - Gelato (creamy frozen treat) - A luxuriously dense ice cream made with minimal air and high-quality ingredients, perfect for Wellington's coastal summers. It's common to enjoy a quiet afternoon stroll with a cone in hand, especially when the local gelato shops rotate flavors based on what's fresh that week (pistachio is a favorite—but be warned, it sells out quickly!).
Chai Latte - Chai Latte (spiced tea with milk) - This cozy favorite combines strong black tea steeped with spices like cinnamon and cardamom, all blended with steamed milk. You’ll find it particularly warming during Wellington’s chilly winter days, often sipped slowly while catching up with friends in cozy nooks around town.
Food and Groceries in Wellington
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.88 |
| Oranges | $2.7 |
| Potatoes | $1.99 |
| Apples | $2.41 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.3 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $4.9 |
| Imported Beer | $5.69 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.13 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $9.6 |
| Cigarettes | $18.56 |
| Rice | $2.27 |
| Local Cheese | $6.82 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through Wellington in the early evening, you can’t help but notice how the city transforms. Around 6 PM, the once-quiet streets of areas like Lambton Quay come alive as locals flock to bars and restaurants. It’s the typical dinner rush, with patrons eagerly anticipating a hearty meal after a long day.
In Wellington, meal times often reflect the local rhythm. Lunch usually runs from 12 PM to 2 PM, while dinner peaks between 6 PM and 8 PM. It’s common to see people gravitating toward waterfront eateries during these times, especially in places like Cuba Street or the bustling Waterfront area. A simple midday meal can range from NZD 15 to NZD 25, while dinner can stretch from NZD 30 to over NZD 60, particularly at higher-end spots. The seasonal menus might push prices up or down slightly, especially as spring brings an influx of fresh produce.
Payment customs are straightforward here. Most places accept card payments, which has become the norm, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or markets. A common practice is to pay at the counter in casual cafés. Tipping is not mandatory, yet rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage for great service is appreciated.
One local eating habit that stands out is the tendency to enjoy a relaxed brunch on weekends, often stretching from 9 AM until 2 PM. This is when popular cafes buzz with life, serving everything from the classic eggs Benny to inventive dishes like kumara hash. On the other hand, a frequent tourist mistake is underestimating how long tables can be reserved, especially in the weekend brunch scene. It's best to make a reservation at popular spots to avoid disappointment.
In terms of specific districts, Featherston Street and Victoria Street have an excellent mix of affordable and mid-range dining options. While you might find similar meals priced around NZD 25 in those areas, venture a little further into the trendy spots of Te Aro, and expect to pay a premium for the same dish, sometimes reaching NZD 40 or more.
As the seasons change, so do culinary trends. More people are opting for alfresco dining as spring blossoms, which will likely shape outdoor seating arrangements in the warmer months. Understanding these dining patterns can make for a more enjoyable experience, whether you’re savoring a coffee on Cuba Street or indulging in a dinner by the sea.
In Wellington, meal times often reflect the local rhythm. Lunch usually runs from 12 PM to 2 PM, while dinner peaks between 6 PM and 8 PM. It’s common to see people gravitating toward waterfront eateries during these times, especially in places like Cuba Street or the bustling Waterfront area. A simple midday meal can range from NZD 15 to NZD 25, while dinner can stretch from NZD 30 to over NZD 60, particularly at higher-end spots. The seasonal menus might push prices up or down slightly, especially as spring brings an influx of fresh produce.
Payment customs are straightforward here. Most places accept card payments, which has become the norm, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or markets. A common practice is to pay at the counter in casual cafés. Tipping is not mandatory, yet rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage for great service is appreciated.
One local eating habit that stands out is the tendency to enjoy a relaxed brunch on weekends, often stretching from 9 AM until 2 PM. This is when popular cafes buzz with life, serving everything from the classic eggs Benny to inventive dishes like kumara hash. On the other hand, a frequent tourist mistake is underestimating how long tables can be reserved, especially in the weekend brunch scene. It's best to make a reservation at popular spots to avoid disappointment.
In terms of specific districts, Featherston Street and Victoria Street have an excellent mix of affordable and mid-range dining options. While you might find similar meals priced around NZD 25 in those areas, venture a little further into the trendy spots of Te Aro, and expect to pay a premium for the same dish, sometimes reaching NZD 40 or more.
As the seasons change, so do culinary trends. More people are opting for alfresco dining as spring blossoms, which will likely shape outdoor seating arrangements in the warmer months. Understanding these dining patterns can make for a more enjoyable experience, whether you’re savoring a coffee on Cuba Street or indulging in a dinner by the sea.