Friday Five: Ways to keep warm as the cold sets in

1. Grab yourself a steaming mug of chocolate

The only thing that could rival Welly on a good day, is Welly on a cold day with a delicious hot chocolate. We’re spoilt for choice in Pōneke, so why not check out the best hot chocolates on offer? Luckily, the team at WellingtonNZ have put together a list of where to go on their website.

2. Save on energy costs at home

Have you ever wondered how much energy you’re using in your home? With the Home Energy Saver Assessment programme from the Sustainability Trust, you can get a walkthrough of your home to review lighting, heating, insulation, and ventilation. You’ll then get practical advice to make simple changes to reduce energy costs and emissions.

There are three types of assessments: One for homeowners, one for tenants and one for those looking to renovate or build. Each of these assessments is free to all homes under Wellington City Council.

3. Stroll through the ever-changing Wellington Gardens

Chuck on some warm clothing and then fill your cup with beautiful views at the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā! The gardens are open all year round and look different in every season – perfect for a stroll when you just need some fresh air.

4. Make your home nice and toasty

There’s no place like home, so let’s make it as cosy as possible. As part of the Home Energy Saver programme, we’ve put together some top tips on how to make your home feel warmer – like did you know that drying your clothes inside on a rainy day doesn’t actually save you power and money? Read more on Our Wellington.

5. Spend time exploring indoor facilities

There are so many wonderful places to visit in the city that will shelter you from the cold – why not wander through an exhibit at the City Gallery or spend a day at the Wellington Museum? If you’re feeling active, you could even join a class or programme at one of our Recreation Centres or go for a dip at our pools.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.