Friday Five: Making the most of the midwinter madness

Winter in Wellington – it’s wet, it’s wild and it’s windy. But it’s also a little bit wonderful. Here are some warm ideas to get you through to spring.

Photograph of Cuba Street at night with blurry car lights passing and a romantic couple seated at a window in a restaurant.

1. Cuddle up in a cosy pub

Nothing says winter in Wellington like sharing a drink and kai over a roaring fire, or in one of St John’s legendary private igloos!

Check out this handy list of cosy places put together by WellingtonNZ and book yourself a merry little meal.

2. Drop it like it’s hot (chocolate)

WellingtonNZ have made a list of the hottest hot chocolates around town right now. Get your hands on a steaming mug of goodness!

Check out the list on their website.

A photograph of two hot chocolates on a wooden table with a knife sprinkling chocolate flakes on top of them. — Treat yourself to a hot drink at Wellington Chocolate Factory.

3. Count the umbrellas in rubbish bins

Most Wellingtonians know to opt for a raincoat in winter, but you can still spot the odd sad, destroyed brolly poking out of a central city rubbish bin.

Blunt umbrellas are a great bit of New Zealand ingenuity designed to survive the elements, and you can buy them from the gift shop at the Treehouse Visitor Centre! You can find their opening hours here.

4. Take a midwinter dip

If you’re feeling brave, why not organise a midwinter swim?

Oriental Bay is a good spot, or if you really want to challenge yourself, head to the south coast and feel that Cook Strait chill.

Photograph of person running along Lyall Bay beach in the golden light of the morning.

5. Turn up the heat at the Begonia House

Are you a hot house flower who hates the cold? The Begonia House at the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā is warm all year round with beautiful tropical plant displays – and don’t forget that famous fishpond.

It’s free entry and open daily between 9am and 4pm.

Remember to follow the Ministry of Health guidance around COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions and enjoy your time in the city safely. Stay home if you're feeling unwell, sign in wherever you go, keep your distance, practice good hygiene and wear a facecovering on public transport.

For up-to-date information about Council services and facilities, visit our COVID-19 update pages.

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.