9am July the 10th. With a couple carry-on items (a Neat Places Guide, DSLR, wallet and notebook) sprawled across the back seats of my car, I headed for the domestic terminal.

Soon I’d reach the Ponsonby of New Zealand. The artistic capital that is Wellington.  A cultural epicentre complete with a cafe scene Aucklanders envy.

With 12 hours up my sleeve and an Uber en route, I was ready to find out what Wellington had to offer.

  Producing all things chocolate The Wellington Chocolate Factory on Eva Street is just waiting to be stumbled upon by a local chocoholic or passing tourist.

– 5 Eva Street –

Once a derelict petrol station, Garage project‘s brewery offers walk-ins a taste of Wellington’s finest beer. Why not chill for a hour in the Garage as you’re taken from their light summer brews to their darker winter beers.

– 68 Aro St –

Passionate about healthy wellbeing and a damn good spread, the team behind Fix and Fog know a thing or two about peanut butter. How to enjoy: Shove a jar into your rucksack, hit the road, toast on an open fire and crack open your favourite Fix and Fog. Offering Smooth, Super Crunchy, Smoke & Fire and Dark Chocolate you’re spoilt for choice.

– 5 Eva St –

If you’ve followed Two Dark Coffees for a while now you’ll be familiar with Six Barrel Soda Co. Above street level in a loft-like store is Six Barrel Soda’s HQ. It’s here the handcrafted, all natural, small batch sodas are created.

– 1 Eva Street –

Debatably the coffee capital of New Zealand, you can’t visit Wellington without taking a sip from their coffee cup. I’d heard Milk Crate was the place to go for a good brew and located close to Cuba street it wasn’t long before I stumbled upon this Wellington gem.

– 35 Ghuznee St –