Affordable food and drink experiences in Wellington

Hitting the road in a campervan for a New Zealand road trip is the ultimate adventure, especially when it leads you to Wellington. Known for its dynamic culture and culinary diversity, Wellington is a haven for foodies looking for cheap eats. 

In this helpful guide, we're going to share some of the best cheap eats in Wellington, perfect for those exploring NZ on a shoestring budget. Whether you're renting a van to travel for a short escape or planning a longer journey, Wellington's affordable dining options help to stretch your travel budget further. Let’s uncover the city's culinary gems where great taste meets great value.

 

What’s Wellington known for?

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is celebrated for its rich cultural scene and its reputation as the culinary capital of the country. This city is a melting pot of flavours, offering everything from high-end dining to flavourful fast food that treats the taste buds without emptying the wallet. Take your pick of cheap restaurants in Wellington serving global cuisines, to local cafes dishing up New Zealand classics. The city's coffee culture is also highly rated, with artisanal cafes at almost every corner. Beyond its awesome food scene, Wellington's compact nature makes it easy to explore, with its beautiful waterfront, historic buildings, and the iconic Te Papa Museum adding to its unique character.

 

What's the best way to explore Wellington?

The best way to truly experience Wellington is with the freedom and flexibility of a campervan hire. Renting a travel van offers the convenience of having your accommodation and transport rolled into one, allowing you to discover Wellington at your own pace. With campervan travel, you're not just limited to the city centre; you can easily venture to nearby attractions without the hassle of booking different hotels. 

Campervan hire also means you have the flexibility to follow your whims – whether that’s exploring the best cheap eats in Wellington or finding a scenic spot for a spontaneous picnic. Plus, van travel lets you immerse yourself in the local culture and surroundings, offering a more intimate and personal way to explore NZ. Whether you’re on a short getaway or a longer road trip around New Zealand, a campervan is your ticket to an unforgettable Wellington adventure.

 

The 10 best affordable food and drink experiences in Wellington

Ready to tuck into the great tastes of the capital? Let’s explore some of Wellington’s best cheap eats.

 

1. Explore the eateries on Cuba Street

A highlight of any visit to Wellington, Cuba Street offers a diverse culinary scene. This lively street is a mosaic of flavours, where each restaurant and café adds its own unique touch to Wellington's dining landscape. Start your gastronomic journey at Scopa Pizzeria, a local favourite known for its traditional pizzas and a cosy vibe, perfect for a cheap dinner in Wellington. Another great spot, 1154 Pastaria stands out with its exquisite pasta dishes, ideal for a hearty meal after a day of exploration. If you're in the mood for Middle Eastern flavours, Kisa is the place to be, with its array of mezze plates that are perfect for sharing.

 

2. Find your favourite food truck at Harbourside Market

As Wellington's oldest and most beloved market, the Harbourside Market is a bustling hub of activity every Sunday morning, offering a feast for the senses. Among the lively atmosphere, you'll find an array of food trucks and stalls, each serving up a variety of delicious options that are perfect for a cheap lunch in Wellington. The market is a great spot for trying out a wide range of hot foods, from traditional New Zealand fare to international cuisines. Whether you're in the mood for something savoury or a sweet treat to complement your morning coffee, the market's food trucks have you covered. 

 

3. Hang out at Midnight Espresso

Known for its delicious Havana roast coffee, Midnight Espresso is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. One of Wellington’s longest-standing cafes, the atmosphere inside is as inviting as its menu. Whether you're looking for a caffeinated kick-start to your day, or you need a cosy spot to unwind after a day of exploring Wellington, this cool café offers the perfect setting. It's an ideal spot for a cheap lunch in Wellington or just to soak in the local vibe. 

 

4. Enjoy the sun at The Rogue and Vagabond

Sitting right in the heart of Wellington, The Rogue and Vagabond, is a quintessential stop for anyone on a New Zealand road trip. This craft beer bar is a cool spot where the sun, music, and good vibes come together. With a wide selection of craft beers on tap, including local favourites and unique brews, it's a paradise for beer enthusiasts. The bar's laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to relax and soak up the Wellington sun, especially after a day of campervan adventures.

Image: Instagram - @_letsescapetogether_

 

5. Discover Rasa Malaysian

Another Cuba Street favourite, Rasa Malaysian is a must-visit for anyone on a New Zealand road trip looking for an authentic taste of Malaysia. The restaurant is renowned for its roti, a Malaysian flatbread with a mild buttery flavour, perfect for pairing with their rich and flavourful curries. Their extensive menu includes a range of Malaysian classics, from nasi goreng to dosa masala, each dish prepared with a focus on authenticity and taste. 

 

6. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Release

Located at 99 Manners Street, Sweet Release is an all-vegan café ideal for anyone looking for allergy-friendly, comforting sweet treats. As Wellington's first all-vegan café, Sweet Release is not just about satisfying cravings; it's about providing delicious options that are inclusive and mindful of various dietary needs. Known for making a lot of their food from scratch, the tasty treats on offer are free of dairy, eggs, meat, or nuts, with gluten-free options also available. Their menu features a delightful array of cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats that are as delicious as they are conscientious. Whether you're looking for a quick snack to go or an indulgent dessert to enjoy in their cosy café, Sweet Release has something tasty to try.

 

7. Grab a bite from Lucky Chicken

Fan of good chicken? Known for being one of the city's favourite take-outs, Lucky Chicken ticks the boxes for tasty cheap eats in Wellington. With a focus on free-range chicken and fresh ingredients, they've become a staple for both locals and visitors looking for a quick, delicious meal. Located in Courtenay Place, Lucky Chicken is easily accessible for those travelling in a campervan and exploring the city. But if you’d prefer to enjoy your meal on the go or at a scenic spot in Wellington, Lucky Chicken also offers delivery. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for cheap takeaways in Wellington or a casual dinner during your road trip.

 

8. Have a craft beer at Fortune Favours

Known for its award-winning brewery, Fortune Favours offers a fantastic lineup of fresh, rotational beers that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a fan of IPA, sours, pale ale, stout, or experimental brews, this brewery has something to excite your palate. Located in the heart of Wellington at 7 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Fortune Favours prides itself on brewing beer for the bold, the brave, and the lucky. Their core range of beers is not only available at their venue but also at supermarkets and liquor stores, making it easy for you to enjoy their flavours just about anywhere. 

 

9. Dive into the Wellington Seamarket

The Wellington Seamarket is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers on a New Zealand road trip. Established in 1947, this market has been providing the freshest fish in Wellington for decades. With a wide range of seafood available, from crayfish and salmon fillets to scallops and whitebait, the market caters to all seafood preferences. You’ll find the Wellington Seamarket at key spots throughout the city with each location offering a unique experience. The Cuba Street flagship store boasts over 20 years of providing fresh fish and expert advice. The Lambton Quay shop, nestled in the heart of the CBD, is perfect for a quick stop while exploring the city. For those near Lower Hutt, the market there offers a unique opportunity to see fish cut and prepared right in front of you.

 

10. Dive into dumplings at Rams Restaurant

Love a good dumpling? Rams Restaurant, located on Cuba Street, is an unassuming eatery that has earned a reputation for serving some of the best dumplings in the country. The dumplings at Rams are known for their crispy exterior and fresh fillings, ranging from pork with chives to chicken and mushrooms. The highlight, however, is their chilli oil dumplings, which are served in a homemade chilli oil that adds a sweet vinegary kick to the hand-folded pockets of goodness. The restaurant's modest pricing, with 12 pieces of chilli oil dumplings for $16, makes it an excellent choice for those looking for cheap eats in Wellington while exploring the city in a campervan.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Budget-friendly holiday parks in Wellington

Now that you’ve got the low-down on the best cheap eats in Wellington, here are a few top spots to park up your camper while you’re there.

 

Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park

Just 15 km from the city centre, Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a relaxed retreat with spacious grounds ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers. Choose from around 130 powered sites and 100 non-powered sites, catering to a variety of campervan needs. The park is equipped with excellent facilities to suit everyone's requirements, including a full-service information desk to help out with local attractions and activities. 

 

Wellington Kiwi Holiday Park

Nestled in the scenic parklands of Akatarawa Valley on the banks of the Hutt River, Wellington's Kiwi Holiday Park is set in 32 hectares of native bush and rural parkland. This holiday park offers a unique blend of country life in the city, providing a restful holiday or stopover location. The park features both powered and non-powered sites within an environment filled with native birdsong and beside the scenic Hutt River. There’s plenty to do and see nearby making it an ideal base for exploring the Upper Hutt region and its natural beauty.

 

Explore Wellington with Mighty

Wellington's vibrant food scene and scenic campgrounds make it a perfect destination for your next campervan adventure. Whether you're diving into the city's best dumplings, sipping craft beer, or exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, your journey in a Mighty campervan will be unforgettable.

Don't miss the chance to experience all that Wellington has to offer. Book your Mighty camper online now and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in Wellington!