New Zealand

Wellington

Last traveled · Nov/Dec 2025
City Snapshot
Best Months
Nov–Mar
Ideal Stay
2–3 days
Best For
Food, culture, waterfront
GF Friendliness
8/10
Language
English
English
Fluent
City Size
Compact
Currency
NZD ($)

Where to Stay

Recommended
Wellington harbour and skyline
Where I stayed

TRYP Hotel by Wyndham Wellington

Te Aro · Tory Street
Why Stay Here
Art Deco hotel five minutes on foot from the CBD and Courtenay Place. Walking distance to Te Papa, the waterfront, and Cuba Street dining. Connected to the convention centre. Free Wi-Fi and gym included.
Central Location Free Wi-Fi Bar & Lounge Gym
Book on Hotels.com

Gluten-Free Survival Guide

Key Phrases
"Gluten-free, please" English-speaking
"Coeliac disease" NZ/UK spelling — widely understood
Grocery Stores
  • New World — excellent free-from range, multiple Wellington locations
  • Countdown — dedicated free-from section with good variety
  • Commonsense Organics — specialty health store with extensive GF range in Cuba Street
Safe Cuisines
  • Korean — naturally rice-based, MISS KANGSTA is 100% GF
  • Thai — rice-based curries and stir-fries
  • Seafood — fresh NZ fish, green-lipped mussels, naturally GF
Score Breakdown
Dedicated GF restaurants
Menu labeling
Staff knowledge & safety
Density of GF dining
Grocery availability
8/10 Overall GF Score
Easy

GF Friendly Restaurants

8 spots
GF Score 5/5 4/5 3/5 Hotel

MISS KANGSTA

100% GF
Korean
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
100% dedicated gluten-free Korean restaurant. Everything on the menu is safe for celiacs — no cross-contamination risk. Takeaway-focused with delivery available on Uber Eats. Open 7 days a week.
What to Order
Crispy popcorn chicken, bibimbap, dumplings, fried brie sticks, halloumi salad. Everything is safe — order freely.
Location
Te Aro · 11 Jessie St
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Half Baked Catering Co

Dedicated GF
Bakery / Vegan
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Dedicated gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free bakery. Entire menu is safe for celiacs. Nut-free options available on request. Light, airy cafe with coastal atmosphere.
What to Order
Raw cakes, fully baked cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and desserts. Everything is vegan, GF, dairy-free, and soy-free.
Location
Te Aro · Abel Smith St
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Neo Cafe & Eatery

GF Options
Cafe / Brunch
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
The owner is celiac, so the kitchen takes cross-contamination seriously. Staff are knowledgeable and ease any worries. Extensive GF menu — almost everything can be adapted.
What to Order
GF pancakes, burgers with GF buns, avocado toast on GF bread, fresh cabinet salads, and in-house GF baking.
Location
Willis Street · 132 Willis St
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Mt Vic Chippery

GF Options
Fish & Chips
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Beloved Wellington fish & chip shop with GF options. Open daily 12–8:30pm. Two locations (Mt Vic and Thorndon). Communicate celiac needs clearly — shared kitchen.
What to Order
GF fish and chips, burgers, and sides. Known for fresh New Zealand fish cooked to order.
Location
Mt Victoria · 5 Majoribanks St
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

1154 Pastaria

GF Options
Italian / Pasta
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Almost every pasta can be made GF with separate water and isolated prep pots. Staff ask if you're celiac or have a preference — a good sign. Ravioli is the one exception (not available GF).
What to Order
Any pasta except ravioli in GF form. Fresh, perfectly cooked pasta with seasonal sauces. Pair with a New Zealand wine from the list.
Location
Cuba Street · 132 Cuba St
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Mr Go's

GF Options
Asian / Taiwanese
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Vibrant Asian street food with a separate printed GF menu. Dedicated fryer for GF items. Staff double-check with the chef for celiac diners. Note: shared kitchen, cannot guarantee allergen-free.
What to Order
GF fries, sharing plates adapted for GF, cocktails. Almost all favourites available GF. Check the separate allergy menu on arrival.
Location
Te Aro · Eva St
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Duck Island Ice Cream

GF Options
Ice Cream / Dessert
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Artisan ice cream with extensive GF options. Staff scoop from a fresh container for celiac customers to avoid cross-contamination. House-made GF maple waffle cones available. GF clearly marked.
What to Order
GF waffle cone with any ice cream, GF peanut butter jelly ice cream sandwiches, coconut ice cream with GF cookie dough chunks.
Location
Cuba Street · Willis Lane
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free

Arashi Kushiyaki Bar

GF Options
Japanese
Traveler recommended
GF Score
Safety Notes
Japanese kushiyaki bar that brings out GF soy sauce and explains what's safe on the menu. Sushi and sashimi prepared in a separate area for GF diners. Most skewers, miso, and vegetables available GF.
What to Order
Sushi, sashimi, kushiyaki skewers (ask which are GF), miso soup, vegetable sides. Avoid anything battered unless confirmed GF.
Location
Courtenay Place · 41 Courtenay Pl
See reviews on Find Me Gluten Free
Browse all Wellington GF restaurants on Find Me Gluten Free

Getting Around

Buses

Metlink runs Wellington's bus network. Snapper card (contactless) for cheaper fares. Most routes connect through the central hub at Lambton Quay.
Frequent services 6am–11pm

Cable Car

5-minute ride from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn lookout. $9 NZD return for adults. Connects to Botanic Garden and Zealandia shuttle.
Every 10 min, 7am–10pm

Walking

Wellington's CBD is compact and very walkable. Most restaurants, landmarks, and the waterfront are within 15 minutes on foot from the hotel area.
Best for the central city

Airport

Wellington Airport (WLG) is only 8 km from the CBD. Airport Express bus #91 runs every 10–20 minutes. Taxi or rideshare takes about 15 minutes.
~15 min to CBD
Pro Tip
Wellington is famously windy — hold onto hats and scarves on the waterfront. The wind is part of the charm, but it can catch you off guard, especially crossing the harbour bridge.

Landmarks & Must-See Spots

4 spots

Wellington Cable Car Lookout

Viewpoint
Take the cable car from Lambton Quay to the top for 360-degree views of the harbour, CBD, and hills. Free Cable Car Museum at the top, plus easy access to the Botanic Garden. $9 NZD return.
Kelburn · Cable Car Lane
Researched
Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Waterfront

Nature
A long, scenic promenade stretching from Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay. Public art installations, the lagoon, playgrounds, and views across the harbour. Perfect for a morning or evening stroll.
CBD · Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay
Researched

Te Papa Tongarewa

Museum
New Zealand's national museum, right on the waterfront. Free general admission. World-class exhibits on Maori culture, natural history, and New Zealand art. Allow at least 2–3 hours.
Waterfront · 55 Cable St
Researched

Mount Victoria Lookout

Nature
The best panoramic viewpoint in Wellington. A short but steep walk or drive to the top for sweeping views of the city, harbour, and surrounding hills. Free. Film location for Lord of the Rings.
Mt Victoria · Lookout Rd
Researched

Things to Do

Activities & Experiences

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry

Ticketed
Scenic ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton through the Marlborough Sounds. About 3.5 hours one way. Book in advance during summer — sailings fill up. Onboard cafe with some GF options.
3.5 hours Waterfront Terminal
Book Tickets

Wellington Cable Car

Ticketed
Iconic funicular from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn lookout. $9 NZD return. Connects to the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum (free), and Zealandia shuttle. Runs every 10 minutes.
30 min Lambton Quay ~$9 NZD
Book Tickets

Te Papa Tongarewa

Free
New Zealand's national museum on the waterfront. Interactive exhibits on Māori culture, Gallipoli, earthquakes, and native wildlife. Allow 2–3 hours. Free general admission.
2–3 hours 55 Cable St
Visit website

What to Pack

Late Spring in New Zealand

Travel Tips

What I'd Do Differently
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