Wellington: Capital times

The revamped Travelodge. Photo / Supplied

You can't beat Wellington on a good day. So the saying goes. We've all been there when the southerly winds lay you flat, the icy rain is horizontal and landing at the airport resembles a death-defying thrill ride. But when the spring sun shows its face and the harbour shimmers like a mirror, there's no better place to get away to for the weekend. Here's a guide to where to stay, eat and play in the capital, without breaking the bank:

Where to stay

If you're hitting the city as a group, whether it's a bunch of mates, the kids, or even some work colleagues for business, central apartment accommodation is a convenient, practical option.

Village Accommodation group operates several apartment complexes in Wellington Central City, the star of which is the stylish Boulcott Suites. Located on O'Reilly Ave, just up from the corner of Willis and Boulcott streets, the complex contains one-, two- and four-bedroom suites, as well as four-bedroom, three-level townhouses. The complex was purpose-built with corporate travellers in mind but the suites and townhouses make a great, cost-effective base. especially for anybody travelling in a group.

They're spacious and light with the bonus of a full kitchen, complete with oven, microwave and dishwasher, so you can cook for yourself if you wish. But if that all seems like too much hard work, some great cafes and restaurants are on your doorstep, and many offer a charge-back service to your apartment so your costs can be wrapped up in one bill. Rates range from $210 for a one-bedroom suite with study, up to $430 for a four-bedroom townhouse, but there are also reduced rates for stays of three nights, or more.

If a hotel is more your thing and you still want a central city location without spending a fortune, Travelodge Wellington has just unveiled an $11 million facelift. The 3.5- to 4-star hotel is located on Gilmer Tce, up the famous Plimmer Steps from Lambton Quay, in the heart of Wellington's shopping and business precinct.

The hotel has its own restaurant, gym and conference rooms, all of which have had a stylish makeover. Plus it's a short walk to almost everything in downtown Wellington.

Rooms start at $99 a night for a standard double room.

What's on

* The must-visit at Te Papa before November 1 is Formula One: The Great Design Race. This exhibition is a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at everything that makes Formula One arguably the world's most glamorous sport.

It's essentially a timeline covering the major design and technological advancements in the sport's history, profiling its many stars along the way - including the incredible achievements of New Zealanders Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon. Then, of course, there are the cars. The exhibition includes iconic Formula One cars from each decade from the 1950s to the 2000s. Definitely worth a visit, no matter your level of interest in motorsport.

Other events at Te Papa around the exhibition include a Father's Day Brunch with Chris Amon on September 6, and all sorts of hands-on activities for the kids during the school holidays.

* To make the most of that Wellington spring sun, wander among the native birds at Zealandia - The Karori Sanctuary Experience. Just five minutes' drive from the central city, The sanctuary is teeming with protected and endangered native birds - kaka, saddlebacks and kiwi to name a few - as well as glow worms and wetas.

For your first visit take the one-hour tour, which will help you identify all the birds you see.

* Coming events include the All Black v Australia on September 19 and Montana World of Wearable Arts Awards Show, September 24 to October 4.

Where to shop

Try Madam Fancypants for quirky gift ideas in Cuba St, then head back to Artikel in Wakefield St for more quirk plus fabulous jewellery and fashion. If it's boys' clothes you want try Mandatory in Cuba Mall and girls should head for Old Bank Arcade and the adjacent Featherston St for a range of boutiques and designers.

Where to eat and drink

Around the Willis St/Lambton Quay area try Pravda in Customhouse Quay for brunch, lunch or dinner, or Boulcott St Bistro for fine dining in the evening. For something a little more casual there's great, gastro-pub food and an excellent wine list at the General Practitioner on the corner of Willis and Boulcott streets.

In Cuba St you can't go past Matterhorn - it's a great place for cocktails after dinner, but at all other times it serves some of the city's best food and was named Cuisine magazine's best restaurant last year. Just up the road a little further is the outstanding Logan Brown. Fabulous food, beautiful surroundings and excellent unfussy service. And for brunch don't forget Floriditas or Fidels - an excellent place for a drink or two.

Then there's the wall-to-wall restaurants and bars of Courtenay Place, arguably the hub of Wellington's nightlife. Once you've eaten though, follow it up with a cocktail bar crawl. The best is The Library, upstairs next to Burger King. Snuggle down in one of the comfy chairs with a plum wine Gambatte cocktail and peruse the surrounding shelves stacked with books.

Just around the corner in Forrester Lane off Tory St is Alice, where the cocktails come in teapots, and next door to that is Motel - done up like a 50s New York Jazz Club and sporting a 200-strong cocktail list. Push on until dawn and stagger in to Finc in Wakefield St for a breakfast of Middle Eastern eggs.