There are so many fantastic things to do in Wellington, but one of my favourite things to do is to visit the city’s amazing selection of rooftop bars.
As it’s surrounded by nature, Wellington has some pretty spectacular views, so the rooftop bars are a real treat.
And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them all up in one place for you!
Next time you’re in the city, be sure to have this list to hand so you can get cracking on visiting the best rooftop bars in Wellington!
1. Dirty Little Secret
Address: 54 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-974 2298
Dirty Little Secret is the first rooftop container bar in Wellington, with an industrial-chic vibe that you’re sure to love.
The bar has practically panoramic views of Courtenay Place and beyond, and is a really cool drinks spot.
Inspired by the laneway bars of Melbourne, this funky space is perfect for after-work drinks with friends.
It attracts a young, cool crowd, and is ideal for those looking to get boozy in a unique spot.
So if that’s you, then head up here!
Dirty Little Secret is the kind of place that you might miss if you forget to look up, but once you get there, you’ll never forget it.
2. ABV Rooftop Bar at The Grand
Address: 69/71 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-801 7800
At ABV Rooftop Bar at The Grand, they pride themselves on paying attention to their ingredients and putting passion into all they do.
They share their creativity through their food and cocktails, and the menu is packed full of unique dishes and drinks.
For a down-to-earth, warm atmosphere that is emblematic of Wellington, look no further than ABV.
The ever-changing menu also ensures that it stays exciting each time you visit, which is always a plus!
If you’re looking for one of the best rooftop bars in Wellington, then definitely consider this one.
It’s a strong contender, that’s for sure!
3. The Arborist
Address: 166 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-931 6161
The Arborist describes itself as Wellington’s most spectacular rooftop bar, so it must be worth checking out!
Found on the seventh floor of the Trinity Hotel, it’s a true oasis of greenery and sunshine amid the city.
Offering stunning views of the city below, The Arborist is the best place to enjoy those summer evenings in Wellington.
Spend a day here perched high above the city, bathing in the sunlight with a frozen cocktail in hand.
For those chillier nights, they have plenty of blankets to keep you warm and cosy, so this bar is a great choice no matter the weather.
4. Bethel Woods
Address: 73 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-920 8530
Bethel Woods is the number one place to go for seriously good street food and killer craft beer.
It’s a place where things are done differently, so if you want to step away from the usual bar, this is the one for you.
Get involved in an arcade game to let your competitive side out, then pour yourself a beer – anything goes here.
It’s a cool bar with one of the best vibes in town, and to top it off, it has a cracking rooftop bar, too!
Don’t miss this absolute banger of a venue, because it’s sure to become a firm favourite as soon as you arrive.
5. Concrete Bar
Address: Level 1 Cable Car Lane, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-974 2227
Concrete Bar is located in the heart of the Wellington CBD and is perfect for your next get together.
With delicious food, tasty cocktails and a range of local and international beers, this bar is a place for everyone.
I wouldn’t necessarily call the terrace a rooftop, but it’s still a great spot for enjoying a beer or two.
If you want a fun bar with the perfect vibe for any occasion and budget, then this is one of the best rooftop bars in Wellington for you.
Concrete Bar is a real hidden gem that, once found, is sure to capture your heart forever…
Get ready to fall in love!
6. The Botanist
Address: 219 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-891 0198
The Botanist brings the very best of vegetarian cuisine to the fantastic city of Wellington.
With views to the sea, The Botanist is an idyllic summer dining spot.
The sheltered sunny rooftop courtyard is perfect for a leisurely lunch, and with food this delicious you’ll keep coming back for more!
Try out their incredible BFC burger and loaded fries with whipped feta and facon lardons for a real treat.
They have menus from breakfast through to dinner, so no matter the time of day, they’re waiting to welcome you!
7. Southern Cross Garden Bar & Restaurant
Address: 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-384 9085
Southern Cross Garden Bar & Restaurant is a Wellington icon, and it’s not hard to see why.
This family-friendly spot has a fantastic leafy patio and delicious pub eats, making it a great choice for a chilled afternoon.
The terrace isn’t a rooftop per se, but I couldn’t leave a terrace this good off the list!
It’s been around for over 100 years, and is still a favourite meeting place – yep, it’s just that good.
They’re a real part of the community and you can feel that from the moment you walk.
This is a bar that isn’t one to miss!
8. Fortune Favours Beer
Address: 7 Leeds Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-595 4092
Fortune Favours Beer has one of the largest selections of locally-brewed beer in town, and they’re delicious.
With beer for the bold, the brave and the lucky, this is the place to be for any beer lovers in town.
Their roof terrace is perfect for enjoying a cold beer in the afternoon sun, which is what we all want, right?
If it’s chilled-out vibes, great booze and friendly staff you want, then Fortune Favours Beer is the place to be.
Become the coolest kid on the block when you tell people that this is your favourite rooftop bar in Wellington.
9. Coene’s Bar & Eatery
Address: 103 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-385 7124
Coene’s Bar & Eatery is a nautical-themed spot with views of the water that they claim is the best view in Wellington.
This is a place made for socialising, with great food and even better drinks to help enable that.
Indulge in their delightful menu that’s packed with international dishes made using the freshest local ingredients.
The open deck overlooking the harbour is the perfect place to relax in the summer sun and enjoy the best of Wellington.
Try the seafood chowder if you’re around for lunch…
It’s said to be the very best that you’ll find here!
10. Ascot
Address: 2/55 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Ascot is a relaxed and cool spot that serves up hotdogs and wine, a combo I never thought I’d see but that works so well!
This fab rooftop bar is ideal for relaxed drinks with friends or a casual date spot thanks to its chilled vibes.
Ascot is the ultimate summer hangout, and I can guarantee that it will become one of your new favourite rooftop bars in Wellington.
From down below, it’s virtually impossible to see this great little hideaway, giving it an intimate feel once you find yourself here.
With a record player banging out the tunes and an unbeatable hot dog and wine combination, Ascot is the place to be.
11. Heyday Beer Co
Address: 264a Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 20 443 9329
Though it doesn’t technically have a rooftop, Heyday Beer Co does have an outdoor space, so it gets an honorary mention!
This fresh and vibrant brewpub is perfect for beer lovers wanting to try out a new delicious brew.
Their brews are constantly evolving, so each time you come you may be trying something new!
As well as their extensive tap list, they also have a great food menu that will fuel your boozy evenings.
Give their birria tacos a go with a side of esquites and fries with gravy, and thank me later for the tip.
12. Mockingbird
Address: 8 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-802 5585
Mockingbird is one of the newer rooftop bars on the scene, and it’s here to shake things up.
Try out one of their delicious jugs of sangria, or go for a taste of one of their thirteen rotating craft beers.
Their menu is packed with plant-based burgers and yummy street food to line the stomach with, too.
If it’s bottomless brunch you want, then they’re also here to help with that – they really can do everything!
This is a laidback rooftop spot for beers, burgers and brilliant conversation, so get yourself up here now!
13. Spruce Goose
Address: 30 Cochrane Street, Rongotai, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 4-387 2277
Though it’s not a rooftop in the traditional sense, Spruce Goose still has great views, so it counts!
They have the attitude that if they want to do something, they can do it – and the results are amazing.
They have a raised deck as well as a ground floor terrace, so there’s plenty of outdoor space for summer.
No matter the time of day, the team will be waiting for you with good food, even better drinks, and a smile.
Spruce Goose is not one to miss!
Be sure to try the panko-crumbed prawns while you’re here – they’re incredible.
There you have it: my round-up of the very best rooftop bars in Wellington.
It’s a case of quality over quantity here, but there are more than enough to keep you busy!
From casual spots to fancier rooftop spaces, there’s something for everyone here.
Set yourself the challenge of trying them all – you know you want to!