Named after sailor slang for a galley’s chimney, the menu at Charley Noble is appropriately flame-oriented; char-grilled octopus, flame-grilled vegetables and wood-fired lamb shoulder catch the eye, the flavour of smoke and flame infused well into the menu.

‘Dynamic’ is the word for the whole WBC experience. Relax at the pristine plywood bar with a classic cocktail or a local microbrew, taking in the beautiful views of Wellington’s busy Victoria Street, before buckling down with some Battered Bluff oysters, Polynesian fish salads or beef tartare.

Former owner Chris Parkin has created something of a wonder in Wellington, with this 165-room boutique hotel serving as home to an extensive, extravagant art collection.

A purpose-built boutique hotel on the waterfront, from the outside Ohtel is attractive in its quietly cool modernity. Inside you’ll find spacious rooms, big beds, mid-century decor, and oversized showers that really do the trick.

Just an hour and a half drive east from Wellington is the stunning Wharekauhau Estate, situated on thousands of acres of wild and rural New Zealand land. The Grand Lodge’s Edwardian beauty is equalled by its stunning service and gorgeous surrounds, offering pastimes like golf, nature walks, bike trails, horse riding and the like, all variously combined in deluxe packages.

An hour from Wellington (or 45 minutes from Wharekauhau) is this boutique, family owned and operated winery in picturesque Martinborough. For 35 years the Patons have embraced naturalism at Ata Rangi, avoiding pesticides in favour of biological options and focusing on sustainability in their wine production.