Vacation Pōneke
Kia Ora,
We’re deep into the thick of it now, winter in Wellington. The southerlies are sharp, the skies are mostly grey, and if you’ve recently caught yourself pricing flights to anywhere with a palm tree, you’re not alone.
But before you commit to a 36-hour journey and a comically overpriced piña colada in an overcrowded resort, might we suggest an alternative? A little something we’re calling Vacation Pōneke, your own mini holiday right here in the capital.
Think of it as recession-friendly escapism. All the good stuff (cocktails, colour, curated moments of joy) and none of the long-haul chaos.
Start With Some Sunshine (Indoors)…
The first stop on our local itinerary? Bella’s solo exhibition at Thistle Hall (open 7th July to the 13th, 293 Cuba Street). Her work is a visual ode to the pastel architecture and nostalgic mood of Palm Springs, a total mood-lifter and the perfect remedy for grey-sky fatigue. It’s transportive, joyful, and a reminder that art can shift the season, even just for a moment.
Eat Like You’re Somewhere Warm…
No tropical escape is complete without a bit of indulgence. Grab lunch or cocktails at Flamingo Joe’s, the waterfront views help, but it’s the menu that delivers those beach club vibes. For a spicier, more rhythm-filled evening, book into Havana Bar. Bold flavours, strong drinks, and music that makes you want to move, it’s basically a Cuban holiday in two converted cottages.
Treat Your Senses…
If staying in is more your speed (or your budget), you can still bring the holiday vibes home. Swap out the tired winter neutrals with something bold, a citrus-toned cushion cover, like this one from Citta Design is an easy upgrade. Add a playlist with a bit of groove, something fresh on the stove, and boom, suddenly you’re not in Berhampore, you’re in Barbados!
Entertainment Escape Plan…
Meanwhile, Mamma Mia! is playing at the St James Theatre from the 14th of August, a full-blown ABBA-fuelled escape to the Greek Isles. And while Anji is currently enjoying the real deal somewhere between Santorini and a seafood platter, the rest of us can settle for a good seat and a bit of fun. For something with a bit more aesthetic bite, the new Wes Anderson film, The Phoenician Scheme is screening at The Lighthouse, and it’s peak escapism: whimsical, stylised, and satisfyingly strange.
Overnight It (Just Because)…
And if you really want to lean in? Book a night at The Intrepid Hotel. Go full staycation mode. There’s even a pet-friendly room, so your dog can join the party, which somehow makes it feel even more luxurious.
The point is this: just because it’s cold, wet, and midwinter doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a little bit of joy. A treat, a change of scene, a colourful plate of food, it all adds up. Vacation Pōneke isn’t about pretending you’re not here. It’s about making here feel better. You deserve a break. Even if it’s only a few hours long. See you next week, sunnier, hopefully.
— James