Quick Summary
Utilise local knowledge like choosing beaches based on wind, shopping at Yans & Moore Wilsons for budget groceries, and investing in a raincoat instead of an umbrella due to Wellington's notorious wind. Always wear sunscreen, as the NZ sun is strong even on cloudy days.
Details
Living in Wellington as a Kiwi comes with its unique challenges and joys. Here are some smart life hacks to make your experience better:
Navigating Wellington
- Beach Choices: Pick your beach based on wind direction to ensure a calmer experience.
- Hidden Walkways: Explore secret paths to significantly cut down walking times, especially on Wellington's many hills.
- Street Crossing: Always double-check for traffic before crossing streets, even with the lights.
- James Cook Elevator: Use the elevator from Lambton Quay to avoid a steep climb to The Terrace.
- Wellington Wind: Ditch the umbrella; a quality raincoat is a much better investment against the strong winds.
Smart Living & Shopping
- Budget Groceries: For affordable staples and quality produce, Yans & Moore Wilsons are excellent choices.
- Farmers Markets & Veg Co-ops: Access fresh, seasonal produce at lower prices while supporting sustainability.
- Sun Safety: Always wear sunscreen; the New Zealand sun is powerful, even when it's cloudy.
Transport & Other Tips
- Backup Travel: Weekend train services can be unreliable and replaced by buses, so always have a backup travel plan.
- Ebikes: For trips under 5km, ebikes offer a faster, easier, and hill-friendly mode of transport.
- Feed the Ducks: Visit the Botans at the Treehouse to feed the ducks using koha bags, a nice activity for families or for personal peace.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellington/comments/1jyjg1a/life_hacks_for_living_in_wellington/