WOW and Then Wow Again

WOW and Then Wow Again:

Petone’s Must-Try Cafés & Eateries

After the dazzling spectacle of the World of WearableArt, there’s only one natural next step: treat your tastebuds to something equally memorable. Just a short drive from Wellington, Petone is a neighbourhood that quietly delivers on charm, creativity, and culinary surprises.

Whether you’re after a laid-back brunch, a standout vegan pastry, or coffee in a plant-filled sanctuary, these local spots offer the perfect post-WOW wind-down full of flavour, character, and yes, a few more wow moments.

Comes & Goes

For Fusion That Feels Like Art

A local icon with a soft pink exterior and a menu full of bold ideas, Comes & Goes blends Asian-inspired flavours with Kiwi café culture in a way that’s both comforting and elevated. Think chicken waffles with a twist, Turkish eggs with chilli butter, and ube or Biscoff lattes that look just as good as they taste. Minimalist yet warm, it’s the kind of space where creativity flows from the kitchen to the plate.

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The Elephant Ear

Coffee Meets Indoor Jungle

Part café, part curated plant store, The Elephant Ear is a lush little escape right on Jackson Street. Opened by a true plant enthusiast, the space is packed with greenery, garden tools, books, and of course, expertly brewed L’affare coffee. With freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and quiet nooks to enjoy your cup among the leaves, this is the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer or take a fiddle leaf fig home with you.

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Belén Plant Bakery

100% Vegan, 100% Delicious

Vegan or not, Belén is a must-stop for pastry lovers. This plant-based bakery has made waves across the region, with locations in Petone, Courtenay Place, and even the airport. Their cabinet is ever-changing but always indulgent from kimchi pies and vegan croissants to crème brûlée doughnuts and Biscoff slices. Creative, sustainable, and seriously tasty, Belén proves that plant-based baking doesn’t mean compromise it means craveable.

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Caffiend

A Cozy Classic with Heart

A long-time favourite since 2003, Caffiend has the warm, welcoming feel of a true neighbourhood café. Its exposed brick walls, wooden finishes, and steady buzz make it ideal for a relaxed brunch or afternoon coffee. The menu blends comfort with flavour smashed avo, Mexican eggs, or their legendary lamb’s fry stack and is backed by strong, locally roasted Karamu Coffee. This is where you go to feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

LOWERHUTT, NEW ZEALAND – November 30: Visitors Guide November 30, 2017 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/)

G’Day Café Eatery

A Touch of France on Jackson Street

For a brunch with a French twist, G’Day Café Eatery delivers. Expect buttery pastries, European-style brunch plates, and rich, satisfying cakes that taste like something from a Parisian patisserie no passport required. It’s cozy, friendly, and perfect whether you’re popping in for coffee and croissants or ordering a specialty cake for a post-WOW celebration.

LOWERHUTT, NEW ZEALAND – November 30: Visitors Guide November 30, 2017 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/)

Make It a WOW Weekend

Petone is more than just a detour it’s a destination. With its mix of eclectic eateries, creative cafes, and slow-living charm, it’s the perfect place to decompress after the excitement of the WOW show. Whether you stay for the day or make it a weekend escape, these local spots will keep the magic going one bite, sip, or wow at a time.

LOWERHUTT, NEW ZEALAND – November 30: Visitors Guide November 30, 2017 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/)

How to Get Here

Petone is only 10 Minutes from Wellington!

Petone is only a 10-minute train ride or drive from Wellington CBD, making it easy to access by multiple transportation options. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or car, getting to Petone is simple and convenient.

There are several convenient ways to get to Petone from Wellington:

By Car: Petone is about a 10–20-minute drive from Wellington’s city centre. You can take State Highway 2 (SH2) over the Wellington Harbour Bridge and then head north to reach Petone.
By Train: The train ride (HVL, WRL, MEL) from Wellington to Petone is quick and easy, taking at most 15 minutes. All 3 of the HVL, WRL, and MEL lines stop at Petone Station, making them a great option for those without a car.
By Bus: There are also regular buses (#81, #83, #84) that run between Wellington and Petone. The journey typically takes about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic.
By Bike: For the more adventurous, cycling from Wellington to Petone is a popular option, with a dedicated cycle path along the coast, offering scenic views along the way.
By Taxi or Ride-share: You can always take a taxi or use a ride-share service like Uber for a direct and comfortable trip to Petone.