8 January 2013

Celebrate Auckland’s Anniversary with a Taste of Europe

From art and markets aplenty, to delicious cuisine and gelato by the sea, Wellington’s got your European style getaway covered this Auckland Anniversary Weekend.

Running from December through until 27 January, Angels & Aristocrats at Te Papa showcases five centuries of European art. Drawn from New Zealand’s finest public collections, this major exhibition features paintings by Brueghel the Younger, Hobbema, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Turner and more. Te Papa’s unique version of the exhibition offers 12 additional paintings and exquisite period furniture from the museum’s collections. Free entry.

Just across the road from Te Papa you’ll find a number of European-influenced eateries. From French fare to Mediterranean menus, there’s something to please every palate. Taste the rustic flavours of Italy and Spain at Zibibbo (25 Taranaki Street), or experience Greek saganaki cheese flamed in Ouzo at Osteria del Toro (60 Tory Street).

Closer to Wellington’s Golden Mile, Lambton Quay, you’ll find authentic 1930s Belgian beer café, Leuven (135 Featherston Street). If fresh seafood takes your fancy, be sure to try their signature dish – a one kilo pot of steaming fresh mussels done one of five ways.

For an afternoon pick-me-up head to one of Wellington’s French cafes for something sweet paired with a shot of the good stuff. Grab an espresso from Cafe Breton (20 Brandon Street) and, for those with a sweet tooth, a macaron or Éclair au Cafe from the cabinet. Or visit Le Marche Francais (262 Thorndon Quay) or La Cloche (134 Hutt Road) for an array of cheeses and deli products to take back to your hotel.

The waterfront is the place to be on Sunday, courtesy of the Harbourside Market (corner of Cable Street & Barnett Street) and City Market (1 Herd Street) combo. With powers combined, the two ensure Wellington’s waterfront is the number one weekend destination for top quality local cuisine and entertainment.

At City Market you can taste local wines and olive oils along with other European-influenced treats including award-winning chef Martin Bosley’s bacon butties, Angie O Limoncello and Creative Cooking Macarons.

After your fill at the market, cleanse your palate with an award-winning gelato. Local brand Gelissimo is handmade using only the top ingredients including Zany Zeus organic milk. Ask them about their award-winning flavours or try one of their latest creations.
Those keen to stay longer in the capital can see the Wellington Phoenix take on the Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium on Saturday 27th, or witness British icon Cliff Richard take to the stage at the TSB Bank Arena on Monday 28th for the Still Reelin' and A-Rockin' tour. Tickets start from $99.90.
Book your stay at one of Accor’s four Wellington hotels and you’ll receive a 20 percent discount when you book online. Available Friday to Sunday nights up to 31st January 2013. Rates start from just $95 per night at Mecure Wellington Willis Street.
For more capital events or to book activities and accommodation, visit WellingtonNZ.com.

Notes to Editors:
Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT)
PWT is the regional tourism organisation for Wellington. It is a council-controlled organisation primarily funded by Wellington City Council through the Downtown Levy, a targeted rate paid by commercial ratepayers in downtown Wellington.
Wellington Tourism statistics
• Visitors spend over $2600 in the Wellington region per minute - $1.4 billion every year. (Source: Ministry of Economic Development Regional Tourism Data).
• Over four million visits are made to Wellington every year: 750,000 international and over 3.4 million domestic. (Source: Ministry of Economic Development Regional Tourism Data).

ENDS

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