There’s nothing like supporting your Hyundai A-League side away from home, especially if you can do it internationally!
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Wellington to watch your side do battle with the Phoenix, courtesy of local Wellingtonian Jason Pine (who also calls the Fox Sports coverage of Wellington’s home games).
JETTING IN
Wellington Airport lies to the east of Wellington city, but the CBD is a short drive by bus, taxi or Uber. Wellington Airport recently became the first New Zealand airport to allow Uber drivers access to the main airport.
Make sure you check out the Lord of the Rings display inside the airport terminal before you leave.
What a day to be up in the air ☀️☀️Happy Monday everyone! #birdseyeview #Wellington #Repost @csongorc https://t.co/Qqnw0YMj3k pic.twitter.com/4AYYqQNxZF
— Wellington Airport (@WLGAirport) October 2, 2017
GEARING UP
A crucial stop is Football Central in upper Tory Street, the official stockist of Wellington Phoenix and Hyundai A-League merchandise as well as a huge range of other football gear, from boots to replica shirts.
Owner Richard Mowbray is a massive football fan and a terrific bloke – his only failing is a lifelong affection for Chelsea!
From there, it’s a short walk to a number of Wellington cafes to sample the capital’s wonderful coffee; you might even spot a Phoenix player or two at one of their favourite haunts, Prefab or Cafe Lafarre.
@PrefabEatery all about the brekkie and coffee @NZTEnews @OnestackHQ #NZtechroadshow pic.twitter.com/YFngKFaVng
— Jonathan Jeffries (@j_m_jeffries) May 29, 2017
SEEING THE SIGHTS
Te Papa is the national museum of New Zealand and situated on Wakefield Street; you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the many interactive displays, most of which are free of charge.
A stroll down eclectic Cuba Street is also a must with a variety of quirky boutique shops, bars and cafes on offer.
If you’re feeling energetic, take a walk up Mount Victoria for stunning views of the city.
A skip, hop & a jump out of the city you'll find some pretty epic places to explore here in Welly.
📸 by jeremiahanos via #ShareMeWLG on IG pic.twitter.com/2uoTBKEA1p
— WellingtonNZ (@Wellingtonnz) October 6, 2017
WELLINGTON ON A PLATE
There are dozens of options for a spot of lunch to fortify yourself for the rest of the day.
Make sure you also take the time to visit “Dirty Little Secret”, Wellington’s newest rooftop bar with great views out towards Wellington Harbour.
Amazing views of Wellington at Dirty Little Secret rooftop bar! pic.twitter.com/Eb43rMulw4
— Hannah Isted (@hannah_isted) May 27, 2017
PRE-GAME
The Phoenix’s famous Yellow Fever fans always gather at the Backbencher Bar on Molesworth Street.
Opposition fans are warmly welcomed and the pre-match banter is always good-natured.
From there, enjoy the short walk with your fellow fans up the concourse to the “Cake Tin”.
The away fans’ bay is at the northern end of the ground and you can post lots of photos to social media, because there is strong venue-wide free wifi available.
AFTER THE GAME
The official Wellington Phoenix post-match function is held at The Winston on Lambton Quay.
Following that, the Yellow Fever will venture uptown to the city’s entertainment district, eventually dancing the night away at “Danger Danger” a bar / nightclub which specialises in music from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
New in #Wellington : rip electric avenue, HELLO Danger Danger 🍻 pic.twitter.com/npyem0Ouj1
— Guy Parsons (@kapaiguy) October 19, 2016
