Cuba Street is a major street in Wellington, New Zealand. It is one of the best known and most popular streets in the city. The Cuba precinct is regarded as Wellington’s cultural centre and is recognised internationally for its strong presence of arts and creativity. Discover Cuba Street in Wellington, known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and local art. Before visiting, ensure your New Zealand ETA is ready for a seamless travel experience.
Cuba Street and the Cuba Street Precinct are known for their strong bohemian character. The area includes cafés, second-hand shops, music venues, restaurants, record stores, bookshops, and heritage buildings in different styles.
Its distinct atmosphere has made it one of Wellington’s most popular tourist destinations. The partly pedestrianised street attracts a younger crowd and stays busy with shoppers and city residents throughout the year.
On any day, buskers perform with instruments, flash mobs dance to Spanish music, and small children play around the bucket fountain, a well-known water feature at the centre of the city’s playground.
Standing in the heart of Cuba Mall, the Bucket Fountain remains a familiar sight within Wellington’s city centre. Known for its design and continuous movement, it forms part of the everyday surroundings for both residents and visitors.
The water often misses the lower buckets and falls onto pedestrians nearby. During windy conditions, which occur frequently in Wellington, the water can be carried several metres away from the fountain.
Cuba Street runs south from Wellington’s central business district. One end lies near the Michael Fowler Centre close to the harbour, and the other reaches Aro Valley at the base of the Mount Cook and Brooklyn hills. Captain William MeinSmith, the first Surveyor General, named the street after the settler ship Cuba, which arrived in Wellington Harbour on 3 January 1840.
The ship’s name came from a misspelling of the Suba people of Kenya, not the country Cuba. It was originally pronounced with a soft 'C,' unlike the hard pronunciation used today.
Cuba Street land that once bordered Te Aro PÄ and the gardens of MÄori iwi who lived in the area.
In the 1840s, the Tonks family purchased land around upper Cuba Street and established brickyards. Streets such as Tonks Avenue, Arthur Street, and Frederick Street were named after them. Cuba Street was sealed in the late 1800s, received gas street lighting in the 1860s and saw major changes near Tonks Avenue after the 2007 inner-city bypass project.
CubaDupa is New Zealand’s largest outdoor festival of arts and music, centred on Cuba Street in Wellington. Each year in late March, the surrounding streets are closed to traffic, and the area is set up with music stages, theatre performances, parades, art displays, and food vendors. Performers and audiences interact closely throughout the festival space.
The festival is managed by the non-profit Creative Capital Arts Trust. Artists from across New Zealand and other countries take part in a wide range of performances held across various city venues. CubaDupa draws large crowds, with attendance reaching up to 100,000 people.
CubaDupa has brought together music, art, theatre, and food across Cuba Street and the surrounding areas. Early editions of the festival included Brazilian samba drummers hosted by Wellington Batucada, as well as guided tours of the Opera House presented by Barbarian Productions. Its branding was recognised as a finalist in the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards.
Over the years, the festival programme expanded to include performances such as samba groups, opera, dance showcases, steampunk exhibitions, and demonstrations of virtual reality technology. Around 90 food stalls often complemented the events, offering a wide variety of local and international flavours.
Artists performing at CubaDupa have included groups from New Zealand and overseas, such as Cha Wa from New Orleans, Alien Weaponry, and Touch Compass. Changes in event organisation and layout were introduced to support the growing number of visitors and maintain the festival's open and inclusive atmosphere.
Cuba Street’s reputation as Wellington’s cultural heart extends to its cafés, restaurants, and coffee houses. Throughout the area, visitors find a diverse range of dining spaces that reflect the street’s creative spirit. Whether for a casual coffee, a relaxed meal, or a lively gathering, Cuba Street offers places that cater to every taste and occasion.
Cuba Street is home to many cafés, and Olive stands out with its own balance of charm and style. A bright, busy interior opens into an outdoor courtyard, where visitors experience a notable shift in atmosphere.
The classic café playlist gives way to ambient world music, creating the feeling of entering a different, more distant setting. Greenery extends from rustic pottery and winds around wooden beams toward an open-air canopy, resembling a tent within a jungle.
During the day, quiet conversations and the sound of running water fill the courtyard, as couples enjoy coffee and businessmen gather for breakfast. At night, the outdoor bar opens under elegant chandeliers, and conversations continue by the firelight, with the scent of roses lingering in the candlelit restroom.
Famous for its rich Italian-style hot chocolate, thick enough to eat with a spoon, Scopa is a popular destination for both Wellington locals and visitors. Located in the centre of Cuba Street, it is known as the original pizzeria. Whether seeking comfort food or a setting to enjoy with a date, guests find both options well provided here.
Scopa, founded by the Bresolin brothers, serves hand-pushed pizza in a setting that combines soft lighting with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It offers large tables for groups and smaller ones for those meeting for a casual catch-up.
True to its Italian roots, Scopa Pizzeria focuses on classic Italian-style pizza while continuing to introduce new variations beyond traditional recipes.
Stories Espresso Bar offers a unique experience in several ways. The café operates from a repurposed shipping container located outside the Rockshop on Cuba Street.
Stories Espresso Bar reinvests its profits into supporting youth development in Wellington. The young baristas are skilled and welcoming, preparing excellent coffee with a range of bean origins and brewing methods. For those who prefer a tall black coffee, the aero press with a good single-origin bean is a recommended choice.
Cuba Street is known not only for its creative atmosphere but also for its appreciation of fashion and individuality. Those drawn to unique clothing and carefully selected pieces will find a place here that reflects the street’s character and history through style.
Ziggurat, located on Cuba Street, has long been a popular stop for vintage shopping. The shop carries second-hand designer clothing, including vintage and European labels, offering outfits suited for cocktail parties, office days, or beach outings. Alongside the clothing, visitors find shoes for every style, a range of bags both large and small, and accessories well suited for those looking to expand their jewellery collections.
Beyond Cuba Street’s lively energy, Wellington offers other pockets of rich history and modern charm. One such place is Thorndon Quay, a tucked-away street where heritage buildings meet contemporary design.
Thorndon Quay invites visitors to explore its restored brick structures, independent shops, small cafés, and a range of modern spaces that reflect both the city’s heritage and its contemporary life.
Alongside its lively streets and creative spaces, the area surrounding Cuba Street offers places dedicated to health, natural care, and quiet reflection. Visitors seeking to pause from the city's energy can find spaces that focus on personal well-being and mindful living.
The Wellington Apothecary offers a wide selection of herbal remedies and botanical tonics. It creates a quiet and peaceful space that reflects a focus on healthy living. Visitors step away from the busy pace of Cuba Street into a setting that feels calm and inviting. The interior features white washed walls, reused timber, and an attractive shop front.
Qualified herbalists provide advice on natural remedies, including holistic therapy and herbal medicine. The apothecary offers handmade botanical tonics, teas, and skincare products. It also hosts workshops where visitors can create oils, spirits, and aromatic hydrosols. Those seeking to support their well-being will find thoughtful options here.
Cuba Street captures the essence of Wellington through its rich history, creative culture, and welcoming atmosphere. From lively festivals and independent shops to world-class dining and wellness spaces, it offers something for every visitor. Whether exploring its artistic side, relaxing with coffee, or discovering unique fashion, Cuba Street leaves a lasting impression as a true cultural heart of the city.
Are there guided walking tours available for Cuba Street?
Yes, several local organisations offer walking tours focused on Cuba Street’s history, architecture, and cultural highlights, often including stops at cafés, heritage sites, and art installations.
What public transport options connect to Cuba Street?
Cuba Street is easily accessible by Wellington’s public bus system. Several major routes stop nearby, and the area is also within comfortable walking distance of the Wellington Railway Station.
How accessible is Cuba Street for people with mobility needs?
Cuba Mall and much of Cuba Street are designed with flat, wide paths suitable for wheelchair users. Some older shops and venues may have limited accessibility due to heritage architecture.
Are there any notable heritage buildings on Cuba Street?
Yes, several heritage-listed structures showcasing Victorian and Edwardian architecture are located along Cuba Street and contribute to its historical character.
Content Disclaimer: Information provided here is based on conditions as of April 2025. For the most reliable guidance, travellers are advised to check with airlines, embassies, and other official sources before finalising any arrangements.
