New Zealand is home to stunning scenery, wonderful outdoor pursuits and an amazing range of adventure activities. It might not be the most vibrant gay destination in the world but there endless reasons to visit this incredible country. Here are some of the best Wellington gay bars to check out while you’re in town.

Ivy Bar

This stalwart of the Wellington gay scene is always busy on the weekends. In the early evenings, it has more of a lounge feel but once the music starts everything changes and the club vibe kicks in. They have regular cabaret shows and different theme nights which keep things interesting. They are well-known for their fabulous cocktails and serve pretty good tapas too. They’ve also started hosting comedy nights with some of New Zealand’s best comedians featuring on the bill.

S&M’s Cocktail Bar & Lounge

S&M’s is your standard gay cocktail bar but what they do, they do really well. It’s popular with the post-work crowd and also with tourists visiting the city. Don’t expect anything too crazy but it’s a great venue to relax with friends or have a couple of drinks before you head somewhere else.

Rush Bar

This is a superb bar with a great vibe. It’s got a local feel, despite the fact that it’s situated right in the middle of the city. The bar staff are super friendly and there’s always someone to chat to here, even if you frequent the place on your own.

Motel Bar

While not strictly a gay venue, this place does attract a gay crowd. It’s been voted one of the best bars in the world and it’s easy to see why. It boasts excellent drinks and a great atmosphere from early evening to the wee small hours of the morning.