Wellington’s five best Christmas party kick-ons

There’s nothing that says ‘exclusive after-party’ quite like entering a nondescript doorway down a quiet alleyway. Wind your way up the spiral staircase and you’ll find one of the capital’s top hideaway bars. Wine aficionados will appreciate the emphasis on organic, fully-natural drops, while the craft beer range is everything you would expect from a quirky Wellington watering hole. The festive period will make things cosy, but there’s room to stretch out on the rooftop terrace.

By no means dirty, and certainly not little, the remaining third of this establishment’s name is bang-on. A word-of-mouth delight, you wouldn’t know this sprawling rooftop bar exists without some Welly intel. Hiding in plain sight, you’ll need to find the discrete lift to help you uncover this particular secret. Commanding views right across the city, the harbour and the mountains beyond, Dirty Little Secret caters for the dancefloor-hoggers, the wine lovers and the quiet-chatters-in-the-corner. A top-end all-rounder.

A truly exceptional cocktail and wine bar, Elixir is the destination and the journey. Maintain the party vibes and social merriment, but also expect to come away with a new-found appreciation for your favourite tipples. Owners Alex Grumball and Lexi Kealey are big on the educational side of enjoying wines and spirits. No middle-of-the-road Savs here, because the kaupapa is to encourage aficionados and rookies alike to learn more about the subtleties of spirits and unusual wine varietals. An intimate and transcendent kick-on.

If you judge a bar by its cover then you will not regret leading your after-party through these doors. Covered ceiling to floor with literary decor, shelves and endless books, this is another kick-on all-rounder to suit all tastes. Lively and vibrant, but at the same time laid-back and sophisticated, there’s a cocktail, wine and a craft beer for everyone. If you expect your kick-on to be well-attended, there are three private function rooms available to reserve ahead of time.