Boat Cafe

The coffee is average and the food is pretty ordinary café fare — but the location is brilliant. Worth a review to let y’all know that this is the place to be on Oriental Parade on a calm Wellington day.
Just around the bay from Freyberg pool, the Tug Boat is child friendly inside, bookish-​lurker friendly outside. I first visited on a windless, crisp winter day and we sat on the deck with the water lapping around us. We stayed for more than an hour sipping a couple of teas and were left in peace.
If you’re going for brunch, then a walk to Beach Babylon up the road is worthwhile. But if you’re planning to linger with a friend or it’s one of those rare Wellington stunner days, this place can’t be beaten.