Wellington Club

About

The Wellington Club, established in December 1841, is recognized as New Zealand’s oldest private club. It has been located at 88 The Terrace since the 19th century, with the site noted since 1877. The Club admitted women in 1993. More details about the club's history can be found here.

Club Facilities

The Club features a multi-floor clubhouse occupying the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors at 88 The Terrace. Facilities include private dining rooms, function spaces, bars, a café, a dedicated business centre, meeting and board rooms, and kitchens on the 5th and 6th floors. Additional amenities include a Reading Room/library, a large Billiard/Snooker Room, complimentary Wi-Fi on all floors, and up-to-date audio-visual equipment. More information about the facilities can be found here.

Food and Drink

On-site dining options include Totō Café (member café/takeaway), Drake’s Acre bar & café, and the Kumutoto (à la carte) restaurant, along with fifth-floor bars and private dining. These outlets are supported by the Club’s kitchens on the 5th and 6th floors and an extensive wine list. Further details are available here.

Dining Facilities

The Club offers multiple private and main dining rooms: the Terrace (Main Dining) Room, which accommodates up to 160 seated or 350 standing for cocktail receptions; the President’s Room/Terrace Room combined, which holds up to 140 seated or 250 standing; the Morrison Room for private dining (up to ~30); and the Ante Room for bar/cocktail events (up to ~150). Other private dining and board rooms are available on the 4th floor, supported by liquor service and full catering. More information can be found here.

Events Calendar

The Club maintains an active events calendar for members, featuring gourmet dinners, speaker series, workshops, parties, and social events. Event listings and a digital events calendar are published on the Club’s Events pages.

Venue Hire

Venue hire and member-hosted functions are available, including weddings and corporate events. The Club can cater seated dinners for up to ~160 guests and cocktail receptions for up to ~350 guests, with an events team to assist with planning. Only members may host events, and guests must be accompanied by a member. More details can be found here.

Dress Code

The dress code throughout the Club is smart business casual, which includes dark denim jeans as long as they are not ripped or faded. Sneakers and hoodies are not permitted. On the fifth floor, the dress code changes to semi-formal after 5pm. The dress code may vary depending on events. More information is available here.

Member Accommodation

The Club offers ten modern en-suite accommodation rooms exclusively for members and reciprocal club visitors. Room amenities include a minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities, SKY TV, individually controlled air conditioning, in-room safe, iron/board, and hairdryer. Rates include complimentary access to the 88 Health Club and cover parking and taxes where stated. More details can be found here.

Networking Opportunities

Members can meet and network through a rich events calendar, Special Interest Groups, dining and community activities, hosted functions, and Club workspaces. The Club’s membership currently includes over 1,600 members. More information is available here.

Business Services

Member benefits include a rich events programme, reciprocal access to partner clubs worldwide, and premium function spaces. The Club offers dining options, accommodation, workspaces, meeting and private dining rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, and office/conferencing equipment. Health and wellbeing services are also available through the 88 Health Club. More details can be found here.

Leisure Activities

Leisure offerings at the Club include the Reading Room/library, a large Billiard/Snooker Room, and numerous Special Interest Groups covering various topics such as book club, bridge, chess, and more. Health and wellbeing classes and seminars are also part of the leisure activities. More information is available here.

Sports Facilities

The 88 Health Club features high-level technology cardio machines, traditional weight training equipment, a fitness studio, and group fitness classes. Additional services include personal training and therapeutic massages. More details can be found here.

Membership Options

Membership is invitation-only and requires the backing of six existing members. The proposer must complete and submit a nomination form along with the candidate’s CV for consideration by the Committee. Membership is open to both men and women and currently includes over 1,600 members. More information is available here.

Special Events

Functions and weddings are available to members or reciprocal club members, with rooms catering from 3 to 250 guests. The events team assists with planning and can coordinate suppliers. Inquiries can be made via email at functions@wellingtonclub.co.nz. More details are available here.

Affiliations

The Wellington Club maintains reciprocal relationships with numerous private clubs worldwide. Examples include the University Club of Montreal, Metropolitan Club (New York), The Athenaeum (London), and Raffles Town Club (Singapore), among others in New Zealand. More information can be found here.