Events and Programming
The Arborist Rooftop Bar is primarily a social events and hospitality venue rather than a conventional concert hall. Its documented programme centres on creative workshops, networking, food-and-drink experiences, brunch occasions and private celebrations, with the rooftop providing a relaxed setting for events that benefit from an informal, scenic atmosphere.
The most consistent public programme is the monthly Paintvine series. These beginner-friendly paint-and-sip sessions generally run for about two hours, include painting materials and guided instruction, and allow guests to buy food and drinks during the evening. Recent and announced themes have included native birds, Matariki-inspired imagery, flowers, watercolour and other seasonal subjects. A 2022 Wellington programme also listed still life, life drawing, “after dark” painting, UV painting and cabaret-themed sessions across the city, including The Arborist.
Ticketed Paintvine sessions at The Arborist have generally sat around NZ$42–$52 in the recent period, with some 2022 sessions listed between NZ$42 and NZ$59. A 2025 session was advertised at NZ$49, while 2026 sessions have appeared at NZ$52. Drinks are normally extra, and the venue’s rooftop menu is available for purchase during the event. Popular sessions can sell out, so booking early is sensible, particularly for themed or culturally specific workshops.
The venue also hosts professional and community networking events. Documented examples include Wellington Young Professionals’ 2023 Christmas gathering, marketing and communications networking drinks, business workshops, singles mixers and recurring social meet-ups. Some of these events are free for members or priced around NZ$15 plus GST for non-members, while a 2026 singles mixer was advertised from approximately NZ$44 to NZ$54.
Food-and-drink programming has included urban wine walks, brunch promotions, Wellington on a Plate participation, spirit promotions and seasonal rooftop specials. A 2024 Urban Wine Walk listing placed The Arborist alongside a hosted winery stop, with event passes advertised around NZ$82. A 2026 wine-walk listing again included the venue, this time paired with a Wairarapa vineyard.
There is evidence of occasional wellbeing and lifestyle programming as well. Rooftop yoga was advertised at The Arborist in 2016, with sessions weather dependent and priced at NZ$15. The venue’s current listings do not indicate a fixed weekly live-music or DJ calendar, so visitors should not assume that a normal rooftop visit includes a performance. The programming pattern is more accurately described as creative, social and hospitality-led, with music and entertainment added when a specific organiser books it.
Tickets and Booking
There are two different ways to attend The Arborist: book a table for food and drinks, or buy a ticket for a separately organised event. The venue’s own booking information states that standard reservations are for the downstairs bar and eatery. Rooftop requests can be made, but they are not guaranteed, and the rooftop and downstairs menus differ.
For ticketed workshops, networking events and special experiences, purchase is handled through the event organiser rather than a venue box office. The published information does not identify a permanent in-house box office, regular venue presale or general door-sales policy. Check the event conditions carefully because inclusions vary: a Paintvine ticket covers the creative activity and materials but not food or drinks, while some networking or singles events include refreshments or a first drink.
A practical price guide for recent documented programming is NZ$15–$20 for some professional networking events, approximately NZ$44–$54 for singles mixers, NZ$49–$52 for Paintvine sessions, and around NZ$79–$82 for larger wine-walk experiences. These are event-specific prices, not a universal admission charge. Most ordinary rooftop visits have no entry ticket; guests pay for their food and drinks instead.
For popular creative sessions, book as soon as the event is released and arrive 10–15 minutes before the advertised start. Paintvine’s published conditions say its public bar-based events are R18, are ticketless at entry, and generally operate on a no-refund basis, with rebooking or credit rules applying only under specified conditions. Those terms apply to the organiser’s event and should not be treated as a general policy for every function at The Arborist.
About The Arborist Rooftop Bar
The Arborist occupies the ground floor and rooftop levels of the Trinity Hotel complex at 166 Willis Street in Te Aro. Its signature space is a garden-style rooftop seven storeys above Willis Street, combining greenery, skyline views, casual furniture, cocktails and shareable food. The rooftop is partially covered, and its operating hours can change with weather conditions.
The rooftop opened in early October 2015 after the street-level eatery had been refitted. The original concept was to create a hidden treetop garden in the city, drawing inspiration from successful rooftop venues in cities such as Melbourne and San Francisco. Early descriptions emphasised low, comfortable seating, greenery and a relaxed sun-loving atmosphere rather than a formal restaurant or performance-room layout.
Over time, The Arborist became part of Wellington’s broader hospitality and events circuit. It has appeared in Wellington on a Plate material, city dining guides, visitor publications, creative-event calendars and community organisation programmes. Its role is less about hosting major touring acts and more about providing a flexible city-centre setting for small-scale gatherings, food events, workshops and celebrations.
The current published rooftop hours are Monday to Thursday from 3pm until late and Friday to Sunday from noon until late, although associated information also describes seasonal variations. Because the space is weather dependent, check the day’s conditions before travelling, especially for an outdoor booking or a ticketed rooftop activity.
Seating and Layout
The venue has three useful areas: the ground-floor bar and eatery, a private downstairs function room, and the rooftop garden bar. The private function room is advertised for up to 70 standing or 50 seated guests, with adjacent space available for overflow. A separate event listing has described private rooftop functions for up to 50 people, but the venue’s current official function information does not publish a general rooftop maximum.
The rooftop is not laid out like a theatre with numbered rows, fixed sightlines or formal VIP seating. Descriptions have referred to tables, low seating, beanbags, cushions, pallet-style furniture, greenery and astroturf. The setting is best suited to mingling, drinks and informal dining. Guests seeking the clearest skyline outlook should ask about an outside table, while those prioritising warmth or weather protection should request a covered position.
No public source located for this guide publishes the rooftop’s floor area, exact dimensions, maximum standing capacity or a technical seating plan. That information matters for private hire and should be confirmed directly during an event enquiry rather than estimated from photographs. The rooftop’s flexible furniture means the configuration can change according to the booking, weather and whether the space is being used for dining, a workshop or a cocktail function.
For Paintvine and similar seated activities, expect shared tables arranged for painting rather than conventional dining. For networking events, the private function room at the end of the downstairs bar may be used. One recurring social event specifically directed guests through the main entrance to the back of the bar and through a sliding door into the function room.
Getting There and Parking
The address is 166 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011. The entrance is in the Trinity Hotel complex on Willis Street, with the ground-floor eatery providing the main arrival point before guests continue upstairs to the rooftop.
The easiest public-transport option is the central Wellington bus network. Stops around Manners Street, Willis Street, Flagstaff Lane and Victoria Street serve routes connecting the railway station, Te Aro, the northern suburbs, Brooklyn, Island Bay, Kilbirnie and other parts of the region. The Airport Express also travels through the central city via Willis Street and Manners Street, linking Wellington Airport with the railway station area.
From Wellington Railway Station, walk south through the central city towards Lambton Quay, continue along the Willis Street corridor and follow Willis Street into Te Aro. From the Manners Street bus stops, the venue is a short city-centre walk along Willis Street. The route is level compared with many Wellington approaches, although city pavements can be busy during evening peaks.
The associated hotel advertises covered parking at NZ$25 per day, subject to limited availability and advance booking. That arrangement is primarily presented as hotel parking, so event guests should not assume that a space will be available without prior confirmation. Nearby public car parks include Lower Willis at 151 Willis Street, Boulcott Street facilities and other central-city buildings. Current published listings show nearby car parks starting from roughly NZ$4–$6, but evening, weekend, early-bird and event-day prices vary.
Because Willis Street is a busy central route, public transport or a taxi is usually less stressful than searching for street parking immediately outside the venue. Rideshare passengers should use the 166 Willis Street address and follow the driver’s instructions for the nearest legal kerbside stopping point.
Inside the Venue
Entry normally begins at the ground-floor bar and eatery. The rooftop can be reached by lift and stairs; event information specifically confirms lift access for upstairs Paintvine sessions. The rooftop is partly covered rather than fully enclosed, so bring an extra layer even during warmer months. Wellington’s wind and quick weather changes can make the temperature noticeably different from street level.
The rooftop menu is designed for casual eating. Current published examples include fries, onion rings, falafel and jalapeño bites at roughly NZ$12–$15, stone-fired pizzas around NZ$22–$25, and sharing platters priced at approximately NZ$60–$70 for six to eight people. Drinks include frozen slushies, spritzes, sangria and cocktails, with many cocktails listed around NZ$14–$22.
Happy hour is advertised daily from 4pm to 6pm, including two frozen slushies for NZ$20. The promotion and menu are subject to change, so treat them as current examples rather than guaranteed pricing for every event. The downstairs menu is more extensive, and the venue specifically advises booking downstairs if you want the full dinner selection.
The atmosphere is informal and garden-like, with greenery, eclectic furniture, city views and a strong emphasis on relaxed conversation. The downstairs area has been described as warmer and more intimate, while the rooftop is brighter, more open and more weather sensitive. Venue-hire listings describe Wi-Fi, a sound system and projector or screen facilities for the private function room, but no detailed concert-grade sound, lighting or rigging specifications are publicly available.
Note: the final citation above is intentionally omitted because no reliable source was located for a detailed technical specification. The venue’s published material confirms event-support equipment in the function room, but not brand, model, wattage, microphone inventory, lighting fixtures or production dimensions.
Nearby Amenities
The Arborist is well placed for a central Wellington evening. Cuba Street, Manners Street, Willis Lane and Courtenay Place provide nearby cafés, restaurants, bars and late-night options. Cuba Street is particularly useful for pre-show dining, with a dense mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and small independent venues extending south from the central city. Courtenay Place is another practical choice for post-event drinks and entertainment.
Trinity Hotel is directly associated with the venue, making it the most convenient accommodation option for guests attending a late function or weather-sensitive rooftop event. Other central hotels along Willis Street, Cuba Street, Lambton Quay and Courtenay Place are within walking distance, although the exact route and hilliness vary by property.
For a normal rooftop visit, arriving 15–30 minutes before sunset gives time to check in, order a drink and find a comfortable position before the best light. For ticketed workshops, arrive earlier than the advertised start because organisers may need to check guests in and seat groups together. Late-night public transport varies by route, so plan the return journey before drinking or use a taxi or rideshare.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Arborist’s appeal comes from the contrast between its street-level location and its rooftop character. From Willis Street, the venue is part of a busy central-city hotel and hospitality block; upstairs, it becomes a planted urban retreat with skyline views and a more leisurely pace. The roof, greenery and shelter from prevailing wind give it a distinct Wellington identity without pretending to be a formal garden or a large-scale entertainment venue.
Its history is also unusually clear for a hospitality space. The rooftop was deliberately conceived as a “secret treetop garden” when it opened in 2015, and later descriptions continued to emphasise greenery, sun, relaxed seating and frozen cocktails. A 2020 city guide described the rooftop as a hidden garden-style bar with eclectic furniture and a view across the central city rather than a harbour panorama.
The venue’s cultural importance is modest but tangible. It has provided a home for creative workshops, professional networking, rainbow-community gatherings, young-professional events, wine experiences and private celebrations. That mix makes it part of the social infrastructure of Te Aro: a place where people meet for structured activities, not merely a bar where visitors order drinks. This is an inference from the documented event pattern rather than a published economic-impact study.
Visitor Tips and Information
Book downstairs if you need a guaranteed reservation or the full dinner menu. A rooftop request is only a request, and the venue may move or adjust arrangements according to weather, demand and operating conditions. If your main reason for visiting is the view, arrive early and ask for the most suitable available outdoor or covered table.
Wear layers and choose sensible shoes. The rooftop is elevated, partially covered and exposed to changing conditions, while Paintvine guests should wear clothing that can tolerate a small paint mark even though aprons are provided. For creative events, bring your booking details and arrive before the advertised start time.
Age rules depend on the event and licence conditions. Public Paintvine sessions at bar venues are advertised as R18. Other daytime dining or private functions may have different arrangements, so check the specific booking information rather than assuming that every visit is adults only.
Accessibility information confirms wheelchair access at the associated hotel and lift access to upstairs events. However, no public source located for this guide gives doorway widths, accessible toilet specifications, rooftop turning space, hearing assistance, accessible seating numbers or a formal ADA-equivalence statement. Visitors with specific mobility or sensory requirements should confirm the route and event layout before booking.
The associated hotel identifies a smoking area beside the eatery, and some recent visitor reviews have raised concerns about smoke. People with respiratory sensitivities should ask where their table or function room will be located. Reviews otherwise commonly praise the rooftop atmosphere, food, cocktails and friendly staff, while less positive reports mention weather exposure, inconsistent food service upstairs and occasional pricing or service misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Arborist Rooftop Bar a live-music venue?
The Arborist is not principally a live-music venue. Its documented programme focuses on Paintvine workshops, networking, wine experiences, brunches and private functions. Music or DJs may be added for individual bookings, but no permanent concert calendar or regular band programme is publicly established. Check the specific event listing if live entertainment is important to your visit.
What events are usually held at The Arborist?
Recurring and documented event types include monthly paint-and-sip sessions, professional networking, community meet-ups, singles mixers, wine-walk stops, brunch promotions, private birthdays, corporate gatherings and celebration functions. The venue also has a history of hosting lifestyle activities such as rooftop yoga. The overall programme is social and participatory rather than centred on touring performers.
How much do events at The Arborist cost?
Prices vary by organiser and inclusions. Recent examples range from free or approximately NZ$15 networking events to NZ$49–$52 Paintvine sessions, roughly NZ$44–$54 singles mixers and about NZ$79–$82 wine-walk experiences. Ordinary rooftop visits do not normally require an admission ticket, but guests pay separately for food and drinks.
Do Paintvine tickets include food or drinks?
Paintvine tickets generally include the guided session, painting materials and the artwork you create, but not food or drinks unless the individual event says otherwise. The Arborist’s rooftop menu is available for purchase during sessions. Drinks are served by the venue, and outside alcohol is not permitted under the organiser’s published event conditions.
Can I reserve a table on the rooftop?
You can request a rooftop table, but the venue states that rooftop requests are not guaranteed. Standard online bookings are for the downstairs bar and eatery. If you need certainty, book downstairs and treat the rooftop as weather-dependent. This is particularly important for groups, special occasions and visitors travelling specifically for the view.
How many people can the private function room hold?
The downstairs private function room is advertised for up to 70 standing or 50 seated guests. Additional space outside the room may be available for overflow. A separate published function guide has described rooftop private events for up to 50 people, but the current venue information does not publish a general rooftop capacity, so confirm the proposed layout during an enquiry.
Does The Arborist publish the rooftop dimensions?
No public source located for this guide gives the rooftop’s floor area, length, width, ceiling height or detailed capacity plan. The venue publishes descriptions of its garden setting and the downstairs function-room capacity, but not architectural measurements. Private-event organisers should request a current floor plan rather than relying on photographs or older capacity figures.
Is the rooftop covered?
Yes, but only partially. Current venue information describes the rooftop as partially covered, while city visitor material notes that the roof provides shelter from Wellington’s weather. The space can still feel outdoors, particularly around the exposed seating. Bring a warm layer and check the weather before attending a rooftop booking or workshop.
Is there lift access to the rooftop?
Yes. Event information for upstairs Paintvine sessions specifically confirms lift access. The associated hotel also advertises wheelchair access. However, detailed information about accessible seating, toilet dimensions, door widths, hearing assistance and emergency procedures is not published, so guests with particular access requirements should confirm the event layout in advance.
Is The Arborist suitable for under-18s?
Age access depends on the activity, time and liquor-licence conditions. Public Paintvine events held in the bar are advertised as R18. Daytime dining or a private function may operate differently, but visitors should check the particular booking rather than assume children or teenagers can attend an evening event. Carry approved photo identification if you are drinking.
What food is available on the rooftop?
The rooftop menu includes casual snacks such as fries, onion rings, falafel and jalapeño bites, stone-fired pizzas, sharing platters and frozen cocktails. Recent published prices place snacks around NZ$12–$15, pizzas around NZ$22–$25 and platters around NZ$60–$70. The downstairs eatery has a different and more extensive menu.
What are the rooftop opening hours?
The current published schedule lists Monday to Thursday from 3pm until late and Friday to Sunday from noon until late. An associated hotel page describes seasonal changes, and the rooftop is weather dependent. Treat these as indicative operating hours rather than a guarantee for a particular day, especially during severe wind or rain.
Where should I park for The Arborist?
The associated hotel advertises limited covered parking at NZ$25 per day, with advance booking essential. Nearby public facilities include Lower Willis and car parks around Boulcott Street and Victoria Street. Rates change by time and day, so allow extra time and check the current signs. Public transport is usually easier than searching for street parking in central Te Aro.
How do I reach The Arborist from Wellington Airport?
The Airport Express links Wellington Airport with the central city and travels through the Willis Street and Manners Street area. From a central stop, continue on foot to 166 Willis Street. The service accepts Snapper, cash and contactless payment, and buses generally run every 10–20 minutes, with travel time affected by traffic.
Is there accommodation at the venue?
The Arborist forms part of the Trinity Hotel complex, so accommodation is available in the same building. This is convenient after a late function or an evening involving drinks. Other hotels around Willis Street, Lambton Quay, Cuba Street and Courtenay Place are also within the central-city area, although walking distances and hills vary.
Does The Arborist have a sound system and event lighting?
Function-room listings describe a sound system, projector or screen, Wi-Fi and event-support equipment. No public technical sheet confirms brands, power ratings, microphone numbers, stage dimensions, lighting fixtures or concert-production capability. It is therefore suitable for speeches, workshops and background music, but organisers requiring professional performance production should confirm every technical requirement in writing.
What should I wear to a Paintvine event?
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting a small paint mark on. Aprons are provided, but paint can still reach sleeves or footwear during a relaxed session. Comfortable shoes are also useful because the event involves moving around a shared table. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in and seating.
Is Wi-Fi available at The Arborist?
Venue-hire information and restaurant listings describe Wi-Fi as available, particularly for the function facilities. Public information does not state the network name, speed, coverage on the rooftop or whether access changes during private events. If you need dependable connectivity for a presentation, workshop or live broadcast, confirm the connection as part of the event setup.
What is the best time to visit The Arborist?
For the rooftop atmosphere, late afternoon through sunset is usually the most appealing period, provided the weather is settled. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm, and arriving before sunset gives you more choice of tables. For a guaranteed meal or a more weather-proof experience, choose the downstairs eatery and book ahead for larger groups.
