Welcome to Caucus Restaurant

In the heart of Wellington's bustling central business district, Caucus Restaurant & Bar stands as a culinary cornerstone offering contemporary New Zealand cuisine that showcases the country's finest local ingredients. Located at 133 The Terrace within the Novotel Wellington, this sophisticated yet accessible restaurant serves as both a destination dining venue for city visitors and a reliable favorite for local professionals and residents.

Contact Us

Phone Number: 04 918 1900

Address: 133 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011


Opening hours

Monday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 10 PM

Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 10 PM

Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 10 PM

Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 10 PM

Friday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 10 PM

Saturday: 7 AM – 10 PM

Sunday: 7 AM – 10 PM

Caucus Restaurant Photos

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Our Story

Caucus Restaurant & Bar began as part of the strategic vision for Novotel Wellington, designed to create a dining experience that would serve hotel guests while attracting discerning local diners. The founders recognized the need for a restaurant that would balance international hospitality standards with authentic New Zealand culinary identity.

The restaurant was established with a commitment to showcasing New Zealand's exceptional produce and culinary heritage. This vision shaped the development of a menu that highlights South Island lamb, line-caught Pacific fish, and locally sourced seasonal vegetables. The name "Caucus" itself reflects the restaurant's proximity to New Zealand's Parliament buildings and government offices, acknowledging Wellington's identity as the nation's capital.

As the restaurant evolved, it maintained this focus on New Zealand's culinary strengths while adapting to changing dining preferences and international influences. Today, Caucus stands as a testament to Wellington's dynamic food scene, where quality local ingredients meet contemporary culinary techniques in a setting that welcomes both international visitors and local residents.

Find Your Flavor, Savor the Moment

A Versatile Dining Experience for Every Occasion

Caucus Restaurant & Bar operates as a full-service, hotel-integrated restaurant offering buffet breakfast, all-day dining, à la carte dinner, and 24-hour room service as the signature dining venue of Novotel Wellington. This comprehensive approach ensures that diners find appropriate options regardless of time, occasion, or dining preference.

The day begins with a buffet breakfast served from 6:30 am to 10:00 am, offering a spread that satisfies both quick business breakfasts and leisurely weekend brunches. The selection includes traditional hot options like eggs and bacon alongside lighter fare such as pastries, cereals, and fresh fruit. This buffet has earned particular praise for its variety and quality, providing an energizing start to the day for hotel guests and city workers alike.

From 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, the all-day dining menu accommodates everything from mid-morning coffee meetings to afternoon snacks and casual lunches. Standout offerings include hearty burgers featuring New Zealand beef and lamb, classic fish and chips prepared with sustainable local seafood, fresh salads, and the popular pulled pork rib burger. These approachable options maintain quality and presentation standards while providing quick, satisfying meals.

The evening brings a transition to more refined dining, with à la carte dinner service from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The dinner menu elevates the dining experience with thoughtfully composed dishes that showcase culinary creativity while honoring quality ingredients. Signature mains include seared salmon with beetroot risotto, perfectly cooked sirloin steak with beer-battered fries, slow-cooked lamb shank, and duck preparations that reflect seasonal availability. Vegetarian and vegan options ensure inclusivity without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Desserts provide a sweet conclusion to meals, with the lava cake standing as a perennial favorite among a rotating selection of contemporary treats that balance indulgence with artistic presentation.

For hotel guests, the convenience of 24-hour room service extends the Caucus dining experience beyond the restaurant walls, offering a selection of menu favorites delivered directly to guest rooms at any hour.

A Beverage Program That Complements and Enhances

The drinks selection at Caucus reflects the same commitment to quality and local focus evident in the food menu. A carefully curated wine list highlights New Zealand's diverse wine regions, with selections that pair harmoniously with the restaurant's culinary offerings.

The full bar service includes craft cocktails (priced around $15) that range from perfectly executed classics to creative concoctions featuring local spirits and ingredients. Beer options span from Wellington's burgeoning craft brewery scene to international favorites, ensuring options for varied preferences.

Non-alcoholic beverages receive equal attention, with quality coffee, teas, and refreshing alternatives available throughout operating hours.

An Atmosphere of Contemporary Comfort

The physical space of Caucus balances modern sophistication with approachable comfort. The contemporary design creates a versatile environment that transitions smoothly from breakfast service to business lunches and evening dining, with thoughtful lighting and layout that adapts to changing needs throughout the day.

Seating arrangements accommodate diverse dining scenarios, from intimate tables for couples to larger configurations for family gatherings and business meetings. The open kitchen concept in parts of the restaurant adds visual interest and transparency to the dining experience, allowing guests glimpses of culinary craftsmanship in action.

The bar area serves as both a standalone destination for drinks and light bites and as a welcoming space for diners awaiting their tables. This flexibility of space contributes significantly to the restaurant's ability to serve varied purposes for different diners.

Free Wi-Fi throughout the venue acknowledges modern diners' connectivity needs, while the casual dress code ensures accessibility and comfort for all guests.

Service Focused on Guest Satisfaction

Operating from early morning until late evening, Caucus demonstrates an understanding of the diverse scheduling needs of its clientele. The service approach emphasizes attentiveness and professionalism, though reviews note some variability during particularly busy periods.

Reservations are recommended for dinner service and larger groups, but the restaurant maintains flexibility for walk-in diners when possible. This balanced approach to seating management helps maximize accessibility while ensuring quality service for all guests.

The restaurant's integration with Novotel Wellington creates additional convenience for hotel guests, while remaining fully accessible to non-guests who wish to experience its offerings. Special considerations for families include the availability of highchairs and child-friendly menu options.

For Accor Plus members, additional benefits and discounts enhance the value proposition, rewarding loyalty within the broader Accor hospitality network.

Value Through Quality and Experience

With main dishes typically priced between $25 and $35, Caucus positions itself in the moderate to upper-moderate range for Wellington dining. This pricing reflects the quality of ingredients, professional preparation, and overall dining experience offered.

The value proposition extends beyond simple cost considerations to encompass the generous portions, premium ingredients, and comfortable setting. The buffet breakfast in particular receives consistent praise for delivering excellent value through variety and quality.

Special offers and member benefits provide additional value avenues, particularly for regular diners and Accor loyalty program participants.

Conclusion

For culinary tourists exploring New Zealand's capital city, Caucus offers an accessible introduction to contemporary Kiwi cuisine in a convenient central location. For local diners, it provides a dependable option for business meals, casual dining, and special occasions, with enough variety to reward repeat visits.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability through locally sourced, free-range, and line-caught ingredients aligns with modern dining values, while its integration with Novotel Wellington creates operational efficiencies that benefit both hotel guests and outside diners.

Whether you're seeking a hearty breakfast to start your day in Wellington, a business lunch near the government district, or a refined dinner showcasing New Zealand's culinary strengths, Caucus Restaurant & Bar delivers a dining experience that balances quality with accessibility in the heart of the capital city.

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