Wellington is a quirky little city that continues to deliver surprises, even after many a visit. Among its narrow downtown streets are plenty of shops selling anything from secondhand books to sushi. One particularly interesting shop, or shoppe, is Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe, a pinball arcade in Wellington with tonnes of fully restored and new pinball machines with classic games for the nostalgic and fun new variations for the kids.
Why You Need to Pinball
Pinball is fast becoming a rarity. However, I was lucky to play a few games in friend’s garages as a kid and let me tell you, the quality of the machines at Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe in Wellington is entirely different. The second you walk in, it is obvious just how much effort the owner has put into restoring and looking after every machine, and the games reflect that.
Whether you have been doing a bit of shopping at the left bank arcade in Wellington or are staying in the CBD, a quick visit to the pinball shoppe is a must and will likely wind up being anything but quick.
Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe in Wellington: Opening Times and More
Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe in Wellington is open from noon to 8 pm on weekdays, 12 pm to 10 pm on Fridays, 11 am to 10 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays, but be sure to double-check times here before your visit.
The games all cost $2, but don’t stress about taking a bag of coins; you can use tokens, which can be purchased with cash via their machine, or card at the counter.
Games themselves last for anywhere from five to 20 minutes, although it depends on how good you are, of course. For the less experienced, do not panic. I’m pretty terrible and lost plenty of balls only to be hit with second lives, multiple balls, and lifelines that kept the game going for a good while.
The Games
Now, I am no pinball expert, but the variety of games here is huge. From Metallica to Deadpool, there is a game for everyone, and the themes are on point. My favourite was the Star Wars ‘pro’ machine. I’m not sure why it is a pro, but the buttons, launcher and overall quality of the machine are amazing. Even the noises are Star Wars themed, and I swear Yoda wished the ‘force be with me’ at some point.
The photos speak for themselves but only give a glimpse into just how addictive the games can be, with different bonuses, boosters, multi balls and more, which always seem to function without a hitch.
If you are after something specific, be sure to ask the owners, who are very clearly passionate about their establishment. The games do change from time to time as new machines replace older ones.
Arcade Games in Wellington and Other Local Gems
Whether you are only in town for a cruise or staying for a few days, there are plenty of hidden gems that provide a great respite from the busy city. Wellington is known for its craft beers and many bars, some of which host pinball machines, like my local go-to, Boneface.
The Lanes, a popular bowling alley and bar, has tonnes of pinball machines that make for a great activity after bowling, or even during a boring game.
A couple of minutes from Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe is the City Gallery, a grand old colonial building with some cool local art. The National Museum Te Papa is a short walk away and holds some of New Zealand’s most famous historical artifacts.
