The capital does bowling with style — a glow-lit CBD tenpin bar packed with pinball, and a cluster of characterful lawn bowls clubs tucked into the town belt and seaside suburbs, several among the best-performed in the country.
Whether you want a night out on the lanes, a club to join, or a green to learn the game, here’s where to bowl in Wellington.
Tenpin Bowling in Wellington
Wellington city’s tenpin scene centres on one standout CBD venue. (For more lanes nearby, North City Tenpin is a short drive north in Porirua, and Strike Entertainment Centre is across the harbour in Lower Hutt — both covered on their own city pages.)
The Lanes
- Where: 234 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington CBD
- Lanes: 15 fully automated, blue-lit tenpin lanes (plus a private bowling lounge)
- Food & drink: Fully stocked bar, cocktails, pizzas, platters, burgers and snacks
- Also: One of NZ’s largest pinball collections (25+ machines across two lounges); pool and shuffleboard; big-screen entertainment; R18 after 9pm; great for groups and work functions
- Web: thelanes.co.nz · Phone: [TBC]
Read our review of The Lanes.
The Lanes’ details are confirmed via its own website; note the venue becomes R18 from 9pm. Pricing and hours can change, so check before a visit.
Lawn Bowls Clubs in Wellington
Lawn bowls thrives in Wellington — the regional body, Bowls Wellington, oversees more than 20 clubs and 40+ greens across the greater region. The capital’s clubs range from nationally competitive to relaxed and social, many sheltered from the wind in the town belt or enjoying coastal views. Below is a selection of Wellington city clubs.
Victoria Bowling Club
- Where: 125 Pirie Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington
- Greens: [TBC]
- History: Sheltered in the town belt, just 10 minutes’ walk from the CBD
- Members & play: One of the best-performing clubs in New Zealand, with numerous provincial and national titles; welcomes all ages and abilities, new and returning members; known as a club where the best compete but a good time is easy to find
- Also: Open till 9pm; bushy, wind-sheltered setting
- Web: victoriabowlingclub.org.nz · Phone: 04 977 7210
Read our review of Victoria Bowling Club.
Island Bay Bowling Club
- Where: 276 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington
- Greens: [TBC]
- Members & play: Bills itself as “Wellington’s friendliest bowling club”; welcomes all skill levels and ages; weekly social games (Tuesday afternoons), club championships and beginner coaching with equipment provided
- Also: Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance; coastal setting with great facilities
- Web: ibbc.co.nz · Phone: 04 973 8571
Read our review of Island Bay Bowling Club.
Lyall Bay Bowling Club
- Where: 53 Apu Crescent, Lyall Bay, Wellington
- Greens: All-weather Tiger Turf ‘Greenweave’ carpet (the first club in the Wellington area to switch from natural grass)
- History: Established 1912; one of the founding clubs of Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs
- Members & play: Growing, competitive club with a good mix of men and women; active social side
- Also: Indoor bowls, pool, table bowls, darts; big-screen TVs and a full commercial kitchen; function and meeting hire
- Web: lbbc.co.nz · Phone: 04 977 6339
Read our review of Lyall Bay Bowling Club.
This is a selection of Wellington city clubs affiliated with Bowls Wellington, not a complete list — others include Newtown, Wilton, Khandallah and Johnsonville. Find the full directory and current contacts at bowlswellington.com.
Recommended For
- Best for a night out: The Lanes — glow-lit lanes, cocktails, pinball and shuffleboard in the heart of the CBD (R18 after 9pm).
- Best for groups & work functions: The Lanes runs group bookings and has a private bowling lounge; Lyall Bay’s commercial kitchen and indoor options also suit functions.
- Best for serious lawn bowls & improving: Victoria Bowling Club, one of NZ’s most successful clubs, for competitive play; contact Bowls Wellington for coaching pathways.
- Best for learning lawn bowls: Island Bay Bowling Club, with beginner coaching and equipment provided in a friendly setting.
- Best for all-weather play: Lyall Bay’s carpet green keeps the game going whatever Wellington’s weather does.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Booking: Book The Lanes ahead for evenings and weekends; groups of 10+ may need a deposit at peak times.
- R18 hours: The Lanes is R18 from 9pm — plan family visits earlier in the day or evening.
- Parking & transport: The Lanes is central and best reached on foot or by public transport; the seaside bowls clubs (Island Bay, Lyall Bay) have parking on site.
- Lawn bowls: Many clubs run casual roll-ups and welcome beginners — phone ahead, and ask about loan bowls and coaching (Island Bay provides equipment for newcomers).
- Wellington wind: Town-belt clubs like Victoria are well sheltered; coastal greens can be breezier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go tenpin bowling in Wellington? The Lanes at 234 Wakefield Street in the Te Aro CBD is the city’s main tenpin venue, with 15 automated lanes plus pinball, pool and a full bar. North City Tenpin (Porirua) and Strike Entertainment Centre (Lower Hutt) are nearby in the wider region.
Is The Lanes suitable for kids? During the day and early evening, yes — but it becomes R18 from 9pm, so plan family visits earlier.
Where can I learn lawn bowls in Wellington? Island Bay Bowling Club offers beginner coaching with equipment provided, and many clubs welcome newcomers. Bowls Wellington can point you to your nearest club and coaching options.
Which Wellington bowls club is best for competitive players? Victoria Bowling Club in Mt Victoria is one of New Zealand’s best-performing clubs, with numerous provincial and national titles.
Where can I bowl on a rainy day in Wellington? The Lanes is fully indoor. Among lawn bowls clubs, Lyall Bay’s all-weather carpet green and indoor bowls keep play going in poor weather.