Wellington's longest running independent, 183 Cuba Street

Shop: Slow Boat Records
Address: 183 Cuba Street
Town: Wellington, New Zealand
Formats: Vinyl, CDs
In the shop: In-store gigs
Opening hours: Mo-Th 09:30-17:30; Fr 09:30-18:30; Sa-Su 10:00-17:00

Slow Boat Records is Wellington's longest running independent record store, at 183 Cuba Street in the vibrant and eclectic Te Aro end of the capital's downtown, and a long-standing favourite of the discerning music fan. It runs instore listening sessions: doors shut at 5.30 as usual, reopen at 6, and the new album plays through from 6.15 a day ahead of general release, with strictly limited pressings available only at the listening parties, free admission and giveaways. Record Store Day is a proper event here too.