Remember when Maccas bought Georgie Pie in Manners Mall and shut it down back in the day? Wellington lost a pie legend then, but today—24 February 2025—there’s good news. A new pie shop, Puku Pies & Kai, opened its doors in Lyall Bay, bringing fresh hope to pie lovers. It’s at Lyall Bay Junction, part of Wellington Airport’s shiny new waterfront strip. Run by locals who care about good food, this place uses ingredients from nearby farms to whip up tasty pies and treats. It’s only been a day, but people are already buzzing about it being their new go-to.
Where It All Began
The sun was barely up when Puku Pies & Kai opened today, and the smell of baking pies hit the salty Lyall Bay air. It’s a far cry from the old Georgie Pie days in Manners Mall—when Maccas took over in the ‘90s and closed it for good, leaving Wellington gutted. Now, this new spot’s breathing life back into the pie game. Mia, a local surfer, was one of the first through the door, swapping her usual brekkie for a taste of something fresh. The shop’s part of Wellington Airport’s push to revamp the coast, hot on the heels of Southward Distillery opening nearby last November.
The Exact Spot
Puku Pies & Kai sits at 56/74 Kingsford Smith Street, Rongotai, Wellington—right in Lyall Bay Junction, steps from the beach. You can hear the waves and spot surfers while you’re at it. It’s in the new waterfront area Wellington Airport’s been building up, and the shop’s warm glow stands out. They’re open Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 4 PM, perfect for a morning pie or a quick lunch.
Inside the Shop
Walk into Puku Pies & Kai, and it’s like a warm hug—none of that fast-food vibe Georgie Pie lost to Maccas. It’s got wooden tables, a few plants, and a glass case packed with pies and baked goodies. A chalkboard lists what’s on offer, and the ovens hum while Kiwi tunes play softly. The staff are friendly locals, chuffed to bring something homemade to the table. It’s simple, cosy, and feels like Lyall Bay—proper and down-to-earth.
Mia’s First Pie
Mia, still damp from surfing, rocked up first. “Steak and gravy, ta,” she said, grabbing a hot pie from the baker. She stepped outside, leaning against the wall with the bay in view—way better than the old Manners Mall setup. One bite, and the flaky crust gave way to juicy beef and peppery gravy. “Blimey, this is cracking,” she said, crumbs tumbling. “Maccas could never.” It beat anything she’d had lately, and she was already planning her next visit.
The Local Buzz
By midday, the place was humming. Dog walkers, airport workers, and a couple of kids on scooters were all sniffing around. Someone snapped their pie with the sea behind it and chucked it online—way more scenic than Manners Mall ever was. “These pies are the business,” a bloke told his mate. “Reckon it’s our new spot,” another said. After Georgie Pie got swallowed up and shut down, Lyall Bay’s new gem feels like a win—tied into the airport’s plan to make this coast a proper destination.
Why It Matters
Puku Pies & Kai is more than just pies—it’s a local comeback. Georgie Pie’s closure left a hole when Maccas pulled the plug, but this shop’s bringing back that community vibe with stuff grown nearby. Wellington Airport’s boss, Richard Dalby, put it spot on: “This area’s a gem, and we’re chuffed to help it shine.” It’s a place to eat, chat, and soak up the beachy feel. One day in, and it’s already looking like Lyall Bay’s answer to what Manners Mall lost—a pie spot with soul.