If you want to go to a Japanese restaurant, Kazu on Tory Street is great and I would recommend it.
http://www.kazu.co.nz/kazu/
Yikes, that's a long way to go for an interview! Do they not have Skype ?
Universities often fly people out for interviews. By the time they get to the interview stage they are pretty sure they want you, if they pay to fly you out.
That's what I am hoping! I think a lot of businesses fly people out too. I was at a wedding recently and a few people were asking whether they would be flying me out Business Class. I wish!
Thanks for the restaurant tip, BTW. I will add it to the list! (Whatever happens w.r.t. the job, I am going to have to come back to Wellington with my wife and complete the list!)
If you like lists, here's one about Wellington :
http://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30981