Are you planning a trip to Wellington? You’re in for a treat!
Hailed as one of the coolest areas in the world, Wellington has it all – scenic beaches, lush, forested areas, cultural sites, and a vibrant city center with an excellent coffee and craft beer scene.
It’s not just for the beer heads though. Fans of fine wine can join in the fun with Wellington’s wineries and vineyards that produce some of the best concoctions in New Zealand.
It goes without saying that nature lovers will find plenty to explore, with sprawling parks and streams speckled all over.
Best of all, there are all types of accommodation options to choose from. You could opt for any boring ol’ hotel room if that’s what you want, but Wellington has a selection of lodges that are just perfect for all occasions.
Among nature and beautifully serene, check out these lodges in Wellington for a special escape.
Terracotta Lodge
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Complimentary Breakfast
- > Overlooking the Tararua Mountains
Incline Cottage
- > $
- > 1-2 Guests
- > Private kitchen
- > Balcony with mountain views
Wharekauhau Country Estate
- > $$$
- > 3 Guests
- > Indoor pool and spa
- > Oceanfront setting
Staying in a Lodge in Wellington
The great news about staying in a lodge in Wellington is that since they are often located halfway between urban and rural areas, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of everything! In fact, some lodges are great for uncovering the kind of hidden gems that you might not have known about otherwise.
Some lodges are found smack dab in the middle of nowhere – perfect for those who want a complete break during their New Zealand visit.
Before you book your accommodation, I would recommend you take a moment to browse through various websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Hostelworld, and VRBO. With these websites, you’ll be able to quickly go through numerous choices and make an educated guess based on your budget, personal preferences, location, and group size.
What to Look for in a Lodge
Staying in a lodge can be quite a unique experience. Lodges can come with amenities like running water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, so there’s really no need to rough it! Unlike hotels, lodges feature private or shared kitchen spaces where you can cook your own meals instead of forking out on expensive dishes every day.
Lodges ensure that you’re never too far from outdoor activities, and most of them are only a quick drive from Wellington’s more central areas so you can take advantage of the vibrant nightlife as well.
Whether you’re backpacking Wellington or planning a quick break, a lodge will go a long way in ensuring you’re never far from all the comforts of home.
The Top 10 Lodges in Wellington
Now that you know what to look out for, here are 10 lodges that are just perfect!
Overall Best Value Lodge in Wellington – Platinum Lodge
- $
- 2 Guests
- Shared pool and tennis court
- Serene outdoor spaces
Lodges with tennis courts and swimming pools are often expensive – not this one! Quite the opposite, this lodge not only has an excellent location near local amenities, but it also has plenty of deluxe facilities at a super affordable rate.
With a bedroom for two, a shared pool, a tennis court, and plenty of outdoor spaces, this Wellington lodge also lies close to the Judgeford Golf Club. Nature lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the proximity to the gorgeous Belmont Regional Park.
You’ll find several eateries around, but if you don’t want to go out, you can always use the lodge’s modern and well-equipped kitchen to prepare your meals.
Places to Visit Nearby:
- Judgeford Golf Club
- Belmont Regional Park
- Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve
Best Lodge for Couples in Wellington – Terracotta Lodge
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Complimentary breakfast
- Overlooking the Tararua Mountains
One of the best lodges in Wellington for couples, this cozy space lies in a soothing location with plenty of greenery and fruit trees.
Spend a day exploring the nearby popular attractions like the Stonehenge Aotearoa, the Pukaha National Wildlife Center, and Castlepoint Lighthouse, or spend a lazy day around the lodge.
You can return to rustle up an easy meal in the well-outfitted kitchen, and cuddle up with your partner on the terrace.
At the end of the day, enjoy a good night’s rest in the comfortable bedroom for two, and wake up to a complimentary breakfast the following morning – romantic bliss!
Best Lodge for a Group of Friends in Wellington – Te Kopura Lodge
- $$
- 6 Guests
- Spa bath
- Barbecue facilities
With lovely lake views, the Te Kopura Lodge features three bedrooms that can sleep up to six guests. You can expect all the comforts of home in this self-contained lodge, including cozy seating areas, a full kitchen, and even a spa bath.
Wine aficionados will be thrilled by the many New Zealand wineries dotted around the area, including the Palliser Estate Winery and Schubert Wines. You’ll also be close to numerous restaurants, including Siam Kitchen and Martinborough Fish and Chips – perfect for when you don’t feel like cooking!
Oh, and did I mention that you’ll be treated to a scrumptious complimentary breakfast every morning?
Another Great Lodge for Groups of Friends – Harbour Lodge Wellington
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Hot tub and swimming pool
- Daily continental breakfast
This is one of the best lodges in Wellington for groups of friends, and it’s easy to see why!
Not only will you wake up to a free continental breakfast every day, but the property also has a pool and hot tub for when you don’t fancy heading out to explore.
While the lodge has two bedrooms for up to 4 guests, you’ll also find couches in the common area to accommodate a few extra friends if needed. There’s no kitchen, just a few amenities for easy snacks, and there are numerous dining options nearby, including The Wadestown Kitchen and Tan’s Takeaways.
A quick drive from the lodge will get you to Freyberg Beach and the Carter Observatory.
Best Lodge for Families Visiting Wellington – Boulcott Lodge
- $$
- 5 Guests
- Full kitchen
- Free access to a gym
Excellently located just a short stroll from historic Petone, the Boulcott Lodge has various kinds of rooms, including a two-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 5, great for a family!
The spacious apartment comes with everything you need for a stress-free stay, like a full kitchen to prepare meals for the fussy kids.
The lodge lies just a stone’s throw from the Matuhi Street Playground where the kids can run to their hearts’ content. It’s also close to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, the Waterloo Reserve, and the Te Papa Museum.
Best Lodge for Backpackers in Wellington – Oak Estate Motor Lodge
- $
- 1 Guest
- Private patio
- Daily housekeeping
Backpackers, this one’s for you!
If you’re looking for the best lodges in Wellington on a budget, the Oak Estate Motor Lodge has you covered.
You can tour nearby spots like the Arbor Reserve and Carrington Park, then return to the studio where you can chill on the patio with mountain views. There is ample space for 1 to 2 guests, and the studio has a private kitchen. If you don’t fancy making a mess, restaurants like Wakelin House are just a short drive away.
Best of all, you’ll enjoy perks like complimentary housekeeping and a children’s play area.
Amazing Luxury Lodge in Wellington – Wharekauhau Country Estate
- $$$
- 3 Guests
- Indoor pool and spa
- Oceanfront setting
If you are looking to splurge, this lodge is just what you’re looking for.
Spend your time revelling in an opulent setting with so many extra luxuries like a fitness center, a games room, and spa facilities! A short drive from the lodge are the Remutaka Forest Park and Harry Todd Recreation Reserve for when you fancy heading out to explore.
The oceanfront cottage is the ideal setting for kicking back after an exciting day. With one bedroom to accommodate two guests, there is even a fireplace, a bathroom with underfloor heating, as well as a double spa bath. Talk about luxury lodge!
Best Lodge for Budget Travelers – Incline Cottage
- $
- 1-2 Guests
- Private kitchen
- Balcony with mountain views
Contrary to popular belief, staying at a lodge doesn’t have to be expensive! Located in Wellington’s Upper Hutt, Incline Cottage is affordable accommodation that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Ideal for 1 to 2 guests, this beautiful lodge also has a sofa bed in the living room for an extra guest. As mealtimes roll around, fire up the barbecue or whip up a meal in the well-outfitted kitchen. You can whip up homemade goodness for ultimate comfort eating.
There’s a balcony where you can put your feet up and enjoy a drink while soaking up soothing mountain views after a day of exploring.
Best Lodges for a Weekend in Wellington – Anam Cara Gardens
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Kitchen and BBQ facilities
- Garden with picnic areas
For a lazy weekend in Wellington, Anam Cara Gardens is an outstanding lodge. Its close by to Otaki Beach and Waikawa Beach for lounging with your family, and having the ultimate relaxing weekend.
The lodge has three bedrooms, private kitchen, and everything you need to quickly feel at home. If you don’t feel like mucking about in the kitchen, you can always head over to Curry Town, located less than 2 kilometers away to dine in quaint restaurants with your loved ones.
Lodge in Wellington with an Epic Location – Waitohu Lodge
- $
- 2 Guests
- Outdoor saltwater pool
- Private bush walk on the property
The perfect accommodation for travelers who want to get away from the noise of the city, Waitohu Lodge lies just an hour’s drive from Wellington.
Nestled right at the heart of a verdant green forest where you can enjoy a stroll in the glorious outdoors, and wander beside the stream. Keep your eyes peeled for the native birds flying among the centuries-old trees!
After an invigorating walk, you can take a 10-minute drive to Otaki Beach, take a boat to Kapiti Island, or enjoy a swim in the lodge’s outdoor pool. Complimentary treats await in the room.
Don’t Forget Your Wellington Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
Booking a lodge in Wellington gives you the chance to get away from the grind for a serene and relaxing getaway. No matter your budget, there is a lodge to suit you with beautiful natural surroundings, home comforts and little luxuries to make your stay even more special.
Before you jet off to your dream vacation though, just bear in mind that travel insurance is always a good idea- regardless of how safe the country is. Accidents do happen and travel insurance will go a long way in providing peace of mind while ensuring that you’re properly taken care of. Remember: safety first!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
