- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Wellington?
- Wellington Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Wellington
- Wellington’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs about Where to Stay in Wellington
- What To Pack For Wellington
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Wellington
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Wellington
Kia ora! If you’re reading this, it’s more than likely you’re planning your trip to Wellington and I’m VERY jealous. You’re in for a treat.
This little city may be small but man does it pack a punch. Known for its wildly delicious cuisine and vibrant, quirky culture, it is home to more cafes and restaurants per capita than the infamous New York City. And boy, does it do them well.
And for you adventure junkies, don’t worry you’ll still get your dose in here. Wellington is surrounded by STUNNING beaches and hills that will give you the perfect hit.
No matter what you’re looking to do, Wellington has something to offer. To make the most out of your trip you’ll want to know where to stay in Wellington. This can be a big old task but don’t you worry bout a thing.
That’s where I come in, I’ve done it all for you. I lived in this wonderful city for a year so you’re pretty much getting a local guide. Lucky you!
So, buckle up and read on. All the answers you need have been compiled below. (You’re welcome, friend)
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
So, you’re travelling to Wellington. You lucky ol’ thing.
Wellington is jam-packed with lots of quirky, little neighborhoods that all offer something completely different. Whether you’re after the artsy, foodie or nature-lover vibe, there will be an area in Wellington you’ll love.
And great news, you’ve come to the perfect place. I’ve summarised all you need to know below. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get scrollin’!
Naumi Studio | Best Hotel in Wellington
The 3-star C Hotel Wellington is all about the location. Set on prime real estate right on Bohemian Cuba Street close to Civic Square, it’s surrounded by great bars, quirky restaurants, and live music venues.
You’ll love the classic 1900s architecture, indoor heated swimming pool, and electric bike rentals!
The Marion Hostel in Wellington | Best Hostel in Wellington
The Marion Hostel is an epic place to stay, right in the heart of the city action. With some of Wellington’s best entertainment venues on Courtenay Place and Cuba Street at your doorstep. It’s a bit pricer than others around but it’s well worth it.
The huge kitchen (stocked with milk & spices!) and the roof terrace looking over Cuba Street were my two favourite parts of my visit here.
Modern Living at Pinnacle on Victoria | Best Airbnb in Wellington
This brand-new apartment in Te Aro is the perfect base for exploring what central Wellington has to offer. It’s super close to Cuba Street for your daily dose of brunch and shopping. It also has the comfiest couch you’ll ever sit on – the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring.
These guys also offer a discount on stays over a week, bringing that average nightly cost down. Who doesn’t love a discount?
Mount Victoria
Part of the Wellington CBD, residential Mount Victoria places you slap bang in the middle of the action. A collection of excellent restaurants, bars, and museums are just a stone’s throw away, making this easily the best area to stay in Wellington.
Island Bay
Located near the Waterfront, this old fishing village is a very community-orientated neighbourhood where most of the bars and restaurants are owned by locals – you’ll get a true taste of the traditional Wellington vibe!
Te Aro
Te Aro is Wellington’s social hub, and hands down the best neighbourhood in Wellington to stay in. It’s home to some of the hippest and happening night-time venues. If you love a good night out, you’ll fit right in!
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to stay in Wellington with its gorgeous art deco buildings, pretty parks, historic churches, and atmospheric cinemas.
Kapiti Coast
The Kapiti Coast is a gloriously laid-back part of the city with a series of golden beaches – in fact, they’re some of the best beaches in the country!
If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know how EPIC the Wellington region is. And it’ll be well and truly locked into your travel list for your trip to New Zealand.
But now you’ve got to decide where the heck you’re going to stay when you get there. Which you and I both know is not an easy task. So, here goes, I’m going to run you through everything I know…
Mount Victoria is smack bang in the middle of the city centre. You’ll be a stone’s throw away from the action with mouth-watering cuisine, the gorgeous Oriental Bay and Te Papa museum all close by. You won’t be short of activities to do here.
If you have a car and are up for a roadie, there are loads of EPIC places to explore from central Wellington. One of my spots is Makara Beach – a place where you can admire the ocean, the hills and Windy Welly’s windmills.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Brooklyn is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to visit in Wellington and fairly off the usual tourist track. It’s very New York-esque. It’s got its own take on the infamous Central Park and all the streets are named after US presidents.
Kapiti Coast offers some of the best beaches, nature reserves, and interesting wildlife just less than an hour from Wellington Central. This outdoorsy Wellington spot is a great spot to hit the beach, take a hike, and enjoy carefree living as only the Kiwis know-how.
Island Bay is an old fishing village where you’ll get a true taste of the traditional Wellington vibe. It’s a super community-orientated neighborhood where most of the bars and restaurants are owned by locals. New Zealand ain’t a cheap place to visit, so if you’re looking for ways to save – Island Bay is a good choice.
Te Aro is a cultural hub within the Wellington CBD (Central Business District). You’ll find bohemian bars and (often underground) live music by venturing down famous Cuba Street. You’re also a short walk from the Wellington Cable Car which is a must if you’re in the city centre!
But with such diversity and choice, how do you decide where to stay? Don’t worry; whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget hostel in Wellington, we’ll cover absolutely everything you need to know in our ‘where to stay’ guide below.
Keep reading as we unpack what each place has to offer!
Wellington’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
So, let’s get onto the good stuff. Whether you’re visiting Wellington for the first or 500th time, we’ll take a look at the best neighborhood to stay in Wellington.
1. Mount Victoria – Where to Stay in Wellington for Your First Time
Mount Victoria is in the heart of the Wellington CBD and places you smack bang in the middle of the action. Whether you’re a city or a nature lover, Mount Victoria has you covered.
For our city lovers, there is a MINDBLOWING collection of restaurants, bars and Te Papa museum just a stone’s throw away. (My mouth is watering just thinking about the food there!)
And for our nature lovers, you can pop your walking shoes on and head up Mount Victoria for epic 360 views of the city. Or, head to Oriental Bay to soak up some sunshine. When you come to packing for your trip, be sure to pack your walking shoes and a pair of swimmers (or ‘togs’ as the Kiwis say).
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Combine that with Te Aro’s nightlife to your left and thrifty Newtown to your right and you’ve got the perfect holiday location.
Mount Victoria is also a famous filming location in the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies, and you’ll soon see why. The surrounding forests (the ‘Hobbiton Woods’) are absolutely stunning!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Wellington for one night, Mount Victoria should be top of the list. Below are some of the best hotels in Mount Victoria.
Apollo Lodge Motel | Best Hotel in Mount Victoria
The 4-star Apollo Lodge Motel offers a choice of self-contained studios, apartments, and family units in the centre of the entertainment district.
Tucked away in an Edwardian-style building, Apollo is perfect for families as some units have their own kitchens. Facilities include free unlimited Wi-Fi, a tour desk, and free off-street parking. Motels in Wellington are great for keeping costs down.
Richmond Guesthouse | Best guesthouse in Mount Victoria
Richmond Guesthouse offers 12 comfortable rooms in a refurbished 19th Century villa, just a kilometre from the thrills and spills of Courtenay Place.
With a choice of double, twin, and triple rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, it caters to all kinds of travellers. A complimentary Continental breakfast is included in your stay.
Mount Victoria City Retreat | Best Airbnb in Mount Victoria
This gorgeous, newly renovated Airbnb is your perfect city, oasis in the heart of Wellington. Particularly for couples looking for a city retreat.
It’s a cosy, private spot close to the city centre. You’ll have cafes, restaurants, Oriental Bay, Courtenay Place and more all within a short walk. It’s also a convenient 3-minute walk to the Wellington International Airport bus stop.
Things to See and Do in Mount Victoria
- Pack a picnic and hike to the top of the Wellington Lookout
- Admire the Richard Byrd Memorial, commemorating a Kiwi aviator and Polar explorer
- Explore Te Papa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum, Wellington museum and art gallery
- Ride up the Historical Wellington Cable Car for a bird’s eye view of the city. Stop in on Lamton Quay while you’re there for a bit of high-end shopping (or window shopping in my case!)
- Take to Wellington’s windy roads and go for a roadie to Point Halswell Lighthouse.
- Visit and take a tour of the Hobbit’s Hideaway, a filming location for the Lord of the Rings (it’s where the hobbits hid when they were being chased by Ringwraiths)
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Island Bay – Where to Stay in Wellington on a Budget
If you’re wondering where to stay in Wellington on a budget, Island Bay is an affordable coastal suburb for budget-conscious travellers.
Located near the Waterfront, this old fishing village is a very community-orientated neighborhood where most of the bars and restaurants are owned by locals – you’ll get a true taste of the traditional Wellington vibe!
Set along a rugged coastline, Island Bay offers great beaches, surfing and snorkelling opportunities, and pathways for seaside strolls. You’ll be able to see the South Island across the water.
Just 20 minutes by bus to the CBD, it offers plenty of glorious old churches, a marine reserve, and recreational walkways to explore.
Casa Felina | Best Apartment in Island Bay
You can’t go wrong by booking at Casa Felina. The hosts of this Airbnb go above and beyond to look after you during your stay. The apartment is gorgeous and has everything you need for a comfortable stay – including a super, well-stocked kitchen and a terrace to enjoy some fresh, New Zealand air.
If you’re a pet lover like me, ask to meet Possum and Rusty!
Seaside Retreat on Wellington’s South Coast | Best Airbnb in Island Bay
Location, location, location. Good lord, the view from this special little place is incredible. It’s got a beautiful deck and outdoor bathtub where you can take in the beautiful panoramic views. You’ll be tucked into Mother Nature’s goodness but you’ll also only be a 12-minute drive to Wellington’s city centre and Wellington Airport.
This place is perfect for a solo travellers retreat or a romantic couples getaway!
Little White Cabin | Best Cabin in Island Bay
This cosy, little cabin is the perfect spot for a quiet, beach escapade. It’s a minute’s walk from the beach and super close to the bus stop to head into central Wellington.
The wonderful host, Jo, makes sure you’ve got a delicious, breakfast and coffee in the morning. She also popped the heaters on for us so that we came back to a lovely toasty cabin. Absolute legend.
Things to See and Do in Island Bay:
- Hit the beach while the kids enjoy the playground right across the road
- Watch a movie at the Empire Cinema
- Snorkel, dive or swim in the protected Taputeranga Marine Reserve – keep an eye out for the New Zealand Seahorse, a large-bellied seahorse unique to the area
- Indulge in a homemade savoury pastry from Patricia’s Pies, supposedly some of the best in the world
- Walk along the beach towards the lighthouse and admire the views of the South Island
3. Te Aro – Where to Stay in Wellington for Nightlife
Te Aro is Wellington’s social hub, and hands down the best neighborhood in Wellington to stay in. It’s home to some of the hippest and happening night-time venues. If you love a good night out, you’ll fit right in!
The restaurants are open until late and most of the bars stay open until dawn. Just a kilometre from Downtown Wellington, Te Aro is about as central a location as you’ll get. Not to mention it’s super affordable too!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Wellington for one night, the late-night action can be found in and around Courtenay Place. There’s a great mix of venues to suit every mood from bars and pubs, to cocktail bars and nightclubs.
The adjacent Cuba Street is Wellington’s Party Central with its Bohemian vibe, underground clubs, and quirky bars.
The InterContinental | Best Hotel in Te Aro
This buzzing little hostel is a great place to stay if you’re a solo traveller looking to meet others. It has a pool table, foosball and a lounge where you can mix and mingle with other travellers.
If it’s nightlife you’re after in Wellington, this hostel is the place for you. You’re close to the epic bars and clubs that Welly has to offer. And you’re also just steps away from unreal, hangover cure breakfasts to save you from yourself the morning after.
Trek Global | Best Hostel in Te Aro
This buzzing little hostel is a great place to stay if you’re a solo traveller looking to meet others. It has a pool table, foosball and a lounge where you can mix and mingle with other travellers.
If it’s nightlife you’re after in Wellington, this hostel is the place for you. You’re close to the epic bars and clubs that Welly has to offer. And you’re also just steps away from unreal, hangover cure breakfasts to save you from yourself the morning after.
Modern Living at Pinnacle on Victoria | Best Airbnb in Te Aro
This brand-new apartment in Te Aro is the perfect base for exploring what central Wellington has to offer. It’s super close to Cuba Street for your daily dose of brunch and shopping. It also has the comfiest couch you’ll ever sit on – the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring.
These guys also offer a discount on stays over a week, bringing that average nightly cost down. Who doesn’t love a discount?
Things to See and Do in Te Aro:
- Go shopping, explore the galleries and have a drink along Cuba Street
- Head up the iconic Wellington Cable Car for a bird’s eye view of the city
- Hit the bars and soak up the nightlife of Courtenay Place
- Explore Te Papa Museum and see its colossal squid (weighing nearly 500 kilograms!)
- Admire the books or attend a free talk or movie screening at the Wellington City Library
- Watch a free movie screening at Nga Taonga Sound & Vision Film Archive
- Have a vibey brunch at Prefab Eatery or Nicau Cafe
- Book a Walking Food Tour and be taken to some of the hottest food spots in town
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Grab an eSIM!4. Brooklyn – The Best Area in Wellington to Stay in This Year
Brooklyn is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to stay in Wellington with its gorgeous Art Deco buildings, lush parks, historic churches, and atmospheric cinemas.
It’s very New York, like its namesake, and most famous for its own take on Central Park.
It has a cool, American-esque culture with the streets named after American presidents. However, it’s pretty underrated and while it’s becoming more and more popular, is not yet overly touristy.
Located at the top of Brooklyn Hill above Happy Valley, this vibey neighborhood offers panoramic views over Wellington Harbor.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
There’s plenty to discover for outdoorsy adventurers, from old army bunkers and war memorials to walking or cycling tracks and the Brooklyn Wind Turbine (it does tend to be windy).
The Marion Hostel in Wellington | Best Hostel in Brooklyn
The Marion Hostel is an epic place to stay, right in the heart of the city action. With some of Wellington’s best nightlife on Courtenay Place and Cuba Street at your doorstep. It’s a bit pricer than others around but it’s well worth it.
The huge kitchen (stocked with milk & spices!) and the roof terrace looking over Cuba Street were my two favourite parts of my visit here.
Vogeltown Architectural Retreat | Best Airbnb in Brooklyn
This Airbnb is perfect for families. It’s a newly built home with a beautiful, modern design and surrounded by lush greenery. It’s in a lovely, quiet area but also not too far from Wellington’s big attractions.
It is a bit of a steep, stairway entrance to the property so it may not be the best place for you if you have a lot of luggage to carry down. Otherwise, this place is 10/10.
Sunlit, city-fringe Guesthouse | Affordable Airbnb in Brooklyn
This private and spacious studio is perfectly located in the Tuscan-style tower in Brooklyn, Wellington. Walk three minutes to reach walking and mountain biking tracks, and a further two minutes to reach restaurants, cafes, and bars on Cuba Street. Self-contained, the apartment comes with a secluded deck overlooking Polhill Reserve, a queen-sized bed, a double sofa-bed, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom.
Things to See and Do in Brooklyn:
- Admire the views from Brooklyn War Memorial Park
- Walk to the wind turbine located at the highest point of Brooklyn – the views stretch as far as the South Island on a clear day
- Tuck into some of Brooklyn’s best pies at Jo’s Bakery
- Watch a flick at the Penthouse Cinema
- Grab a bite to eat at the Brooklyn Deli
- Take a stroll through or have a picnic in Central Park
- Climb the Tuscan-inspired Tower Studio on Karepa Street for 360-degree views of the native bush reserve
#5 Kapiti Coast – Where to Stay in Wellington for Families
The Kapiti Coast is a gloriously laid-back part of the city with a series of golden beaches – in fact, they’re some of the best beaches in the country!
Easily the best neighborhood in Wellington to stay in near the beach, this coastal stretch is less than an hour’s drive from the Wellington CBD (40 minutes to be exact), but with its carefree vibe, it feels worlds away. There are many great lodges in Wellington giving families plenty of space.
When it comes to fun-filled beach days, families will love Raumati Beach especially. Marine Gardens offers a beach pool, a miniature railway line, and a colourful splash pad for little ones.
Paraparaumu Beach offers a playground, skate park and basketball court, or you can take to the seaside cycle path for a family bike ride.
But it’s not just the beaches that put this suburb top of the list of where to stay in Wellington with kids. There’s also a car museum, a historic tramway, glorious nature reserves to explore, and so much more.
U Studios Paraparaumu Beach | Best Hotel in Kapiti Coast
U Studios Paraparaumu Beach offers affordable 3-star accommodation along the Kapiti Coast, within walking distance of the beach and its many water-based activities.
The hotel offers a series of private apartments, including self-contained studios designed specifically for families. On-site facilities include a restaurant, parking, and free Wi-Fi.
Tudor Manor Bed & Breakfast | Best Bed & Breakfast in Kapiti Coast
Stay within walking distance of the beach, shops, and cafes at Tudor Manor Bed & Breakfast in Paraparaumu Beach.
The B&B offers a choice of private rooms and a self-contained suite suitable for families. Guests can enjoy the use of an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, tour desk, and a spacious garden.
Paraparaumu Beach Cottage | Best Airbnb in Kapiti Coast
Just a 30-second walk from the beach, this cottage is the perfect seaside getaway for groups or families. It’s the perfect location for a beach stroll, a walk to the street market, cafe hopping and dining out.
The cottage is beautifully designed for a comfy, warm stay. The host, Gary, is awesome and will make sure you are well looked after.
Things to See and Do in Kapiti Coast:
- Spend the day on the beach. I recommend Paraparaumu or Raumati Beach if you’re visiting as a family
- Admire over 400 vintage cars at the Southward Car Museum
- Let the kids run wild at the Maclean Park Playground
- Take the little ones to the Marine Gardens water park
- Watch a movie at the Shoreline Cinema
- Ride the tram through Queen Elizabeth Park and explore the Tramway Museum
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs about Where to Stay in Wellington
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Wellington and where to stay.
What To Pack For Wellington
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What is the best luxury hotel in Wellington?
The InterContinental is easily one of the best luxury hotels in Wellington. You’ll also be in for a treat with the bed, the InterContinental has some of the comfiest mattresses I’ve ever slept on. Best sleep ever.
Is Wellington a good place to meet other travellers?
Yes, it sure is. Wellington has a super vibrant, social vibe. Especially closer to Wellington CBD. Staying in hostels is the best way to meet new people. Brooklyn has the iconic, Marion Hostel which is an EPIC place to stay to meet other travellers.
Where is the best place to stay to be close to the airport?
Island Bay is a great spot to stay if you want to be a bit closer to Wellington International Airport. Or, just around the corner, Lyall Bay is another great option. You can chill at the famous, Maranui Cafe and watch the planes come and go.
What are the best self-contained accommodation options in Wellington?
Mount Victoria City Retreat is a great Airbnb if you want a self-contained studio in central Wellington. it provides the privacy you need but also is only steps away from the action of the city.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Wellington
It’s not cheap when things go wrong when you’re on the road, so make sure you grab some quality travel insurance before heading to Wellington!
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.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Wellington
Don’t miss Wellington off your list when travelling to New Zealand. Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover or nature enthusiast – trust me when I say, there is something for every traveller here!
Exploring what Wellington has to offer is well worth it. From hip cafes on every street-art-painted corner, unreal views from the top of Mount Victoria and a music culture that is Gods-gift.
One tip I’d leave you with is to check the forecast before you go – it is nicknamed “Windy Welly” for a reason. If the forecast says it’s windy, don’t change your plans. It will be just as gorgeous, just make sure you take a good windbreaker jacket.
I hope this guide has helped you to decide which little nook of Wellington will suit you best. If I’ve missed anything please let me know in the comments below.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Wellington.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Wellington.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Oceania backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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!
