Where to Stay in Wellington – A Guide to the Capital of New Zealand
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. This city is located at the southern tip of the North Island, one of the two great islands that make up the New Zealand archipelago. The New Zealand capital has a large number of cafes, restaurants, cinemas, museums, and many options for leisure, including parks, gardens, forests, rivers, and beaches. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Wellington, NZ.
The Kiwi capital is New Zealand’s cultural hub. Its main cultural and historic attractions include the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Wellington Museum, City Gallery Wellington, the New Zealand Parliament Buildings and the National War Memorial.
If it’s nature you’re after, then you’re in luck. Wellington is home to several parks, nature reserves and wildlife centres such as Zealandia, the Wellington Zoo, Wellington Botanic Garden, Mount Victoria, and the Wellington Harbour.
For nightlife and shopping, so not Courtenay Place and Cuba Street, some of the most vibrant pubs, restaurants, cafés and nightclubs in town.
Wellington’s climate is very mild, with low temperatures that range between 9ºC and 13ºC in the winter (June – September), and highs between 17ºC and 22ºC in the summer (December – March).
Wellington International Airport has regular flights connections to most domestic and Australian airports. it is 15 minutes from the city centre.
Wellington has taxi and bus services available at all times. In addition, it also has light rails that connect several suburbs of the city.
As for the best areas to stay in Wellington, the CBD (Central Business District) is ideal for both leisure and business travellers. It is home to most cultural attractions, plus it has hotels of all kinds, along with several entertainment, nightlife and dining options. See accommodation in Wellington’s CBD.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Wellington, New Zealand.
Bolton Hotel is an elegant, boutique, 5-star hotel offering free WiFi on multiple devices and in-room iPad minis. Secure valet parking is available. Located in the Wellington central business district, the hotel is only minutes from Lambton Quay and Wellington Railway Station.
The best areas to stay in Wellington
1. Recommended area: City Centre or CBD
Wellington CBD is the heart of the city. It houses the main governmental, diplomatic and financial centres of the city.
This area displays an eclectic architectural mix that goes from elegant colonial buildings to modern skyscrapers.
Just south of the CBD lies Te Aro. This suburb is considered the core of Wellington’s nightlife. It offers an important number of bars and clubs, as well as restaurants and cafés.
Wellington CBD also includes the lively Lambton Quay, from where you can access the Wellington cable car.
For business travellers, the CBD is home to most of Wellington’s office towers and offices, as well as the main conference centres and trade fair showrooms in the region.
In Wellington CBD, you’ll find landmarks such as the Civic Square, Wellington City Hall, the Central Library of Wellington, the Michael Fowler Centre and the Wellington City Gallery.
The whole CBD area offers a wide range of hotels, from high-end to budget. As such, it is one of the best areas to stay in Wellington.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Wellington:
- Central location
- Close to Wellington’s attractions
- Best area for sightseeing
- Connected by public transport
- Best area for business travellers
- Wide variety of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Just a 13-minute walk from the iconic Te Papa Museum in the heart of Wellington, the Travelodge offers a fitness centre and rooms with a flat-screen cable TV. There is free WiFi.
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Budget
The Setup on Dixon
Offering free Wi-Fi, The Setup Accommodation is located in downtown Wellington, with restaurants, cafes and shops within a 5-minute walk.
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Luxury
Boulcott Suites
This 5-star apartment hotel is located in the centre, next to Boulcott Street, and offers elegant one-floor suites and fully equipped executive single-family houses. There is free WiFi.
2. Lambton Quay
Lambton Quay is where the first settlement of Wellington was located and, as its name suggests, it was an area next to the pier.
Over the years, as the city expanded on reclaimed land, this area became part of the CBD.
Lambton Quay is an important commercial thoroughfare, within walking distance of the Wellington cable car, the Queens Wharf Events Centre and the University of Victoria, and minutes from the Te Papa Museum, the Westpac Trust Stadium and the Botanical Gardens.
Lambton Quay houses many restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. In addition, it is a good area to stay for business travellers, being in the financial centre.
Lambton Quay offers Wellington’s most upbeat face. It has several hotels and tourist apartments as well as some backpacker options.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Wellington:
- Near the cable car
- Best area for backpackers
- Great location
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Ibis Wellington
The Ibis Wellington is ideally located in the city centre, close to the lively Lambton Quay and a short walk from the Parliament, the TSB Bank Arena, the Westpac Stadium and the waterfront.
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Budget
Hotel Waterloo
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers budget accommodation in the center of Wellington. It has a kitchen available 24 hours, self-service laundry and a games room with pool tables. The property provides 1 GB of free WiFi, valid every 24 hours.
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Luxury
Sofitel Wellington
Centrally located in the business district of Wellington, Sofitel Wellington offers elegant accommodation with picturesque views of the slopes and botanical gardens.
3. Courtney Place
Courtney Place, right in the Te Aro district of Wellington, is the main street in Courtenay Quarter, a busy pedestrian area during day and night.
Courtenay Place is famous for being a place of entertainment and nightlife, with bars and restaurants that open until late.
Courtney Place boasts musicians and street performers offering free shows, as well as lots of shopping options.
The main event taking place at Courtenay Place is the New Zealand Festival of the Arts which take place here every two years.
Courtenay Place also is also home to the internationally acclaimed Embassy Theater where the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King took place.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Wellington:
- Good area for shopping
- Cultural area
- Good nightlife
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
U Boutique Hotel
This hotel offers elegant boutique accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a gourmet continental breakfast in the morning. It is located in the heart of Wellington, a 5-minute walk from the seafront. There is a cafeteria that serves breakfast and a lounge area on the ground floor.
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Budget
Cambridge Hotel
The 19th-century Cambridge Hotel offers accommodation in the heart of Wellington city centre, just a 3-minute walk from the Courtenay Place entertainment district. It has a bar and a restaurant.
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Luxury
Distinction Wellington, Century City Hotel
The Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel offers elegant apartments with hotel services and is an ideal starting point to explore the wide variety of restaurants, shops and cultural options of the city.
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