Where to Stay in Wellington

By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Wellington Hotels

5-Star Hotel: DoubleTree
4-Star Hotel: Atura
3-Star Hotel: Victoria Court
Apartment: Quest 256 Lambton
Boutique: Wellesley
New: The Cobbler
Cheap: Boulcott
For Family: Raumati Sands
Couples: Tudor Manor
Views: InterContinental
Beach: Raumati Sands
Pool: Rydges
City Center: The Intrepid
Hostel: The Marion

The Best Areas to Stay in Wellington

The capital of New Zealand is the hip city of Wellington. Although only about 220,000 call it home, Wellington certainly packs a punch, so allow enough time to visit everything from the national museum and galleries to the hilltop Wellington Botanic Garden and world-first eco-sanctuary. The harbor and marinas rival Auckland for splendor, and the attractive beaches up the coast offer a stretch of golden sand just outside the city center. Expect chic boutiques, waterside dining, and craft breweries.

Wellington Neighborhoods

Colonial settlers initially built their churches, homes, and Parliament house at Lambton Quay, once alongside the harbor but now a pulsating street 400m inland after land reclamation. This area is officially called Wellington Central, although it isn’t so central anymore.

Hemmed in by hills and the sea, the CBD spreads south to what is officially (and somewhat confusingly) called Te Ora. Taranaki Street divides this sprawling inner-city region. West Te Ora (Inner City) buzzes with fashionable restaurants and glamorous boutiques, while East Te Ora (Inner City) is more conservative but home to the extraordinary Museum of New Zealand. Just north of Wellington Central are the suburbs of Thorndon and Kelburn, home to the iconic cable car , Wellington Botanic Garden, and Zealandia eco-sanctuary.

Petone is a growing commuter suburb outside the city center with motels along the beach. Lower Hutt is another rather uninspiring suburb offering terrific accommodations that are ideal for those with a car. Further up the extended Hutt Valley is the more appealing country town of Upper Hutt, and along the Kāpiti Coast are several adorable beachside towns easily accessible by train.

The Best Places to Stay in Wellington

• Best Luxury Hotels in Wellington
  DoubleTree • InterContinental • Mövenpick • QT • James Cook • Atura
• Best Luxury Apartments in Wellington
  Quest 256 Lambton • Sojourn • The Sebel Thorndon • Oaks • Quest Lambton
• Best Boutique Hotels in Wellington
  Wellesley • The Cobbler • The Intrepid • Museum Apartment • Tudor Manor • TRYP • Wallaceville • Microtel
• Best New Hotels in Wellington
  The Cobbler • Naumi Studio • The Intrepid • The Sebel Lower Hutt • TRYP • Quest 256 Lambton
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Wellington
  Boulcott Lodge • Kapiti • Travelodge • ibis • Victoria Court
• Best Hotels for Families in Wellington
  Raumati Sands • The Sebel Thorndon • Quest 256 Lambton • Novotel • Liberty • Rydges
• Best Hotels for Couples in Wellington
  Tudor Manor • Wellesley • Museum Apartment • Wallaceville • The Intrepid • QT
• Best Hostels in Wellington
  The Marion • Haka House • Trek Global Backpacker

Best Areas in Wellington for…

• Best Area in Wellington for First-Time Visitors: Thorndon
  The CBD can be confusing and rather spread out for a mid-sized city. So, stay within walking distance of the amenities and attractions around the city center without staying there. Hotels in Thorndon are reasonably quiet and convenient to the train station and bus terminal, and views of the hills (accessible by cable car ) and harbor are especially photogenic.
• Best Area in Wellington for Sightseeing: Wellington Central
  
  

  The Wellington Museum has a small but enlightening collection of displays about local history and culture. Entrance is free.

  Wellington Central is convenient for all the wonderful things most visitors want to see and do. These include checking out colonial-era buildings like the Parliament house, Wellington Museum, and Old St Paul’s wooden church. Several of the city’s major attractions are also within a short walk: the extraordinary, six-level Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and cable car (really, a steep tram) which leads to the Wellington Botanic Garden and Zealandia eco-sanctuary. From the glorious old railway station, trains head to the beaches along Kāpiti Coast and towns across the Hutt Valley. Arrange all sorts of fun activities at the helpful isite Visitor Information Centre.
• Best Area in Wellington for Boat Trips: Wellington Central
  Although based along an extended harbor, Wellington doesn’t offer the sort of exciting boat trips easily found in Auckland, where water sports are much more of a passion. From Queens Wharf in Wellington Central, Megisti runs irregular trips across the water, while other companies like Sweet Georgia Cruising offer high-cost charters. Unfortunately, nothing much is organized on a consistent basis, so stroll around the wharf on a sunny afternoon, look for a signpost, pay your money, and hop on board. Otherwise, an affordable way to appreciate the harbor is on the Wellington Harbour Ferries or East by West Ferries to Days Bay (via lovely Mātiu Island).
• Best Areas in Wellington for History & Culture: Wellington Central and Thorndon
  
  

  One attraction in Thorndon is the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, a museum in the former home of the prominent New Zealand author.

  As explained earlier, colonial explorers settled along the precious stretch of flat land known as Wellington Central. In a row opposite the railway station are several government buildings: the austere-looking Executive Wing known as the Beehive, which is attached to Parliament house (tours available), and the more appealing Parliamentary Library (closed to the public). Across the street are exquisite old government buildings called, umm, the Old Government Buildings (free entry). A bit further north and among the city’s oldest suburb, Thorndon, are convents, mansions, and, these days, embassies. Worth visiting are the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden (birthplace of the revered local writer), Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Old St Paul’s church built entirely of wood.
• Best Area in Wellington for Vibe: Thorndon
  Crammed with department stores, office buildings, and apartment blocks, the city center isn’t that dissimilar to others of the same size – except, perhaps, for the attractive harborside setting. To appreciate Wellington a little more, head to Thorndon, the original suburb where people still live. Adding to the popular city-edge vibe are the street-side restaurants, heritage buildings mentioned above, and setting squeezed between the glorious harbor and stunning hills, which are home to the Wellington Botanic Garden and Zealandia eco-sanctuary.
• Best Area in Wellington for Nightlife: East Te Ora (Inner City)
  
  

  Courtenay Place is home to rowdy bars and nightclubs.

  Users of local buses will regularly go through or stop at Courtenay Place, a bus terminal and tree-lined walkway with minimal traffic. It is home to many agreeable places to eat and several rowdy bars and nightclubs with names like The Mermaid and Mishmosh. Clubs and bars stretch over Taranaki Street (which divides East Te Ora from West Te Ora) and into Manners Street. For something more sophisticated along Courtenay Place, check out what’s on at St James Theatre for concerts and ballet, Empire Cinema for movies, and Hannah Playhouse for various performing arts.
• Best Areas in Wellington for Bars and Breweries: West Te Ora (Inner City) and Upper Hutt
  
  

  Just off Dixon Street is a cluster of converted factories called Hannah Laneway. Along there are a few micro-breweries and alehouses.

  Welcome to the craft beer capital of the country. Wellington is renowned across New Zealand for its micro-breweries and alehouses, so pick up the Craft Beer Capital Trail Map from the Visitor Information Centre or hotel foyers. A serious pub crawl within an hour’s walk around the inner city can include over 20 bars offering locally brewed beer with names like Parrotdog and Panhead. Otherwise, join a bar-hopping tour. Even better is Brewtown in Upper Hutt, a massive area of converted tire warehouses packed with micro-breweries, bars, restaurants, and fun stuff for families and non-drinkers like ten-pin bowling. Upper Hutt is easy to reach by train from Wellington, so there’s no need to drive. Cheers!
• Best Areas in Wellington for Restaurants: West Te Ora (Inner City) and Wellington Central
  There are so many options for food in the city. Budget-priced food from kebabs to pizzas and noodles to sushi are available throughout Courtenay Place in East Te Ora. For appealing meals and a leisurely evening, stroll to Cuba Street, which partially turns into a mall (pedestrian-only walkway). Bursting with personality are restaurants like Highwater Eatery (award-winning and inexpensive) and Olive (chic and Mediterranean), while tables at Hotel Bristol are strewn across the traffic-free street. Along Queens Wharf in Wellington Central are elegant restaurants in converted warehouses, many with water views and most specializing in seafood. Places like Foxglove Bar and Kitchen, Shed 5, and Dockside Restaurant & Bar are also excellent for just lingering over a coffee or beer while soaking up the sun.
• Best Areas in Wellington for Views: Thorndon and Kelburn
  
  

  Our stunning views of the city and harbor from the Kelburn Lookout after we reached the top of our cable car trip.

  The steep hills immediately west of Thorndon provide exceptional views of the city, harbor, and distant suburbs across the water. However, hotels in that suburb are, perhaps not surprisingly, on flat land and within walking distance of the city center, so none can boast exceptional views, although the Atura Wellington comes close. At the top of the cable car trip (which starts in the city center), Kelburn Lookout offers a prime position for the most stunning photos of the city and harbor.
• Best Area in Wellington for Peace and Quiet: Upper Hutt
  Areas like Petone and Lower Hutt are close to the city, well connected by train, and become commuter suburbs. Further up the Hutt Valley but still only an hour by train from the city center is the charming town of Upper Hutt. With cute cafes and corner pubs (as well as Brewtown), Upper Hutt retains a loveable country-village vibe. Ideal for families and those traveling by car, the unspoiled countryside is also popular with hardy hikers and serious cyclists.
• Best Area in Wellington for Walking and Hiking: Kāpiti Coast
  With so much space and lush countryside to explore, many New Zealanders are keen outdoor types who prefer to hike and mountain bike. Along Kāpiti Coast, the walks in the Kāpiti Coast brochure detail over 100kms of trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. The brochure is available at the Visitor Information Centre, in hotel foyers, or online. These trails range from gentle walks along the Waikanae Estuary & River Trail crammed with birdlife to the strenuous Paekākāriki Escarpment Track (10 km one-way). Otherwise, try even longer hikes on the Kāpiti Coast Cycle Trail (30kms one-way) detailed in the Kāpiti Coast Trails map.
• Best Area in Wellington for Cycling: Kāpiti Coast
  
  

  A free and secure Bike and Ride shelter at the Train station in the Hutt Valley. Bikes can be taken on board trains at no extra cost.

  New Zealand, in general, and Wellington are bike-friendly. Bikes can be taken on trains for no extra cost, left securely in “Park & Ride” shelters for free, and even attached to the front of local buses. Keen cyclists relish the paved paths along the Kāpiti Coast Cycle Trail, or Waikanae Estuary & River Trail mentioned above. More adventurous types might prefer bouncing around the coastal dunes at Queen Elizabeth Park. Further information about these and other trails is available in the Kāpiti Coast Cycle Map and the two walking maps described earlier. Also worth contacting is the Department of Conservation in Wellington. At Queens Wharf, rent bikes (mainly mountain bikes and e-bikes) from Switched on Bikes and Fergs, and then take them on board the train.
• Best Area in Wellington for Beaches: Kāpiti Coast
  
  

  A real surprise about 15 minutes on foot from the edge of the city center is Oriental Bay – a tropical beach in the middle of suburbia.

  Surprisingly, there is a world-class beach with white sand at Oriental Bay, barely a 10-minute bus ride from the city center. As soon as the wind stops and the sun peeks from behind the clouds, locals lay on the beach in droves. But we prefer the beaches along Kāpiti Coast, an hour or so one-way by train or bus from the city center. OK, the sand may be gray, rocky, and, in places, littered with driftwood, but the overall seaside vibe is infectious. Inviting cafes and lush parks with views line the esplanades at Paraparaumu, Raumati, and Waikanae beaches. What’s more, the playgrounds are excellent, especially at the Marine Gardens in Raumati. And who doesn’t enjoy fish and chips along the seashore followed by an ice cream?
• Best Area in Wellington for Parks and Gardens: Kelburn
  
  

  There is so much to explore and admire around the massive Zealandia eco-sanctuary in the inner-city suburb of Kelburn.

  The colonial settlers set aside vast hills for gardens. The impressive Wellington Botanic Garden is connected by cable car (really, a tram) to Lambton Quay in the city center. Otherwise, it’s a 30-minute walk along a path via the suburb of Thorndon. (Easier downhill) These gardens are home to shaded playgrounds, flourishing rose gardens, a tropical glasshouse, a duck pond, and a café. There is also a surprise: the Space Place planetarium. If that’s not enough, free shuttle buses from the top of the cable car head to Zealandia, one of the country’s major attractions: a world-first eco-sanctuary packed with native animals, birds, and plants.
• Best Area in Wellington for Watching Sports: Thorndon
  Many New Zealanders follow rugby union, especially the world-conquering All Blacks national team, while cricket, soccer, and the rugby league are distant runners-up in popularity. The local rugby union team, Hurricanes, play in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. The Wellington Phoenix soccer team plays in the Australian-based A-League. These two teams, and major international cricket games, play at the convenient Sky Stadium between the railway lines and harbor at Thorndon.
• Best Area in Wellington for Outdoor Activities: Wellington Central
  
  

  Fergs at Queens Wharf offers a few outdoor activities and water sports and has indoor rock climbing.

  Adventurous locals seem content just exploring the countryside on two feet or two wheels (see Walking, Hiking, and Cycling earlier). However, at Queens Wharf, you can rent mountain bikes and kayaks and book a helicopter ride. Mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for rent for outings within the city center. Stick to the extended harborside area from Sky Stadium to Oriental Bay because the traffic and hills can be daunting. Fergs rents kayaks from an old warehouse that doubles as an indoor rock-climbing center – perfect for a wet and windy day. Otherwise, try a ride on a helicopter which leaves from the wharf (rather than the airport) – and watching the chopper is also great fun. Always bear in mind the weather, especially strong winds, for which ‘Windy Welly’ is renowned.
  

  Wellington Helicopters at Queens Wharf offers helicopter rides.

• Best Area in Wellington to Organize Tours: West Te Ora (Inner City)
  
  

  We like to visit the isite Visitor Information Centre soon after arriving in Wellington to get independent advice, maps, and brochures.

  These days, some visitors rightly research and book tours online, but if you aren’t in a hurry and want helpful, independent advice, head to the isite Visitor Information Centre (open daily on the corner of Wakefield and Cuba streets). Staff provide helpful maps and brochures, make bookings with no fees/commissions for Wellington and beyond, and are a mine of information about events and outdoor activities. Popular tours include wineries, spotting seals at Palliser Bay, Wētā Workshop, part of the renowned “Wellyworld” movie-making experience, and nature tours to Kāpiti Island to see kiwis (the birds, not the people).
• Best Area in Wellington for Shopping: Wellington Central
  
  

  The Old Bank Shopping Arcade, at the start of Lambton Quay Street, is a delightful place to window shop or stop for a coffee.

  Most locals prefer spending money at major shopping centers in the sprawling suburbs like Lower Hutt and Petone. However, with so many residents enjoying an urban lifestyle in this prosperous city, the range of places to shop downtown is impressive. Most shopping is focused on Lambton Quay (a street, not a wharf), which extends into Willis Street. There is no shortage of stores selling the trendiest sneakers and cutest handbags and department stores like Farmers (a kiwi icon). And don’t miss the adorable boutiques and appealing cafes within the historic Old Bank Shopping Arcade.
• Best Area in Wellington for Transport: Wellington Central
  
  

  The Wellington Railway Station is housed inside a very impressive colonial-era building.

  Inconveniently, all trains start and finish at the historic Wellington Railway Station in the far northern part of the city center, which is up to 30 minutes on foot from some hotels. The good news is that every few minutes, buses across the city and suburbs stop, start, or pass through the major bus terminal alongside the train station. The efficient and well-priced Airport Express bus (see below) starts/finishes at this bus terminal. Trains from the glorious old railway building head to Petone, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti Coast. See later about the useful Snapper transport card.
• Best Area in Wellington for the Airport: Wellington Central
  
  

  The Airport Express bus efficiently links the airport with the bus terminal alongside the Wellington Railway Station.

  The Airport Express bus runs every 10-15 minutes between the airport and the bus terminal opposite the train station in the northern part of the city center. This bus also stops at a few convenient places along the way, like Courtenay Place. Because the airport is only 8 km from downtown, there is virtually no accommodation in the surrounding suburbs, but for a late-night arrival or early-morning departure, perhaps consider staying at the Rydges hotel inside the airport grounds.
• Best Area in Wellington for Families: Kāpiti Coast
  
  

  The playground and splash pool at the Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach. 

  Kids will love the beaches along Kāpiti Coast, which is about an hour by train and then bus from the city center. Yes, the sand is rocky and gray, but there is so much to keep the young ones happy: gardens, walking/cycling paths, playgrounds (especially at Marine Gardens in Raumati), cafes selling ice cream, splash pool, and fish-and-chip shops. Parents will appreciate the affordable motels, all with kitchen facilities, special rooms for families, and free parking. Perfect are the two-bedroom apartments (on twin levels) at the Raumati Sands
• Best Area in Wellington for a Romantic Holiday: Upper Hutt
  There is so much to love about this quiet and charming country town (almost a village), about a one-hour train trip from Wellington. The main street offers more than enough cafes – entirely for locals, not tourists – while the micro-breweries and alehouses at Brewtown (see earlier) are worth visiting more than once. Get a map/brochure from the Visitor Information Centre in the city center (or from a hotel foyer in the Hutt Valley) about gentle walks and strenuous hikes around the countryside nearby.
• Best Place to Stay in Wellington on a Budget: Petone
  
  

  The extended path alongside the beach is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

  Only two stops by train from the city center, Petone is part of the sprawling suburbs, offering plenty of useful facilities for visitors. While the beach is nothing to get excited about, the cheap motels are appealing. They either face the beach and noisy esplanade or are located among the quieter backstreets (with cafes, pubs, and boutiques) like the Quest Petone and Ava Lodge. Generally, places in Petone offer better rates and more spacious rooms than in the city center, with free parking a huge bonus for some.
• Safest Area in Wellington: Upper Hutt
  This delightful town is part of the countryside and too far from Wellington to be a commuter suburb like Lower Hutt.
• Unsafe Area of Wellington: East Te Ora (Inner City)
  Along Courtenay Place are several strip clubs and rowdy bars that don’t open until the sun goes down. This epicenter of nightlife stretches over Taranaki Street and into Manners Street, which continues to receive bad publicity regarding homelessness and late-night crime. While Wellington is no more potentially dangerous than other cities of this size, take the usual precautions, especially along crowded inner-city streets and at festivals, markets, and transport terminals where opportunistic petty crimes like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are possible.

The 8 Best Areas in Wellington for Tourists Ordered from the City Centre out.

1. Wellington Central

Our stop at Midland Park in downtown became packed at lunchtime.

On most maps, the area called Wellington Central was central at one time, but the CBD has spread further south. Wellington Central is set around Lambton Quay Street, which was once, remarkably, alongside the harbor but is now 400m inland.

The premier shopping area in all of Wellington is undoubtedly Lambton Quay. This street (not a wharf) is packed with places to eat, drink, and shop.

This is the prime district for shopping and transport from the magnificent old Wellington Railway Station and bus terminal (including services to/from the airport). Added attractions and benefits of this area are the outdoor activities and boat trips from Queens Wharf, various sights like the Wellington Museum and an excellent range of accommodations, including, perhaps surprisingly, some in the moderate range.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Wellington Central
  DoubleTree • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 3496
  InterContinental • Hotel phone: +64 4 472 2722
  Sofitel • Hotel phone: +64 4 472 2001
  James Cook • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 9500
  Rydges • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 8686
• Best Luxury Apartments
  Quest 256 Lambton • Hotel phone: +64 4 909 1333
  Gilmer • Hotel phone: +64 4 978 1400
  Quest Lambton • Hotel phone: +64 4 931 2999
  Quest Wellington • Hotel phone: +64 4 916 0700
• Best Boutique Hotels
  Wellesley • Hotel phone: +64 4 474 1308
  Bolton • Hotel phone: +64 4 472 9966
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
  Travelodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 9911
  ibis • Hotel phone: +64 4 496 1880
  Park • Hotel phone: +64 22 379 7674
• Best Hotels for Families
  Novotel • Hotel phone: +64 4 918 1900
  Rydges • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 8686
  Travelodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 9911

2. West Te Ora

We wandered Cuba Street, loaded with all sorts of unique shops.

Surrounded by the sea and hills, the Inner City CBD has extended southwards to an area known locally as Te Ora. This vast and bustling district can be neatly (but unofficially) divided on either side of Taranaki Street. The western section is more developed and home to several low-key attractions like the City Gallery and a small section of the harbor.

Quirky shops, must-try eateries, and inviting bars with outdoor tables line Cuba Street (which partially turns into a pedestrian walkway). Cuba Street is also the location of the Visitor Information Centre, which provides independent advice and no-commission bookings.

There are only a few luxury hotels in West Te Ora, but several fabulous boutique options and self-contained apartments ideal for families and those staying a while. There are also some better-than-expected hostels and motels.

• Best Luxury Hotels in West Te Ora
  Mövenpick • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 9829
  Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 4 913 1805
• Best Luxury Apartments
  Sojourn Ghuznee • Hotel phone: +64 4 499 4500
  Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 4 913 1800
  Boulcott • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025
  Astelia • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025
• Best Boutique Hotels
  The Intrepid • Hotel phone: +64 4 830 0996
  The Cobbler • Hotel phone: +64 4 910 8536
  Naumi • Hotel phone: +64 4 913 1800
• Best Hotels for Families
  Astelia • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025
  West Plaza • Hotel phone: +64 4 473 1440
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
  Capital View • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 0515
  Victoria Court • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 7102
• Best Hostels
  The Marion • Hotel phone: +64 27 284 3887
  Trek Global Backpacker • Hotel phone: +64 4 471 3480

3. East Te Ora

Paths around the harbor are popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

The area east of Taranaki Street is the least exciting part of the city center. However, the extended harborside is less crowded but just as scenic and enjoyable for walking/cycling, especially around the marina. The foreshore, which the incredible Museum of New Zealand dominates, extends eastward (15 minutes on foot) to a welcome surprise: the tropical-style Oriental Bay beach. You’ll soon get to know Courtenay Place for its cheap and cheerful eateries, bus terminal with services to the train station and airport, and bars and nightclubs that become more energized as the night progresses. This is the least safe part of Wellington after dark.

Surprisingly, few places are in the luxury range, but some of Wellington’s finest boutique hotels are here. Also, there are plenty of apartments for families and a pleasing range of motel-style options for those counting their Kiwi dollars.

• Best Luxury Hotel in East Te Ora
  QT • Hotel phone: +64 4 802 8900
• Best Luxury Apartments
  Oaks • Hotel phone: +64 800 004 285
  Ramada • Hotel phone: +64 4 909 1900
  Liberty • Hotel phone: +64 22 411 6190
  Tory • Hotel phone: +64 4 831 0565
• Best Boutique Hotels
  Museum Apartment • Hotel phone: +64 4 280 4949
  TRYP • Hotel phone: +64 4 974 3000
  Ohtel • Hotel phone: +64 4 803 0600
  Microtel • Hotel phone: +64 4 909 7055
• Best Hotels for Families
  Liberty Apartment • Hotel phone: +64 22 411 6190
  Oaks • Hotel phone: +64 800 004 285
  Apollo • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 1849
  Marksman • Hotel phone: +64 4 385 2499
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
  Richmond Guest House • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 4567
  Courtenay Village • Hotel phone: +64 800 508 025
  Cambridge • Hotel phone: +64 4 801 1950
• Best Hostel
  Haka House • Hotel phone: +64 21 223 5341

4. Thorndon

The Atura Wellington, which we rate as the Best 4-star Hotel, offers views of the hills and distant suburbs.

The only inner-city suburb that offers any accommodations is Thorndon, which starts north of Hill Street, i.e., past the train station and government buildings nearby. Thorndon exudes a likable outer-city vibe where many locals live, so it’s ideal for first-time visitors. There’s plenty of history among the streets, including the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Old St Paul’s church. Although the adjacent suburb of Kelburn doesn’t have any accommodations, it is home to three of Wellington’s major attractions: the iconic cable car (really, a steep tram), hilltop Wellington Botanic Garden, and amazing Zealandia eco-sanctuary.

Only three hotels in Thorndon are worth mentioning, but each is fantastic and within a short stroll of the city’s sports arena, Sky Stadium.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Thorndon
  Atura • Hotel phone: +64 4 473 2208
• Best Luxury Apartments
  The Sebel Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 800 330 380
  Quest Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 4 333 0007
• Best Hotels for Families
  The Sebel Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 800 330 380
  Quest Thorndon • Hotel phone: +64 4 333 0007

5. Petone

With shallow water and frequent windy weather, the harbor at Petone is ideal for sailing.

Along the northern edge of Wellington Harbour, Petone has its pluses and minuses. The sea is shallow and calm, ideal for youngsters, paddle-boarders, and dogs. The shops along Jackson Street are interesting enough, and it’s only two train stops from the city center. The downsides are the noisy harborside road, gray and rocky beach, commuter-suburb vibe, and lack of beachside amenities found along Kāpiti Coast (see later).

Petone is conveniently only two stops from the Wellington Railway Station.

On the other hand, views from the train are attractive, and the few motels offer affordable rates that are not possible in or around the city center. It’s a great area for those on a budget, especially families.

• Best Luxury Apartment in Petone
  Quest • Hotel phone: +64 4 282 1680
• Best Boutique Hotel
  Ava • Hotel phone: +64 4 891 0203
• Best Hotels for Families
  ASURE 83 • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 8121
  Ava • Hotel phone: +64 4 891 0203
• Best Motels
  BKs • Hotel phone: +64 4 589 7501
  ASURE 83 • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 8121
  Foreshore • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 3609

6. Lower Hutt

Our walk through one of Lower Hutt’s gardens.

The start of Hutt Valley is only four train stops from the city center. While the name “Lower Hutt” sounds rustic and charming, it’s a crowded commuter suburb less appealing than its northern neighbor, Upper Hutt (mentioned below). Nonetheless, the town center has many useful facilities and some fine gardens.

The two train stations – Waterloo and Melling – that service Lower Hutt are on different lines and inconvenient, possibly adding a bus trip to reach the town center and most accommodations. Motels along High Street (which continues through the rest of Hutt Valley) are better than those on Pharazyn Street (just off the highway into Wellington). All offer free parking, which is a definite bonus.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Lower Hutt
  The Sebel Lower Hutt • Hotel phone: +64 4 568 7547
• Best Luxury Apartments
  The Sebel Lower Hutt • Hotel phone: +64 4 568 7547
• Best Hotels for Families
  Boulcott Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 586 1558
  Green Gables • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 3596
• Best Motels
  Boulcott Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 586 1558
  Fernhill • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 9939
  Green Gables • Hotel phone: +64 4 569 3596

7. Upper Hutt

Brewtown is packed with old warehouses converted into micro-breweries, cafes, and other amenities, especially for families.

Upper Hutt is surprisingly far (16km) from Lower Hutt and much nicer. A country village rather than a crowded suburb, Upper Hutt is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, including anyone on a romantic holiday. The area known as Upper Hutt includes several towns, but only two have accommodations worth recommending: Wallaceville and Trentham (home to the Bristol and Totara motels). This region is loved for all the paths crisscrossing 80 parks of dense forests and steep hills.

There is much more than just micro-breweries and alehouses at Brewtown, a short walk from the train station in Upper Hutt.

Brewtown precinct has microbreweries, bars, restaurants, and family-focused activities. While Upper Hutt is well connected to Wellington by train, buses are better between Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt.

• Best Boutique Hotel in Upper Hutt
  Wallaceville • Hotel phone: +64 4 527 7785
• Best Hotels for Families
  Totara Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 524 9066
  Bristol • Hotel phone: +64 4 939 8777
• Best Motels
  Totara Lodge • Hotel phone: +64 4 524 9066
  Wallaceville • Hotel phone: +64 4 527 7785

8. Kāpiti Coast



The beach at the nearby town of Raumati is gray and rocky and sprinkled with driftwood.

This delightful seaside destination is a scenic one-hour trip by train north of Wellington. Almost all facilities, including accommodations, are at Raumati, Waikanae, and Paraparaumu.



The parks and gardens at Paraparaumu Beach are large and clean.

Each has a lovely beach – a bit rocky and gray – but the seaside vibe is irresistible. Cafes offering fish, chips, and ice cream, weekend markets, playgrounds, beachside gardens, and gentle to challenging walking/cycling paths.



The Kāpiti Miniature Railway operates on Sunday afternoons (weather permitting) at the Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach.

These three places are great for families, and the young ones would love the Marine Gardens (Raumati) with its sparkling paddle pool, fabulous adventure equipment, and miniature train rides.



The playground and splash pool at the Marine Gardens in Raumati Beach is understandably popular with families. 

From Wellington, trains stop at Paraparaumu (then take a bus to Paraparaumu and Raumati beaches) and at Waikanae (for the bus to Waikanae Beach). There are mostly motels but a few enticing boutique options.

Paraparaumu
• Best Luxury Hotel in Paraparaumu
  Greenmantle Estate • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 5555
• Best Boutique Hotels
  Tudor Manor • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 3436
  Greenmantle Estate • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 5555

• Best Hotel for Families
  ASURE Kapiti Court • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 7982
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
  ASURE Kapiti Court • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 7982
  Kapiti Lindale • Hotel phone: +64 4 298 7933
  Elliott’s • Hotel phone: +64 4 902 6070

Waikanae
• Best Boutique Hotel in Waikanae
  Te Moana • Hotel phone: +64 21 155 3276

• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
  Kapiti Gateway • Hotel phone: +64 4 902 5876

Raumati
• Best Luxury Apartment
  Raumati Sands • Hotel phone: +64 4 299 0155
• Best Boutique Hotels
• Best Hotels for Families
  Raumati Sands • Hotel phone: +64 4 299 0155

Wellington Travel Tips

• Residents are almost proud that Wellington is one of the windiest cities on earth, so much so that weather forecasts focus on wind strength as much as sun and rain. Being in “Windy Welly” means holding on to your hat some days, maybe even staying inside until the gale blows over. Bear this in mind when organizing anything outdoors at any time of the year.
• The Wellington Railway Station may be in a glorious colonial-era building, but it’s inconvenient. It can be up to a 30-minute walk from some hotels in the city center. But buses head to the train station every few minutes from across the city and suburbs and are always worth using because the CBD is so spread out.
• The Snapper transport card for buses and trains costs a hefty NZ$10. However, fares are discounted so heavily for card users (especially during off-peak times) compared to paying by cash that it’s worth buying a card just for a one-way train trip to Kāpiti Coast.