As capital cities go, Wellington in New Zealand might not be as large when compared to those of other countries. But despite its compactness, it is jam-packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. From sandy beaches and engaging museums to leafy parks and delicious cuisine, this North Island city has it all. And when it comes to accommodation, there’s no shortage to choose from. The best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand, encompass the gamut from budget to luxury. Hence, you have plenty of options whether you’re looking to splurge or traveling on a shoestring.
Where to Stay in Wellington, New Zealand
If you’re undecided about where to stay in the Kiwi capital, knowing about the Top Things to Do in Wellington might help you choose the right hotel for you. Staying in Wellington Central, for instance, gives you easy access to the Wellington Cable Car. It’s one of the Most Exciting Funicular Rides in the World. Historic Thorndon is another great neighborhood to consider. It’s home to to New Zealand’s seat of government and offers one of the World’s Most Impressive Parliament Buildings. Meanwhile, the inner-city suburb of Te Aro teems with galleries and museums, plus lots of drinking and dining venues. Some of the most popular hotels in Wellington NZ can be found here.
QT Wellington
11
Quirky and colorful, QT Wellington is not your average 5-star hotel. It’s home to a collection of eye-catching New Zealand art, some of which are proudly displayed in public places. Each of its 65 guestrooms boasts individual decor, many with cheerful lines and abstract patterns. And if you step out to your private balcony, you’ll get to enjoy either harbor or city views.
The hotel restaurant is also a visual delight with its chandeliers and art displays. Here, you’ll treat your taste buds to scrumptious French cuisine. Need to get physical? Then head to the exercise room for a workout or to the indoor lap pool for a swim. Or, take a brisk walk to the nearby Te Papa Museum of New Zealand for a dose of culture.
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
10
If you find the sight of water relaxing, then you’ll appreciate a stay at Copthorne Hotel Wellington. Set beside Oriental Bay, this 4-star property offers serene harbor views. You can be having a full breakfast buffet or an à la carte dinner in the restaurant on the 7th floor while gazing at the boats floating in the water below.
Likewise, some of the rooms boast stunning views not only of the harbor, but of the city as well. And if you book one of the suites, you’ll enjoy extra space in the form of separate dining and living areas.
Its superb location in the city makes the Copthorne among the best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand. A walk of under ten minutes, for example, will bring you to the bustling central business district. Likewise, the waterfront and Cuba Street Mall are a short stroll away.
The Dwellington
9
Just because you might be looking for budget-friendly hotels in Wellington NZ doesn’t mean you should settle for poor quality. At The Dwellington, a 3-star hostel, you can look forward to more than the usual backpacker accommodation. Here, you’ll sleep on luxurious mattresses on custom-made timber bunks in the dorms. You can also book a private room where you’ll get a good night’s sleep on a queen sized bed.
Play a friendly game of tennis or squash on the hostel’s courts or watch a movie in the state-of-the-art cinema room. The socially designed kitchen lets you whip up a quick meal. Or, grill some steaks on the barbecue deck while making new friends. And when you’re ready for sightseeing, there are plenty of landmarks to visit in this area of Thornton. Parliament House and the 19th-century Old St. Paul’s cathedral are within walking distance.
Ohtel
8
With just 10 guestrooms, Ohtel is an ideal hotel if you’re looking for a cozy, intimate atmosphere. And since it’s a 5-star property, you can look forward to luxurious accommodation and amenities. Here, the rooms are king, quite literally. You can choose from deluxe and superior king rooms and studios, which all boast extra-large double beds. For even more spacious lodging, book one of the suites. Besides a terrace offering park, city, and marina views, it also features a lounge and dining area.
If you’re feeling lazy in the morning, you can have room service bring you breakfast in bed. Otherwise, head to Duppa Bar for your first meal of the day. The bar also serves Spanish tapas with a Kiwi twist. When the weather’s nice, you can head to Oriental Bay’s beaches, which are a quick walk from the hotel.
The Marion Hostel
7
When you’re vacationing in Wellington, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun sets. If you’re all about the nightlife, The Marion Hostel is one of the best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand, for you. Positioned along bustling Marion Street in Te Aro, it’s a minute’s walk from Cuba Street’s bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Set in a refurbished historical building, the hostel oozes character with its wood floors and exposed brick walls. You can stay in a female-only or mixed-gender dorm room with bunk beds. Close your bed’s curtain for some privacy and finish a book chapter or two under the reading light. The hostel also offers private rooms with shared bathrooms as well as a double room with an en suite bathroom.
Whip up a quick meal in the communal kitchen and enjoy it in the laid-back dining area. Later, chill with a drink in the hip lounge or on the rooftop terrace.
Grand Mercure Wellington
6
Luxury hotels in Wellington NZ can provide stellar experiences and the Grand Mercure Wellington is no exception. The wellness facilities provide superb pampering, from the heated indoor pool to the relaxing sauna. A state-of-the-art gym can help keep you in tip-top shape. Meanwhile, you can wet your whistle and dine sumptuously in the chic Forage Kitchen & Bar.
Likewise, the rooms and suites offer the comfort and elegance you’d expect at a 5-star hotel. Entertain yourself with a show on the smart TV or surf the Web via free Wi-Fi. For refreshments, you can get a snack from the minibar and brew a warm drink with the tea/coffeemaker. The hotel sits in Te Aro. From here, it’s a short walk to Cuba Street Mall and the Courtenay Place entertainment district.
Doubletree By Hilton Wellington
5
Positioned in the Central Business District, Doubletree by Hilton Wellington is a terrific base for exploring the city. The Wellington Cable Car is just across the hotel. Meanwhile, a 7-minute walk will bring you to waterfront cafes, bars, and restaurants in the Queen’s Wharf area.
The location isn’t the only thing that makes this property one of the best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand. Its 100+ rooms and suites epitomize style and elegance. A desk means you can get some work done if you need to, while a flat-screen TV provides a bit of entertainment.
Start the day with a fresh cup of coffee in the 1928 Lounge, a laid-back venue where you can also enjoy cocktails in the evening. And in the Spring Kitchen restaurant, savor Asian-European fusion cuisine in an Art Deco environment.
InterContinental Wellington
4
With more than 200 rooms and suites in a glass building, the InterContinental Wellington is as grandiose as they come. This 5-star property rises nine stories above the waterfront in the heart of the city. Walk around the neighborhood and you’ll come across attractions like the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.
The rooms and suites provide a maximum of comfort. Choose an executive room and enjoy your own whirlpool bath. Meanwhile, the club rooms offer scenic views of the harbor as well as lounge access.
Like many luxury hotels in Wellington, NZ, the InterContinental is home to excellent dining. In fact, it boasts an award-winning restaurant where the contemporary menu is a smash it. Keeping fit and healthy is also a pleasure here. For starters, there’s a heated indoor pool with amazing views of the city. What’s more, massage treatments, a sauna, and spa await at the Emerge Health Club.
Rydges Wellington Airport
3
It’s no surprise that the 4-star Rydges Wellington Airport ranks among the best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand. Directly above the airport’s international terminal, it’s a handy place to lay your head before or after your flight. Not only that, the hotel is a haven no matter how long or short your stay. Soundproof rooms, for example, help minimize noise for a quiet night’s sleep. And if you book one of the superior or deluxe rooms, you’ll also enjoy wonderful views of the runway and/or the city.
The hotel’s Whiskey Lima Golf restaurant offers a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At the bar, the mixologist will be glad to make you your favorite cocktail. And with a 24-hour gym within the premises, you can work out any time of the day or night. The hotel doesn’t have a pool, so if the weather’s nice and you’re yearning for a swim, you can head to Freyberg Beach. It’s a short drive of roughly 15 minutes from the hotel.
Sofitel Wellington
2
A beguiling mix of contemporary and vintage decor awaits you in the rooms of the Sofitel Wellington. Not only that, you’ll enjoy high-tech features like free Wi-Fi and smart TVs. Plus, listening to music takes on an added dimension with Bose sound systems. And if you peek out the large window, you’ll get an eyeful of either the city or the Wellington Botanic Garden not too far away. Closer to the hotel, you can walk to the Parliament Buildings and the planetarium at Space Place.
Touches of French luxury abound in this 5-star hotel. The elegant La Serre bar, for instance, offers a refined space for coffee or cocktails. Likewise, the Green Room bar and lounge resembles a gallery with its large still-life paintings. The Jardin Grill restaurant, meanwhile, is famous for fine dining. And if you’d like to burn some extra calories, head to the fully equipped fitness center.
Bolton Hotel
1
Whether you’ll be in town for work or for leisure, you’ll find the Bolton Hotel in the heart of Wellington more than capable of accommodating your needs. Family-owned and operated, it’s an independent hotel famous for its service. Thus, it deserves its spot among the best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand.
Befitting its status as a luxury property, the hotel’s 137 studios and apartment-style suites guarantee a superb stay. You can surf the Internet using the room’s iPad mini and unlimited free Wi-Fi. The curated minibar provides high-quality refreshments. Meanwhile, the pillow menu gives you options for comfiest resting place for your head.
When you want to get your adrenaline pumping, head to the fitness center. Here, you can make use of cardio and resistance training equipment. The heated pool is the perfect place to swim some laps even when it’s cold outside. And when it comes to drinking and dining, you won’t lack for choices. From coffee and light bites to authentic Kiwi cuisine and high tea, the hotel’s dining venues offer culinary delights.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Wellington:
- Charley Noble – Savor fresh seafood and tasty meats cooked on a wood-fired chargrill and rotisserie, the first of its kind in the country. Then wash it all down with organic wine or craft beer. This upscale restaurant is in Post Office Square, close to some of the best hotels in Wellington, New Zealand.
- The Hop Garden – Showcasing New Zealand’s microbrewery delights, this rooftop bar in the Mount Victoria area offers a wide selection of craft beers.
- Craft Beer Tours NZ Half Day Brewery Experience – Visit award-winning breweries in Wellington and get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the city’s best craft beers are made. Of course, you’ll get to taste them, too!
Recommended Activities In Wellington:
- Wellington’s Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour – See the forest where some of the scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. You’ll also visit Weta Studios, where LOTR and The Hobbit movies were completed.
- Wellington Botanic Garden – Stroll among thousands of beautiful plants in a unique landscape plus a protected native forest. And if you bring the kids, they can have fun in the playground.
- New Zealand Festival of the Arts – Held every second year, this lively festival buzzes with home-grown and international music. Dance, theater, literature, and visual art are also celebrated.
