Where to Stay

Wellington has a huge variety of accommodation options whether you are dropping in for a flying visit, stopping in town for the longer stay or just catching a connecting ferry south. The city has something to suit all needs and budgets.

Downtown

Downtown Wellington is the home of nightclubs, pubs, theatres and cinemas. If you like being in the thick of it then consider staying somewhere between Oriental Bay (a desirable bayside residential area) and Cuba Street (a street of great character and history). The pub scene here is rocking, shops are buzzing and the buskers (on a fine night) are pumping.

You can choose from a variety of lodgings to suit your taste and budget. If it is a little pampering and a personal touch that you're seeking then stay in Ngatipa in the Bay, an above average bed and breakfast. If your tastes are a little more cosmopolitan the Duxton Hotel is the place for you. However, if your budget is not suited to the expensive end of the spectrum, then try the West Plaza. If it is character and a bit of local history you seek, then the Museum Hotel is a sure shot.

At the business and government dominated end of the city is the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor. Situated in the heart of the Terrace (Wellington's business district), it is one of Wellington's largest and most popular hotels for the business and leisure traveller alike.

Those on a limited budget will not find any better value than the Wellington City YHA, an excellent backpackers hostel just a short distance from Courtenay Place. Another option is the very popular Trekkers in the Cuba Street area.

Thorndon

One of Wellington's older areas, Thorndon is close to the business district, Parliament Buildings and Wellington's golden mile of shopping, Lambton Quay. Close to the lovely Botanic Gardens and only a short walk from Wellington's waterfront, Thorndon has a character all of its own. Whether you are looking for historic character accommodation or top of the range hotels this is the area to visit.

Spend some time in one of the oldest establishments in the city, the Shepherd's Arms Hotel. For the mid range price bracket Portland Towers is a great place to stay and is within easy walking distance of the central city and waterfront.

Sea Scene

Wellington's splendid harbour is beautiful by day or night and if a room with a view is a must then there are several to choose from. Try The Bay Plaza, a mid range hotel just off Courtenay Place, where it is reputed that almost every room has a view of the water. The Quality Hotel Oriental Bay is also good value.

If you are happy to be a little further out of town there are lots of desirable places to stay along Wellington's spectacular coastline—particularly on the wild windswept southern coast. For a romantic place,  "/detail.html?detailID=390198" on Wellington's lovely south coast is very special for a great view. Alternatively, in the picturesque and up market seaside settlement of Seatoun, the bed and breakfast Edgewater Boutique Homestay offers tranquil views of the harbour while still within easy reach of the city attractions.

Apartments

Wellington has many inner city serviced apartments suitable for either an overnight stay or for longer term. The City Life Apartments on the Terrace are a popular place for business travellers as is Quest Wellington on Lambton Quay. The Quest on Willis is one of Wellington's more recent (1998) serviced apartment blocks. Alternatively, for something a little more personal Qbissima on Webb street is a comfortable option.

Further Afield

Wellington's surrounding suburbs have many pleasant places to stay. Try the historic and ethnically diverse suburb of Newtown. The Adelaide Motel is on one of Newtown's more well-known streets and is central to Newtown's shopping area and Wellington Zoo. Further out of the central city, in Khandallah, the bed and breakfast Shalimares offers luxury boutique accommodation with views of the inner harbour.

If you are passing through Wellington briefly (by plane or boat) and do not want to enter the central city there are several accommodation options available. Try the 747 Motel in Kilbirnie (a suburb near the airport) if you are here for a flying visit. For passengers connecting with or departing from the inter-island ferries, Newlands Court Motels at the northern entrance to the city, Ngauranga Gorge, may be just the ticket.

There are a variety of hotels on Wellington's Kapiti Coast, just a short half-hour drive north of the city. The Marina Motor Lodge offers pleasant accommodation for travellers entering or leaving the city by road. Another option is the Lindale Lodge Motel an ideal base from which to explore the city and environs.