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Wellington: the city's best neighborhoods

Find a great area to stay in Wellington

About Wellington

Including tips for the best time to visit Wellington

Wellington, the southernmost capital in the world, is surrounded by the slopes of forested hills and the glittering blue sea. Nicknamed ‘Windy Wellington' due to the strong winds coming through the Cook Strait, this city is the cultural, political and culinary seat of New Zealand.

For a journey back in time, try visiting some of the museums and historical sites in Wellington. Te Papa, an interactive museum, narrates tales of the powerful Māori culture along with the seafaring history of the nation. The Wellington Museum showcases the history of New Zealand through various artefacts and interesting displays. You'll get to learn about the people and events that shaped the culture of this country.

During your Wellington trip, you’ll always have something to entertain you – be it relaxing by the beach or exploring the city’s vintage shops. Try to visit the Carter Observatory to discover the southern skies and learn about ancient navigational techniques. Take a walk through the native trees and vibrant plants of the Botanic Garden for a relaxing time away from the city crowds. At the Wellington Zoo – New Zealand's first zoo and conservation organisation – you can watch animals like brown capuchins, capybaras, cheetahs and giraffes in their natural habitat. Surrounded by important buildings like the City Gallery, Central Library and the Civic Administration Building, the Civic Square is the heart of the city. A calming stroll around this area will acquaint you with the cultural pulse of Wellington.

Tonight

From $93 per night

This weekend

From $195 per night

Next weekend

From $170 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency NZD 10 = $6.04
Language English
Average weekend price $4 per night
Average weekday price $5 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Wellington

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Wellington

Wellington reviews

What other travelers say about Wellington

10

Tiny San Francisco, cooler than Melbourne, a waterfront...

May 26, 2023

Tiny San Francisco, cooler than Melbourne, a waterfront wonder, gateway to an amazing country you will wish you lived in! Te Papa Museum is a diamond of a place. I spent 2 days inside and was not sated. Wellington punches far above its weight in respect of respectfully sharing its cultural heritage. If you get a chance visit Te Wharewaka next door and if you are really really lucky you might get to paddle a Maori waka on the harbour. The downtown centre is tiny but rich in great eating/drinking/ people watching. Foodies mecca. Rent an ebike and ride around the waterfront or tackle the hills, good bike paths though somewhat "aggrissuv" drivers.

Anonymous
2.0

Very dangerous, lots of people abusing others, lots of...

May 22, 2023

Very dangerous, lots of people abusing others, lots of violence seen and street fighting. Lots of abuse towards people at any time of day. People would look like they were walking past and would yell at you or shout in your ear trying to scare you. When I told locals this was happening they laughed and thought it was funny. The local people look you in the eye and push you or charge at you to physically hurt you with intension. They (multiple people not just random) also yell at you to leave the country and swear when you have a suitcase. I’ve travelled the world in the past two months and this was the most dangerous and horrible place I’ve been.

Jeni Rob
Jeni Rob Australia
8.0

great nightlife, wide selection of food places, KC cafe...

May 16, 2023

great nightlife, wide selection of food places, KC cafe being one of my favorite's. Enigma cafe also for a late night coffee/cake and some work/study. It is a very walkable city in the cbd area, no need for public transport which is a huge plus, but wear comfortable shoes if not used to walking in boots/heels.

Anonymous
10

Wellington reminded me a bit of San Francisco, cable car...

May 13, 2023

Wellington reminded me a bit of San Francisco, cable car museum, earthquake city, telephone poles and wires, Victoria lookout like Twin Peaks, a busy harbor, hilly, great views, busy and diverse. The Ta Papa museum was exceptional and great to be inside all day since they are not kidding when they say it is a windy city!!!! We ate a wonderful dinner at Shed 5 and breakfast at Prada!

evelyn
evelyn United States of America
8.0

The weather was excellent, which certainly was a bonus.

May 5, 2023

The weather was excellent, which certainly was a bonus. The visit to Zelandia and the Gallipoli exhibition were outstanding. The waterfront was very pleasant to wander along, especially with the good weather though a couple of extra cafes there would be an improvement, the selection of eating places generally made for good choices. Shopping was ok though a little disappointing. Parliament and it’s surrounds was interesting, as was the visit to the Backbenchers pub/restaurant. Parts of Lambton Quay in need of attention and beggars in the main streets not a great look. Cuba street was vibrant and affordable for the many university students living there. Scopa pizza place made the best pizzas! Very easy walking around Wellington city and the buses seemed to run frequently. On a tour of the coast Lyall bay was a pleasant surprise and the great Surf life saving cafe there was a great place to watch the surfers.On the whole a very pleasant visit.

Maria
Maria New Zealand
10

Wellington is an interesting city and unique in NZ.

April 26, 2023

Wellington is an interesting city and unique in NZ. It is compact and there are wonderful walks with many views. Good public transport, plenty of museums and galleries, lots of dining options, lots of NZ history and beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Pam
Pam New Zealand

Popular places to stay in Wellington

Stay in some of the best accommodations Wellington has to offer