Wellington is compact enough that hotel location is less critical than in larger cities. Everything in the inner city is walkable, and the distance from any central hotel to Cuba Street is 10 to 20 minutes on foot at most. The main hotel cluster is in the CBD around Lambton Quay and the waterfront.

CBD and waterfront

Wellington's CBD runs between the railway station in the north and Courtenay Place in the south. The waterfront, recently developed into a walking and cycling promenade along the harbour, runs along the eastern edge. Hotels here are mostly mid-range to luxury international chains, well-positioned for both the Cuba Street area and the waterfront.

The train station at the north end of the city connects to Wellington's rail network to the Hutt Valley and the Kapiti Coast. For visitors arriving by train from the North Island, the CBD hotels are the most convenient.

Te Aro: staying on Cuba Street's doorstep

The Te Aro neighbourhood, which contains Cuba Street and most of the city's independent hospitality and arts scene, has smaller boutique hotels and serviced apartments. Staying in Te Aro puts you in the middle of Wellington's most interesting neighbourhood — good cafes, restaurants, bars, and the Arts Centre close at hand. The Cuba Street bars are steps away rather than a walk.

Cost

Wellington accommodation is slightly cheaper than Auckland on average, though still expensive by regional standards. The city is small enough that the range of options at any price point is narrower than Auckland or Sydney. For major events — Wellington Pride, the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, All Blacks test matches at Sky Stadium — book ahead as the city's limited hotel inventory fills.

The hotels

    • Bolton Hotel — 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.
    • CQ Quality Hotel Wellington — This modern 4 star property offers spacious hotel suites and apartments. CQ Quality Hotel Wellington features an indoor heated pool, spa pool and a fitness centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi.
    • James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor — James Cook Hotel is located in the heart of Wellington, just 500 metres from Lambton Harbour. It features a day spa, a fitness centre and a restaurant with harbour views. Guests can enjoy 500MB of free Wi-Fi per day.

    Practical notes

    • Best location: Te Aro for Cuba Street proximity; CBD waterfront for the harbour and central access.
    • Wellington Pride: February or March. Book ahead — city fills during the festival.
    • Airport: Wellington Airport (WLG) is 8km from the CBD. Bus or taxi/rideshare, about 20 minutes.
    • Weather: Book accommodation with consideration for the wind — rooms facing the harbour can be noisy on windy nights.

For the full Wellington picture, see the Gay Wellington Guide.