Best Hotels in Wellington for Every Budget — 47 Real Picks From £29 (2026)

Our top Wellington hotel pick for 2026 is Boulcott Suites for all-suite luxury in the heart of the capital — but the real story of Wellington is at the other end of the price list, where real, bookable central hotels start at £29 a night. New Zealand's windy capital is compact, walkable, and the North Island end of the Cook Strait ferry to the South Island, which makes it one of the easiest cities in the country to base yourself in. We've built this guide around all three price bands: 6 luxury icons, 10 mid-range hotels, and 31 budget hotels we verified as real, distinct, currently bookable properties — 47 hotels in all, each linking straight to its live prices.

Jump to your budget: Luxury · Mid-range · Budget stays from £29

Scout's 3 best budget picks right now: 🛏️ Aura Hotel — from ~£29, the cheapest verified bed in this guide, central 3★. ⭐ Willis Wellington Hotel — from ~£35, a 3★ with over 3,600 reviews, the best-reviewed budget pick. 🏨 WQ Wellington Quarter Hotel — from ~£45, a central 3★ with 3,000+ reviews. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Wellington is New Zealand's capital and cultural heart — home to the national museum Te Papa, Parliament's landmark "Beehive", and a food-and-coffee scene that outpunches the city's size. It sits at the southern tip of the North Island, wrapped around a natural harbour and hemmed in by hills, which is exactly why the wind whistles through: gusts funnelled up the Cook Strait have made it one of the windiest cities in the world, worn locally as a badge of pride. From here the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries cross Cook Strait to Picton, the scenic sea link between the North and South Islands. UK visitors need an NZeTA plus the IVL levy before flying, pay in New Zealand Dollars (NZD), drive on the left, and should remember the seasons are flipped — December to February is summer. For wider trip planning, New Zealand's official tourism site is a solid starting point, and it's worth reading the UK Foreign Office's New Zealand travel advice for the latest entry rules before you fly. Compare live Wellington hotel prices or search UK flights to Wellington (WLG) — most routes connect via Auckland or an Australian hub.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Wellington

Wellington's luxury tier is small but genuine — a handful of 5★ properties in the central city, most of them far more affordable than capital-city luxury usually implies. Prices below are live from-rates pulled while writing; your dates will differ.

1. Boulcott Suites — Wellington · 5★ · 4,654 reviews · from ~£448/night. Our top pick and the most upmarket bed in this guide, an all-suite 5★ in the heart of the central city. Spacious apartment-style suites suit longer stays and travellers who want room to spread out, and it's walking distance from Lambton Quay, the waterfront and Te Papa. The headline price is the highest here, but the suite space is the point.

2. Bolton Hotel — Wellington · 5★ · 3,214 reviews · from ~£96/night. A well-regarded 5★ near Parliament and the Botanic Garden, with generous rooms and a pool — remarkable value for a five-star at this from-price. Its position at the quieter, government end of the central city keeps it walkable to Lambton Quay while staying calmer at night.

3. Museum Apartment Hotel, Independent Collection by EVT — Wellington · 5★ · 2,565 reviews · from ~£87/night. Directly opposite Te Papa on the waterfront, this apartment-style 5★ pairs a superb location with self-catering space. Rooms overlook the harbour or the museum, and you can walk to Cuba Street, the waterfront promenade and the central city in minutes.

4. Mövenpick Hotel Wellington — Wellington · 5★ · 2,358 reviews · from ~£93/night. A polished international 5★ in the central city, an easy walk from Lambton Quay shopping and the waterfront. Reliable, modern rooms and full hotel service make it a safe choice for business or a first visit, and the from-price is well below what the brand commands elsewhere.

5. InterContinental Wellington by IHG — Wellington · 5★ · 2,219 reviews · from ~£126/night. Wellington's flagship business hotel, steps from the waterfront, the ferry terminals and the CBD, with a pool, gym and full-service dining. Its location is about as central and connected as the city gets — handy if a Cook Strait ferry or an early departure is on your itinerary.

6. Ohtel Wellington — Wellington · 5★ · 652 reviews · from ~£145/night. A small, design-led boutique 5★ on Oriental Bay, overlooking the harbour just around from the central city. Individually styled rooms and a intimate scale set it apart from the bigger towers — the pick for travellers who want character and a waterfront outlook over corporate polish.

From-prices are estimates pulled on live searches while writing — tap any hotel for today's rate on your dates. See all Wellington stays or search UK flights to Wellington (WLG).

The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Wellington

The mid-range tier is Wellington's deepest for reliable, comfortable rooms — 4★ hotels and serviced apartments across the central city, most walkable to the waterfront and Cuba Street. Several come in cheaper than the luxury picks above.

7. James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor — Wellington · 4★ · 9,393 reviews · from ~£82/night. The most-reviewed hotel in this whole guide, a large 4★ perched off Lambton Quay with its own lift down to the shopping street. Central, dependable and well-connected, it's a workhorse choice for first-timers who want to be in the thick of the CBD.

8. Oaks Wellington Hotel — Wellington · 4★ · 8,748 reviews · from ~£47/night. A superb-value 4★ apartment-style hotel in the central city with kitchenette rooms, ideal for families or longer stays. The from-price undercuts much of the budget tier while giving you 4★ comfort and self-catering — one of the smartest buys in the guide.

9. Rydges Wellington Airport — Wellington · 4★ · 7,677 reviews · from ~£77/night. Built right at Wellington Airport (WLG), this 4★ is the obvious pick for early flights, late arrivals or tight connections — you're steps from the terminal. It's also near Miramar and Weta Workshop, so film fans can pair a tour with the stay, though it's a drive from the central city.

10. Naumi Studio Wellington — Wellington · 4★ · 6,075 reviews · from ~£51/night. A boldly designed boutique 4★ on Cuba Street, in the middle of Wellington's café and craft-beer heartland. The maximalist interiors are a talking point, and you're walking distance from Te Papa, the waterfront and the nightlife — great value for the location and style.

11. Microtel by Wyndham Wellington — Wellington · 4★ · 5,892 reviews · from ~£67/night. A modern, efficient 4★ in the central city under the Wyndham banner, with compact, well-kept rooms at a fair price. A tidy, no-surprises base for exploring the capital on foot.

12. Travelodge Hotel Wellington — Wellington · 4★ · 5,595 reviews · from ~£65/night. A large, central 4★ near the waterfront and the railway station, handy for the ferry terminals and the CBD. Straightforward, reliable rooms at a mid-range price make it a solid all-rounder for a short city stay.

13. Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street — Wellington · 4★ · 5,150 reviews · from ~£63/night. A 4★ on Taranaki Street in the Te Aro end of the central city, walking distance from Cuba Street, Te Papa and the waterfront. Apartment-style options here suit families and self-caterers, and the location keeps you close to the action.

14. Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay — Wellington · 4★ · 5,009 reviews · from ~£85/night. Overlooking Oriental Bay and the harbour, this 4★ trades a slightly-off-centre position for a genuine waterfront outlook and a scenic walk into town. Sea-view rooms are the reason to book, and the promenade past the bay is one of Wellington's nicest strolls.

15. TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street — Wellington · 4★ · 3,810 reviews · from ~£89/night. A design-conscious 4★ on Tory Street, close to Courtenay Place nightlife, Te Papa and the waterfront. Modern rooms and a central Te Aro spot make it a good pick for travellers who want the bars and restaurants on their doorstep.

16. Quest on Johnston Serviced Apartments — Wellington · 4★ · 3,084 reviews · from ~£80/night. Serviced apartments in the heart of the CBD near Lambton Quay, with kitchens and separate living space for longer or self-catering stays. A dependable business-and-leisure base that puts you steps from the central-city shops and offices.

Prices are from-estimates on live searches — tap through for your dates. See all Wellington stays or search UK flights to Wellington (WLG).

Cheap Hotels in Wellington — 47 Real, Bookable Options From £29

This is the heart of the guide: 31 real, distinct, currently-bookable budget hotels, motels and apartment stays, ordered roughly cheapest first. Central 3★ rooms start at £29; motels and apartment-style properties climb toward £100 with more space or a quieter setting. Every price is a live from-rate — tap through for your dates.

17. Aura Hotel — Wellington · 3★ · 579 reviews · from ~£29/night. The cheapest verified bed in this guide, a central 3★ within walking distance of the waterfront and Cuba Street. Simple, compact rooms at an unbeatable central price — the pick when the budget is the deciding factor.

18. Halswell Lodge — Wellington · 3★ · 1,386 reviews · from ~£32/night. A long-running budget lodge near Courtenay Place and Te Papa, mixing hotel rooms with motel-style and studio options. Its Te Aro spot puts the nightlife, museum and waterfront within an easy walk, and the price is among the lowest in the city.

19. Willis Wellington Hotel — Wellington · 3★ · 3,670 reviews · from ~£35/night. The best-reviewed budget pick in the guide, a central 3★ on Willis Street in the thick of the CBD. Over 3,600 reviews back it up, and you're walking distance from Lambton Quay, Cuba Street and the waterfront — strong value for a location this central.

20. U Boutique Hotel, SureStay Collection by BW — Wellington · 3★ · 959 reviews · from ~£42/night. A small central boutique under the Best Western SureStay banner, offering tidy 3★ rooms at a friendly price. A reliable, no-fuss base within walking distance of the central-city sights.

21. WQ Wellington Quarter Hotel — Wellington · 3★ · 3,006 reviews · from ~£45/night. A well-reviewed central 3★ with over 3,000 reviews, walkable to the waterfront, Te Papa and Cuba Street. Comfortable modern rooms at a fair price make it one of the safest budget bets in the guide.

22. The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers — Wellington · 3★ · 2,463 reviews · from ~£58/night. A characterful heritage building on Cambridge Terrace mixing private hotel rooms with backpacker beds, near Courtenay Place and Te Papa. Choose the private rooms for a budget double in a lively, central Te Aro spot with the nightlife close by.

23. Quest on Lambton — Wellington · 3★ · 122 reviews · from ~£60/night. Serviced apartments right on Lambton Quay in the middle of the CBD, with kitchens for self-catering. A practical central base for longer stays or business, steps from the main shopping street.

24. Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee — Wellington · 4★ · 1,661 reviews · from ~£63/night. Boutique serviced apartments on Ghuznee Street near Cuba Street, with stylish self-catering studios in the Te Aro café district. Great for independent travellers who want kitchen space and a walkable central spot.

25. Brentwood Hotel — Wellington · 3★ · 2,545 reviews · from ~£71/night. A larger hotel near Wellington Airport in Kilbirnie, handy for flights, Weta Workshop and the eastern suburbs, with a restaurant on site and a free airport shuttle. It's a drive from the central city but strong value if an early flight or the airport area suits your plans.

26. Quest On The Terrace Serviced Apartments — Wellington · 4★ · 1,339 reviews · from ~£71/night. Serviced apartments on The Terrace in the CBD, with kitchens and living space for self-caterers and longer stays. Central and dependable, steps from Lambton Quay and the government quarter.

27. Mantra Central Wellington — Wellington · 3★ · 2,948 reviews · from ~£72/night. Apartment-style rooms in the central city near Cuba Street and the waterfront, under the Mantra brand. Studios and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes suit couples and families wanting space and a central spot.

28. Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman — Wellington · 3★ · 4,299 reviews · from ~£72/night. A well-reviewed central 3★ on Willis Street under the Mercure name, walkable to the CBD, Cuba Street and the waterfront. Reliable branded comfort at a mid-budget price, with over 4,000 reviews behind it.

29. Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Riddiford — Wellington · 4★ · 1,347 reviews · from ~£73/night. Boutique serviced apartments in Newtown on Riddiford Street, near the hospital and the zoo, a short ride from the central city. Stylish self-catering studios that suit longer stays and travellers happy to be just outside the CBD.

30. ibis Wellington — Wellington · 3★ · 5,789 reviews · from ~£75/night. A large, dependable central ibis with over 5,700 reviews, near the waterfront and the CBD. Consistent, compact rooms and a reliable brand experience make it an easy, central choice for a short stay.

31. Quest Wellington — Wellington · 4★ · 143 reviews · from ~£81/night. Serviced apartments in the central city with kitchens and separate living areas, aimed at self-caterers and longer stays. A practical, comfortable base close to the CBD and waterfront.

32. Liberty Apartment Hotel — Wellington · 3★ · 68 reviews · from ~£84/night. Central apartment-style accommodation with self-catering studios, a quieter pick within walking distance of the CBD. A tidy option for independent travellers wanting kitchen space.

33. Best Western Wellington — Wellington · 4★ · 576 reviews · from ~£90/night. A central 4★ under the Best Western banner, offering reliable branded comfort walkable to the CBD and waterfront. A safe, familiar choice for travellers who like a known chain.

34. Victoria Court Motor Lodge - Spa & Parking — Wellington · 4★ · 1,829 reviews · from ~£92/night. A well-run motor lodge on the edge of the central city with free parking and spa-bath rooms — a rarity in the CBD, making it a favourite for self-drivers heading to or from the ferry. Studio and family units suit those who want a car space and a bit more room.

35. Adina CityLife Wellington — Wellington · 4★ · 167 reviews · from ~£94/night. Apartment-style rooms in the central city under the Adina brand, with kitchens and living space for families and longer stays. Central, modern and well-equipped, a short walk from Lambton Quay and the waterfront.

36. Quest on Thorndon — Wellington · 4★ · 1,555 reviews · from ~£96/night. Serviced apartments in the Thorndon quarter near Parliament and the Botanic Garden, at the quieter, leafier end of the central city. Kitchens and calm surroundings suit families and longer stays while keeping the CBD walkable.

37. 70 Tory Apartment — Wellington · 3★ · 101 reviews · from ~£103/night. Self-contained apartments on Tory Street in the Te Aro end of the central city, near Courtenay Place and Te Papa. Full kitchens and living space make these a good fit for families or groups wanting the nightlife district within walking distance.

38. Gilmer Apartment Hotel — Wellington · 4★ · 2,634 reviews · from ~£108/night. Central serviced apartments with kitchens and living areas, well-reviewed and walkable to the CBD, Cuba Street and the waterfront. A comfortable self-catering base for couples or families in the heart of the city.

39. The Intrepid Hotel — Wellington · 4★ · 1,081 reviews · from ~£114/night. A stylish boutique 4★ on Ghuznee Street in the Cuba Street quarter, with a design-forward feel and an on-site bar. It sits at the upper edge of the budget tier but delivers boutique character in Wellington's most creative neighbourhood.

40. Courtenay Village — Wellington · 3★ · 1,259 reviews · from ~£142/night. Self-contained apartments right by Courtenay Place, in the middle of Wellington's nightlife and dining strip. One- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens suit groups and families who want space and the bars and restaurants on the doorstep.

41. Park Hotel, Lambton Quay — Wellington · Wellington · 3,355 reviews · from ~£67/night. A central hotel right on Lambton Quay in the heart of the CBD, walkable to the waterfront, the Cable Car and the government quarter. With over 3,300 reviews and a prime shopping-street address, it's a well-placed mid-budget base.

42. Richmond Guest House — Wellington · Wellington · 1,755 reviews · from ~£67/night. A friendly guest house offering budget rooms with a homely feel, a short ride from the central city. A good pick for travellers who prefer a smaller, more personal place to stay over a big hotel.

43. Tiwai Waka Retreat — Wellington · Wellington · 128 reviews · from ~£71/night. A distinctive retreat-style stay in the Wellington area, offering something quieter and more characterful than a standard hotel. A change of pace for travellers wanting a restful base away from the city bustle.

44. Ascot Motor Lodge — Wellington · Wellington · 594 reviews · from ~£76/night. A classic New Zealand motor lodge with free parking and self-catering units, well suited to self-drivers touring the region or heading for the ferry. Comfortable, practical rooms with car access — a reliable motel-style option.

45. Newlands Court Motel — Wellington · Wellington · 400 reviews · from ~£103/night. A tidy motel in Newlands, north of the central city, with free parking and studio and family units. It needs a car or bus to reach the centre but offers space, parking and value for travellers touring by road.

46. Capital Lodge Motor Inn — Wellington · Wellington · 740 reviews · from ~£107/night. A motor inn with self-catering units and free parking, a practical base for self-drivers visiting Wellington. Studio and family units give you space and car access at a fair price for the format.

47. U Suites Kilbirnie — Wellington · Wellington · 368 reviews · from ~£119/night. Apartment-style suites in Kilbirnie, near the airport and Weta Workshop, with kitchens and living space. A comfortable eastern-suburbs base for travellers with a car or an early flight, a short drive from the central city.

From-prices are estimates pulled on live searches while writing — your dates will differ, so tap any hotel for today's rate. See all Wellington stays or search UK flights to Wellington (WLG).

What to See in Wellington

Wellington packs a lot into a compact, walkable footprint. Start at Te Papa, the free national museum on the waterfront — one of the best museums in the country, with Māori treasures, natural history and a permanent Gallipoli exhibition. Ride the historic red Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, where a lookout over the city and harbour sits at the top of the Botanic Garden — you can walk back down through the gardens. Climb (or drive) to the Mount Victoria lookout for the definitive panorama over the harbour and city.

Down in the centre, Cuba Street is the café and craft-beer heart of the capital, all indie shops, street art and Wellington's famous coffee. The waterfront promenade links Te Papa, the marinas and Oriental Bay in an easy stroll. Film fans should head to Miramar for Weta Workshop, the effects studio behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and nature-lovers to Zealandia, a fenced predator-free eco-sanctuary where native birds thrive a short ride from town, with night tours to spot kiwi.

And Wellington is the launch point for one of New Zealand's great journeys: the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry across Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. The crossing takes about 3 to 3.5 hours and is the scenic sea link between the two islands, ending with a spectacular run through the Marlborough Sounds — book ahead, especially if you're bringing a car.

Explore more of New Zealand

Planning to see more of the country? Read our companion guides:

• Best Hotels in Auckland for Every Budget (2026)
• Best Hotels in Nelson for Every Budget (2026)

Wellington Hotels FAQs

Do UK travellers need a visa for Wellington, New Zealand? Not a full visa, but you do need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you fly, plus payment of the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy). Apply online or via the official NZeTA app well before travel — it's usually approved within minutes to 72 hours, and the NZeTA plus IVL together cost far less than a standard visa. Use only the official New Zealand immigration site.

What currency is used in Wellington? The New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including cafés, buses and the ferries. Any pound figures in this guide are rough conversions to help you compare — always tap through to a hotel's live page for the actual NZD price on your dates.

What is the cheapest hotel in Wellington? Aura Hotel is the lowest verified from-price in this guide at around £29 a night, followed by Halswell Lodge from about £32 and Willis Wellington Hotel from around £35 — all central 3★ properties. Prices are live from-rates pulled while writing and will shift with your dates, so check each hotel's page for the current number.

Which airport do I fly into for Wellington? Wellington Airport (WLG), on the Miramar peninsula about 8 km from the city centre. It handles domestic flights and trans-Tasman routes from Australia; most UK travellers connect via Auckland (AKL), Sydney or another hub because there are no direct UK–Wellington flights. From WLG it's a short bus, shuttle or taxi ride into the central city.

How do I get from Wellington to the South Island? By the Cook Strait ferry — either the Interislander or Bluebridge service — which sails from Wellington across Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. The crossing takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours and is one of the most scenic sea journeys in the country, especially through the Marlborough Sounds near Picton. Book ahead, particularly if you're taking a car.

Is the Cook Strait ferry worth it? Yes — it's both practical transport and a sightseeing trip in one. The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries are the scenic sea link between the North and South Islands, and the final stretch into Picton through the Marlborough Sounds is spectacular. Foot passengers can walk on relatively cheaply; if you're bringing a car or campervan, book well in advance as vehicle space sells out in summer.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Wellington? The central city and Te Aro end (near Cuba Street) hold most of the budget stock — Aura Hotel, Halswell Lodge, Willis Wellington and the WQ Wellington Quarter are all walkable from the waterfront and nightlife. Motels and motor lodges slightly out toward Newlands or Kilbirnie can be cheaper again but need a bus or car to reach the centre.

How much does a budget hotel in Wellington cost in 2026? Real, bookable budget hotels in this guide run from about £29 a night at the lowest end (Aura Hotel) up through the £30s and £40s for central 3★ rooms, with apartment-style and motel options into the £60–£90s. The budget tier here spans 31 properties, so there's genuine central choice well under £100.

Do I drive on the left in New Zealand? Yes — New Zealand drives on the left, the same as the UK, which makes it an easy self-drive country for British visitors. Wellington itself is compact and walkable, so you rarely need a car in the city; a hire car makes more sense if you're taking the ferry south and touring the South Island.

When is the best time to visit Wellington? Remember the seasons are reversed from the UK — December to February is Wellington's summer and warmest, driest stretch, while June to August is winter. Spring and autumn (roughly March–May and September–November) are pleasant and quieter. Whatever the month, pack a windproof layer: Wellington is famously windy year-round.

Why is Wellington called the windy city? Wellington sits in the path of winds funnelled through the Cook Strait, so it's genuinely one of the windiest cities in the world — locals wear it as a badge of honour. It rarely stops you doing anything, but a windproof jacket beats an umbrella (which the gusts will destroy), and ferry sailings can occasionally be delayed in rough weather.

What is Wellington the capital of? Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, home to Parliament (including the distinctive "Beehive" executive wing), the national museum Te Papa, and much of the country's government and arts scene. It's smaller and more compact than Auckland but punches well above its size for food, coffee and culture.

What are the top things to see in Wellington? Te Papa (the free national museum), the Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Garden, the Mount Victoria lookout, Cuba Street's cafés and craft-beer bars, the waterfront promenade, Weta Workshop for Lord of the Rings fans, and Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Most of these are walkable or a short ride from a central hotel.

Is Wellington walkable? Very — the central city, waterfront, Cuba Street, Te Papa and Lambton Quay are all within an easy stroll of each other, and most hotels in this guide sit inside that radius. The Cable Car and buses cover the hillier bits, so you can base yourself centrally and skip a hire car entirely unless you're heading further afield.

Is Wellington expensive for UK travellers? Getting there is the big cost — long-haul flights via Auckland or an Australian hub aren't cheap. On the ground, Wellington is moderate: budget hotel rooms from around £29–£45, plentiful mid-range options, and good-value casual food. A relatively strong pound against the NZD helps, but check live rates as exchange moves.

What's the best area for first-time visitors to Wellington? The central city and Te Aro — you're walking distance from the waterfront, Te Papa, Cuba Street and Lambton Quay, with hotels at every price point from Aura and Halswell Lodge up to the InterContinental and Bolton. It's the easiest base for a first visit and keeps you close to the ferry terminals for a South Island add-on.

Are there family-friendly hotels in Wellington? Yes — apartment-style properties like the Oaks Wellington, Quest serviced apartments, Adina CityLife and the Sojourn apartment hotels give families kitchens and more space, while central location keeps Te Papa, the Cable Car and the waterfront within easy reach. Te Papa and Zealandia are both excellent with children.

How far is Wellington Airport from the city centre? About 8 km, on the Miramar peninsula. It's roughly a 15–20 minute drive, with airport buses, shuttles and taxis all available. Rydges Wellington Airport is the on-site option if you have an early flight or a tight connection.

Can I visit Weta Workshop in Wellington? Yes — Weta Workshop, the effects and props studio behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and many other films, runs tours in the Miramar area near the airport. It's a must for film fans and pairs well with an airport-area stay or a stop on the way in from WLG.

What is Zealandia in Wellington? Zealandia is a fenced urban eco-sanctuary a short ride from the city centre, where native New Zealand birds and wildlife live in a predator-free valley. It's one of Wellington's signature attractions, especially good for a half-day, and there are night tours to spot kiwi and other nocturnal species.

Is the Wellington Cable Car worth doing? Yes — the historic red Cable Car climbs from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn, where you step out to a lookout over the city and harbour and the top of the Botanic Garden. You can ride up and walk back down through the gardens, which is one of the best low-cost half-days in the city.

Do Wellington hotels include breakfast? It varies. Many mid-range and luxury hotels offer breakfast (sometimes included, sometimes a paid add-on), while budget hotels, motels and apartment-style properties often don't — though apartments give you a kitchen, and Cuba Street is packed with cafés for Wellington's famous coffee. Check each hotel's live page for what's included on your rate.

How many days do I need in Wellington? Two to three days covers the city well — Te Papa, the Cable Car and Botanic Garden, Mount Victoria, Cuba Street and the waterfront, plus Weta Workshop or Zealandia. Add a day either side if you're using Wellington as the launch point for the Cook Strait ferry to the South Island.

What's the most expensive hotel in this Wellington guide? Boulcott Suites sits at the top with a from-price around £448 a night, the highest in this guide — a 5★ all-suite property in the central city. Most of the other luxury picks (Bolton, Mövenpick, InterContinental, Ohtel) sit far lower, so the luxury tier here is more attainable than that headline figure suggests.

How do I book these exact Wellington hotels at the prices shown? Every hotel name in this guide links to that hotel's live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates in NZD, taxes shown, and a date picker to match your trip. The from-prices quoted here were pulled on live searches while writing, so your dates will differ; tap through for today's number. No booking fees either way.