Off to New Zealand, the antipodes of the Earth? Here’s where to stay in Wellington!
Plane ticket in hand, international insurance paid up and suitcase packed? The question arises: where to stay in Wellington? The capital of New Zealand and the country’s third most populous city, with just 207,900 inhabitants over 290 km², Wellington is located at the southern tip of the North Island, in the center of New Zealand. It is the political center and seat of New Zealand’s parliament, ministries and government departments. Located at 41° south latitude, Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city.
Wellington enjoys a vibrant cultural and artistic life in its city center, with a high concentration of theaters, cafés and bars, making it one of the most attractive cities for visitors from all over the world. In 2011, the Lonely Planet guide ranked Wellington as « the world’s best-loved small capital ».
For a cultural trip to the southern hemisphere, where should you stay in Wellington? Here’s our overview of where to stay in Wellington.
Wellington Central
Photo credit: Unsplash – zoe lin
Wellington Central is the city’s nerve center, encompassing the northern CBD, a number of skyscrapers, art galleries, museums, numerous shops and terraces where you can enjoy a good drink. The district is located by the sea, and is therefore often windswept. The harbour is also located in the district, providing access to Picton on the South Island. To explore the surrounding area, take the Waterfront for a leisurely stroll south along the waterfront to Oriental Bay. This is one of Wellington’s most central areas for accommodation.
Te Aro
Photo credit: Flickr – Ewan Munro
Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City. Known as the « Windy City », Wellington is also known for its cuisine, small restaurants, specialty coffees, wine and artisanal microbreweries, all of which can be explored on tasting tours. Enough to appeal to a wide range of profiles! The Te Aro district could not be more central: located on the waterfront, it’s home to several museums, including the New Zealand Children’s Holocaust Memorial, the Westra Museum and several cinemas lining Courtenay Pl. boulevard, where you can catch a film on a rainy day!
Are you a beer and coffee lover? Head to the area between Victoria Street and Taranaki Street, particularly Cuba Street, where the concentration of bars and restaurants is simply incredible. For an immersive experience, many tours focus ontasting experiences and Craft Beer Tours that will delight your taste buds! In fact, it’s the best place to stay in Wellington.
Mount Victoria
Photo credit: Unsplash – Kirsten Drew
To the east of the city center lies a district for nature-seeking travellers: Mount Victoria. You’ll need good shoes and good footwork, as the streets have steep inclines. However, there are plenty of places to stay – in a homestay, for example – on the heights, with beautiful views over the city and Wellington Bay.
Kelburn
Photo credit: Flickr – John Menard
Looking for a place to stay in Wellington, high on the hillsides and surrounded by lush green parks? Then you’ve come to the right place. Choosing Kelburn as your accommodation will put a strain on your calves – the slopes can be steep – but it’s also home to the Wellington Botanical Gardens, Kelburn Park and, to the south, the huge George Denton Park Reserve and Polhill, a vast green space where you can hike, walk, cycle and feel like you’re in the countryside. If you’re a student: the area is home toVictoria University of Wellington and the Faculty of Education. So you’re sure to come across a young population!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Wellington,nz