Wellington sits at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range, and it has a reputation as New Zealand's cultural capital. It is also the world's windiest city by average wind speed, so where you base yourself matters as much as what you plan to do.
The urban area spreads across four city councils — Wellington, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt — and the wider region reaches out to the Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa. The city was laid out in 1840 as a series of interconnected grid plans that expand along valleys and lower hill slopes, without much regard for the terrain, so steep streets and hills are part of everyday navigation. Most short-term accommodation is found in the central city. This guide covers which areas to consider, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Wellington
1. Wellington/City (central Wellington)
The central city is where most short-term accommodation in the Wellington area is found, and it is the practical base for a first visit. It puts you within reach of the government and parliamentary precinct, the waterfront and the transport network of train and bus lines that extends as far as the Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights rather than commute to them. Because the original grid was drawn without regard for the terrain, expect hills and steep streets as you move away from the flat centre.
2. Cuba Street
Cuba Street is one of the city's cultural precincts, known for creative innovation, historic character, op shops and food. Staying in or near it places you in the middle of the youth-driven culture Wellington is known for.
It suits travellers who want food, character and evening activity on the doorstep, and it is a reasonable choice for first-time visitors who want the central city within walking distance.
3. Newtown
Newtown is the other cultural precinct named for its creative innovation, op shops, historic character and food. It is a distinct neighbourhood rather than part of the central grid, so it suits travellers who prefer a local, residential feel over the waterfront.
It is a good option for budget-conscious visitors and for anyone staying longer who wants to be near shops and eateries. Check how your chosen address connects to the train and bus lines before booking, since you will likely travel into the centre for the main sights.
4. Thorndon
Thorndon is where the first European settlers transplanted their settlement after the initial site at Petone proved swampy and flood-prone. It sits in present-day Wellington and is associated with the parliamentary and government end of the city.
It suits visitors whose trip centres on the government precinct, the Supreme Court and the public services based in the city, and those who want a quieter base close to the centre.
5. Te Aro
Te Aro held the majority of the city's buildings by 1865, making it one of the older settled parts of the centre. It is a central location, so it works for visitors who want to be in the thick of the city.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who values being able to walk to central sights and transport. As with the rest of the central grid, the terrain was not factored into the layout, so expect some climbing.
6. Petone
Petone, at the flat area at the mouth of the Hutt River, was the site of the first settlers' homes in 1840, briefly called Britannia, before the settlement moved across the harbour to Thorndon. It lies in the wider urban area rather than central Wellington.
It suits travellers who want a base outside the central city while remaining on the train and bus network, which reaches across the urban area. Note that the original site was swampy and flood-prone, and that you will be travelling into Wellington for most central sights.
7. Rongotai
Rongotai is where Wellington Airport is located, the country's third-busiest airport. It suits travellers with early flights, short stopovers or a focus on the airport end of the city.
It is not the central sightseeing base, so weigh convenience to the airport against the time it takes to reach the centre by the city's train and bus lines.
8. Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt
These three cities make up the rest of the Wellington urban area alongside Wellington City, and they sit within the Greater Wellington region covered by the regional council. They suit longer stays, travellers visiting friends or family, and anyone who wants a quieter base with access to the wider region.
They are connected to the city by the train and bus network, so you can still reach central Wellington, but plan on commuting rather than walking to the main sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Look at shared houses, known as flats in New Zealand English. These are an option for stays of about a month in summer while students are away, and are usually taken for the year or at least several months. They are much cheaper, often furnished in the communal rooms by the other tenants, though you may need to provide your own bed. Rent is typically paid weekly, with a bond of two to four weeks' rent. Search "Flatmates wanted" on Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe.
- Mid-range: The central city is where most short-term accommodation in the Wellington area is found, so this is the band to focus your search on if you want a conventional short stay.
- Splurge: The source material does not describe specific higher-end accommodation or its amenities, so compare live listings in the central city and the areas above rather than relying on a fixed description.
Best area for a first visit
Wellington/City, the central city, is the best base for a first visit. It is where most short-term accommodation is found, and it keeps you within reach of the government precinct, the cultural precincts and the train and bus lines that serve the wider region. From there you can walk to the centre and travel out to Cuba Street, Newtown or the harbour when you want to.
Frequently asked questions
Where is most short-term accommodation in Wellington found?
Most short-term accommodation is found in Wellington/City, the central city. The district articles point there for listings.
Can I stay somewhere cheaper than a standard short-term rental?
Yes. A shared house, called a flat in New Zealand English, is a cheaper option for stays of about a month in summer while students are away. Rent is usually paid weekly and a bond of two to four weeks' rent is normal.
How do I find a flat for a longer stay?
Look for "Flatmates wanted" on Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe, the local classifieds website. Flats are usually taken for the year or at least several months, and flatmates share the rent, bills and chores.
Which areas of Wellington are known for culture and food?
Cuba Street and Newtown are the cultural precincts named for creative innovation, op shops, historic character and food. Both are worth considering as a base if that is what you are looking for.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.