Popular places to visit
Island Bay Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Island Bay Beach during your trip to Wellington? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Wellington Central Business District
Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
Lambton Quay
During your visit to Wellington, you can do some window-shopping at Lambton Quay. Stroll along this family-friendly area's waterfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Things to do
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Craft beers & car museum - Half Day Tour incl beverage samples
Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer Cycle Tour
Top hotels in Island Bay
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Service was excellent and the room was clean. Consider a toaster that can manage sourdough or change the loaf size breakfast hot dish covers were on upside down making it difficult to access the food beneath.
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025
Rydges Wellington Airport
Great room and very convenient.
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Rydges Wellington
We stayed here after the Northern Explorer train. The hotel is a 5” walk from train station. Room was spotless, mattress comfortable, linens crisp, pillows were a bit too big for our comfort. Mini bar in room with no posted prices. The staff was very helpful with walking directions to ferry in the ...
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Clean There is a short cut which we were told about after we dragged our suitcases up a steep hill. Could have done with it with email check in instructions After hour check in worked well
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
WQ Wellington Quarter
Great staff. Room was clean, comfortable bed.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman
Some stickiness on bedside table Room beautifully decorated
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Island Bay
Newtown
If you're spending some time in Newtown, Wellington Zoo and Newtown Park are top sights worth seeing.
Kilbirnie
Restaurants and shopping are notable features of Kilbirnie. You might consider stopping by ASB Sports Centre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Basin Reserve and Central Park.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Central Park are top sights worth seeing.
Mount Victoria
If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.
Te Aro
Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.
