Get insider budget travel tips for Wellington for exploring New Zealand’s capital city without breaking the bank. From affordable accommodations. Wellington, known for its culture and charm, also offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations. Here’s a guide to some of the best options, complete with addresses and price ranges, to help you plan your stay.
budget travel tips for Wellington
1. Hostels: Budget-Friendly and Social
- The Dwellington
- Address: 8 Halswell St, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 30-80 per night
- Highlights: A mix of dorms and private rooms, communal areas, and close to the Botanic Garden.
- Nomads Capital Backpackers
- Address: 118 Wakefield St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 25-100 per night
- Highlights: In the city center, various room types, and a lively social scene.
2. Budget Hotelel Comfort at Great Value
- Willis Wellington Hotel
- Address: 355 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
- Price Range: NZD 80-150 per night
- Highlights: Central location, comfortable rooms, close to Cuba Street.
- Ibis Wellington
- Address: 153 Featherston St, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 90-160 per night
- Highlights: Part of a trusted international chain, with modern amenities, in the heart of Wellington.
3. Airbnb: Home Away from Home
- Cozy Studio Apartments
- Location: Various locations around Wellington
- Price Range: NZD 50-120 per night
- Highlights: Privacy, full amenities, suitable for solo travelers or couples.
- Private Rooms in Shared Houses
- Location: Throughout Wellington
- Price Range: NZD 40-90 per night
- Highlights: Affordable, opportunity to meet locals, diverse locations.
4. Motels: Convenient and Economical
- 747 Motel & Car Hire
- Address: 80 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022
- Price Range: NZD 70-120 per night
- Highlights: Near the airport, car rental services, simple and clean accommodation.
- Capital View Motor Inn
- Address: 12 Thompson St, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021
- Price Range: NZD 100-180 per night
- Highlights: Beautiful city views, range of room options, close to central Wellington.
5. Student Hostels: Unique and Ultra-Affordable
- Victoria University Halls of Residence
- Location: Kelburn, Wellington
- Price Range: Prices vary, generally very affordable
- Highlights: Basic but cheap, available during university holidays.
6. Backpacker Hostels Ideal for Solo and Young Travelers
- Base Wellington
- Address: 21-23 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington, Postal Code: 6011, New Zealand.
- Price Range: NZD 27-90 per night
- Highlights: Central location, vibrant social atmosphere, and activities organized for guests.
- YHA Wellington
- Address: 292 Wakefield St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 30-110 per night
- Highlights: Eco-friendly, modern facilities, close to Te Papa and waterfront.
7. Budget Bed and Breakfasts: A Cozy and Personal Experience
- Richmond Guest House
- Address: 116 Brougham St, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 70-140 per night
- Highlights: Historic building, homey atmosphere, includes breakfast.
- Te Puni Village
- Address: 80 Fairlie Terrace, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
- Price Range: NZD 60-120 per night (seasonal)
- Highlights: University accommodation turned B&B, panoramic views, budget-friendly.
8. Serviced Apartments: For a More Independent Stay
- Quest on Johnston
- Address: 35 Johnston St, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 120-250 per night
- Highlights: Self-contained units, central location, suitable for longer stays.
- Willis Village
- Address: 142 Willis St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 100-200 per night
- Highlights: Urban garden setting, apartment-style living, close to shopping areas.
9. Group-Friendly Accommodations: Ideal for Families and Groups
- The Setup on Manners
- Address: 57 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 80-180 per night
- Highlights: Apartment-style rooms, kitchen facilities, central location.
- Wellington Waterfront Motorhome Park
- Address: 19 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 50-90 per night (for motorhome spots)
- Highlights: Right on the waterfront, perfect for motorhome travelers, stunning views.
10. Backpacker Hostels Ideal for Solo and Young Travelers
- Base Wellington
- Address: 21-23 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand.
- Price Range: NZD 27-90 per night
- Highlights: Central location, vibrant social atmosphere, and activities organized for guests.
- YHA Wellington
- Address: 292 Wakefield St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 30-110 per night
- Highlights: Eco-friendly, modern facilities, close to Te Papa and waterfront.
11. Budget Bed and Breakfasts: A Cozy and Personal Experience
- Richmond Guest House
- Address: 116 Brougham St, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 70-140 per night
- Highlights: Historic building, homey atmosphere, includes breakfast.
- Te Puni Village
- Address: 80 Fairlie Terrace, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
- Price Range: NZD 60-120 per night (seasonal)
- Highlights: University accommodation turned B&B, panoramic views, budget-friendly.
12. Serviced Apartments: For a More Independent Stay
- Quest on Johnston
- Address: 35 Johnston St, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 120-250 per night
- Highlights: Self-contained units, central location, suitable for longer stays.
- Willis Village
- Address: 142 Willis St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 100-200 per night
- Highlights: Urban garden setting, apartment-style living, close to shopping areas.
13. Group-Friendly Accommodations Ideal for Families and Groups
- The Setup on Manners
- Address: 57 Manners St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 80-180 per night
- Highlights: Apartment-style rooms, kitchen facilities, central location.
- Wellington Waterfront Motorhome Park ( Permanently Closed)
- Address: 19 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 50-90 per night (for motorhome spots)
- Highlights: Right on the waterfront, perfect for motorhome travelers, stunning views.
14. Eco-Friendly Stays Sustainable and Affordable
- The Greenhouse
- Address: 140 Wakefield St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 50-100 per night
- Highlights: An eco-conscious hostel offering a sustainable stay without sacrificing comfort, located in the heart of the city.
- Sustainable Trust’s Innermost Gardens Accommodation
- Address: Lawson Place, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 40-90 per night
- Highlights: Unique stay in a community garden setting, offering a peaceful retreat in an urban environment.
15. Heritage Accommodations History on a Budget
- The Cambridge Hotel
- Address: 28 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 60-140 per night
- Highlights: A historical hotel with modern amenities, offering both hotel rooms and hostel-style accommodation.
- Thorndon Hotel by Rydges
- Address: 24 Hawkestone St, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 90-170 per night
- Highlights: Located in the historic suburb of Thorndon, this hotel combines charm with affordability, close to the Parliament buildings.
16. Boutique Budget Hotels Affordable Style
- Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers
- Address: 1 Bunny St, Pipitea, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 30-120 per night
- Highlights: A boutique budget hotel and backpackers, known for its character and central location, near the Wellington Railway Station.
- The Marion Hostel
- Address: 13 Marion St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 35-90 per night
- Highlights: A stylish and modern hostel, offering a comfortable and trendy stay for budget-conscious travelers.
17. Budget Guesthouses: Home Comforts at Low Costs
- Oriental Bay Bed & Breakfast
- Address: 46 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011
- Price Range: NZD 80-150 per night
- Highlights: A cozy bed and breakfast with stunning views of Oriental Bay, offering a personal touch to your stay.
- Beachfront Wellington Bed and Breakfast
- Address: 215 Marine Drive, Hataitai, Wellington 6023
- Price Range: NZD 100-180 per night
- Highlights: Situated along the waterfront, this B&B provides a peaceful beachside stay with easy access to the city center.
18. Wellington’s University Accommodations: Budget-Friendly Campus Stays
- Victoria University’s Hostel Accommodation
- Address: Various locations around Victoria University’s campuses
- Price Range: NZD 50-100 per night (available mainly during university holidays)
- Highlights: Budget-friendly, basic but comfortable accommodation in student hostels, offering a unique campus experience.
19. Inexpensive Short-Term Rental Options
- Budget Apartments Wellington
- Address: Various locations around Wellington
- Price Range: NZD 80-150 per night
- Highlights: Fully furnished apartments offering more privacy and home-like amenities, ideal for longer stays.
Tips for Budget Accommodation in Wellington
- Consider Alternative Neighborhoods: Staying a bit outside the city center can often save money. Neighborhoods like Hataitai or Newtown offer lower prices while still being accessible.
- Stay Midweek: Prices can be lower during weekdays compared to weekends.
- Use Price Comparison Websites: Utilize websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to compare prices and find deals.
- Check for Hidden Costs: Always check for additional fees like cleaning fees or deposits, especially with Airbnb listings.
- Ask for Discounts: Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount, especially for longer stays. Some places might offer a reduced rate for extended visits.
Booking Advice
- Early Reservations: Wellington can be busy during festivals and events, so book your accommodation well in advance.
- Read Reviews: Look at recent guest reviews to get a better idea of the accommodation’s quality and service.
- Off-Peak Travel: Consider traveling during off-peak times for the best rates.
Tips for Booking
- Compare Prices: Use online booking platforms to compare prices and find the best deals.
- Check for Extras: Be aware of additional costs like WiFi or parking.
- Location Matters: Consider travel time and costs from your accommodation to your main points of interest.
Conclusion
Wellington offers a range of accommodation options to fit your budget. From social hostels to private Airbnb rentals and convenient motels, the city caters to all types of travelers. By choosing the right place to stay, you can save money and enjoy everything Wellington has to offer.
