Island Bay Travel Guide
Wellington
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.
Interislander Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Wellington with a trip to Interislander Ferry Terminal. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
TSB Bank Arena
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.
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.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Te Papa
See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Top hotels in Island Bay
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rooms are reasonable clean with daily make ups. Somehow the system hasn’t showed we paid for the breakfast and it takes two days to update the system.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Always really good and handy for the last/first leg of travelling … great food and service
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Rydges Wellington
The hotel is well sighted - convenient, parking using valet service a real plus, easy to get to Staff were really helpful Room was good
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
Oaks Wellington Hotel
Was very good , there was an empty water bottle behind the curtain from previous guests , but rest was all good. Staff were lovely, and room service as awesome. A great place to stay , will be back.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Bolton Hotel
Always a good stay.
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
Only went to bar for pre theatre drinks, staff were great and made the wife a cocktail that wasn’t on the list
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Island Bay
Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay is well liked for its beaches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Wellington area, you might plan a trip to Wellington Zoo or ASB Sports Centre.
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.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Central Park and Basin Reserve 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.
