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.
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.
Courtenay Place
Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.
The Weta Cave
Learn the special effects secrets behind films such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar with a tour through this Academy Award-winning studio.
Things to do
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Wellington Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Cycle Tour
Wellington: Original LOTR Half-Day Experience with Weta
Top hotels in Island Bay
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
The staff were qonderful. We dealt with Kenneth who was fabulous to deal with! Everything was seamless and such clean snuggly rooms with fantastic location right in the middle of Lampton Quay.
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Rydges Wellington Airport
Spotless, all the comforts you need
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Rydges Wellington
The room was very nice. The restaurant food was excellent.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Would recommend Gilmer - I arrived after hours and everything was set up for me including parking which is very easy and convenient. The hotel is easy to access from SH1 which reduces city driving. The room had everything I needed. I didn’t need aircon but there was a fan.
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Bolton Hotel
Wonderful staff
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Oaks Wellington Hotel
The location is excellent
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
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 Newtown Park.
Newtown
If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo 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.
