12 Best Hotels in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

Local author Jane Tolerton has set up house in a Victorian villa in sunny Mount Victoria and, true to her passion, has lined the hallway with books. The three en suite rooms are comfortable and homey. Jane serves hot breakfast and a steady supply of homemade cookies. If you want to work off the calories, Booklovers doesn’t just enjoy close proximity to the city's bright lights—it’s also close by the green belt and Lord of the Rings walking trail.

This apartment-style hotel is smack-dab in the middle of the city—and if you can snag a suite at a weekend or special summer rate, it's one of the best-value lodgings in town. You have a wide selection of stylish studios and spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites to choose from. Facilities are similar in all suites and include kitchens, washers, dryers, and dishwashers (they're also serviced). Despite the location, you don't get street noise.

With 24 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens, this spot on the southern outskirts of Masterton is a large resort for a small town. The helpful staff and spacious rooms make it especially good if you are traveling with children. Perks like a pool, playground, and special kids’ menus give it added family appeal. The main restaurant showcases local ingredients and wine in a spacious setting with a cozy ambience.

In the heart of the business district and a stone's throw from the waterfront, this landmark high-rise gets the details right. Delivering a sleek, contemporary look with a warm yet sophisticated ambience, the bedrooms are luxuriously equipped. The reception area has light, modern furniture, and a chic appeal. There's a 24-hour car service and even an on-site spa.

This waterfront hotel is home to the North Island's southernmost pub, with breathtaking views across Cape Palliser to the South Island's Kaikoura Ranges. Having a drink on the deck at sunset is an unbeatable experience; after making a toast to the coast, you can bed down in rooms that are basic but comfy. The hotel restaurant focuses on fish dishes, like pan-fried flounder or whitebait fritters served on salad greens with tomato salsa.

With its stately heritage facade hiding a colorful whimsical interior, you'd think you've stumbled onto a set of a Wes Anderson film. Aesthetically striking at every turn, Naumi's reception and downstairs Lola Rouge bar area provide a comfy and delightful lounge in which to work and socialize. The well-designed rooms thoughtfully navigate the smaller dimensions typical of a heritage building. Naumi wholly embodies the cool vibe and friendliness of the capital's iconic Cuba Street.

In the iconic waterfront neighborhood of Oriental Bay, this boutique hotel is tailored to hose who enjoy a personalized and luxurious experience. Spacious rooms are uniquely furnished with mid-century decor that combines urban chic with a cozy feel. Perks include its proximity to essential waterfront sights such as Te Papa Museum, Oriental Bay Beach, and the harborside market. Parking is a 5-minute walk away at Te Papa Museum.

In a quiet rural area just outside the village center, this motel complex has a variety of stylishly modern units to suit a range of budgets. All have decks; apartments have whirlpool baths as well. The studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments are in a garden environment and have ample parking.

Offering luxury loft-style rooms, the Intrepid Hotel brings home comforts to your inner-city stay. You'll enjoy the excellent friendly service, where you'll be greeted in the morning with complimentary fresh coffee and tea, and maybe a sweet snack or two. Keeping in the theme of modern art-deco aesthetics, below the hotel is the quiet speakeasy-styled Puffin wine bar. The hotel's front door sits in the entertainment hub of Ghuznee Street and Cuba Street.

Sitting on a corner of Martinborough Square, this vintage hotel was built in 1882 and has rooms that open onto either the veranda or the garden. The handsome accommodations mix antique and modern fittings, and the tasteful decorating styles vary from French provincial to crisp country.

A working sheep station meets bygone-era elegance at this unique coastal getaway, 90 minutes from Wellington; the 3,200-acre estate comes complete with an Edwardian-style main lodge surrounded by 16 guest cottages, each with a king-size bed, small patio, and open fireplace. Wharekauhau began as a sheep-farming station in 1840 and continues to house sheep and cattle today—only now the grazing herds are joined by world travelers roaming the property. On-site activities range from relaxing in private courtyards, gardens, or the spa and chatting with the chefs around the open kitchen, to swimming, tennis, and croquet. Hiking and farm tours can also be arranged, as can vineyard visits and excursions around the gloriously remote coastline. The dining room menu highlights the best local ingredients—especially lamb and fish—which can be paired with fine Martinborough wines.