6 Best Hotels in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

With the hotel's 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.

Well-known to upscale business travelers, this independently owned hotel is great for extended stays, with some rooms containing full kitchen facilities and washer/dryers. Artisan, the in-house restaurant, is incredible, and it's worth staying in for a night just to experience dinner there. It's not in the heart of downtown, which is preferable to some guests.

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.

These well-appointed loft-style rooms and suites (including some with two bedrooms) in the heart of the city will have you feeling like a true local. Located on Hannah's Laneway, the Cobbler is a stone's throw from the Wellington Chocolate Factory, and it feels more like an upscale apartment block than a hotel. Before your arrival, the owners send you a unique entry code, so you don't have to fuss with check-in times or waiting in line. Don't take the lack of check-in desk as a sign of missing service: the owners are easily contacted should you need anything. Each room also comes with a bespoke, up-to-date guide of local events and eateries that you can take home as a souvenir.

With 24 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens, this spot on the southern outskirts of Masterton is a large hotel for a small town, and 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.

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.