18 Best Hotels in Wellington and the Wairarapa, New Zealand

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 including relaxing in private courtyards, gardens, or the spa, chatting with the chefs around the open kitchen, and 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.

Offering luxury loft-style rooms, the Intrepid brings home comforts to your inner-city stay, and you'll be greeted in the morning with complimentary fresh coffee and tea, and maybe a sweet snack or two. Service is excellent and friendly. In keeping with the 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.

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.

Located next to a vineyard, this luxurious resort enjoys a parklike setting as well as its own on-site bistro, a small spa,  and a tennis court. Its spacious, airy cottages have rural views, some taking in a man-made lake or others with views of the Tararua ranges. There are complimentary shuttles to town.

With bold art on display everywhere you look, this hotel near the harbor is for the hip and trendy. Harbor-view rooms come with huge balconies, while in-room decor and bathrooms are just as design-friendly as the rest of the place. There are coffee machines in every room, and apartments are nicely fitted out for longer stays, including washers and dryers. The in-house restaurant Hippopotamus and Hot Sauce bar offer great cocktails and culinary delights. This is the closest hotel to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

This former railway administration building was chopped into several pieces and relocated before being transformed into a small country hotel with seven well-appointed boutique suites in the main building and six other rooms in a garden courtyard. The suites are individually decorated with their own twist on old-country-meets-modern style. Nestled behind, six garden rooms are beside the neighboring park.

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.

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.

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.

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, and the chic reception area has light, modern furniture. 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 Kaikōura 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.

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.

In the famous waterfront neighborhood of Oriental Bay, this boutique hotel is tailored to those 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 the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Oriental Bay Beach, and the harborside market. Parking is a 5-minute walk away at the Te Papa museum.

In celebration of its proximity to the Wellington Botanic Garden, this sophisticated hotel has a strong but subtle floral theme throughout the rooms and shared spaces. The Jardin Grill restaurant serves buffet and à la carte breakfast, and is a great place for a quiet, elegant dining experience. It's a short walk up the hill to the botanic garden or downhill to the city and waterfront.