The Luxury Hotel Guide 
A list by Tomas Mazowski.
This guide was last updated in December 2022. Hey! When I travel I love to stay at luxurious hotels - especially the kind of places that offer over the top extras and really spoil their guests with great service, nice spas, awesome restaurants and beautiful views. What more can you want? To save some time, I've put together this list of my favourite 5-star hotels and resorts in Wellington. I hope you will like it!
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1 Sofitel Wellington Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms
Hotel.
Surrounded by lush botanic gardens, Sofitel blends French 'art de vivre' with New Zealand's capital beauty. The 5-star hotel is central to Parliament's precinct, premium shopping and Sky Stadium. Guest sanctuaries of luxury rooms and suites feature Sofitel MyBed and modern bathrooms with refined French amenities. Indulge in Club Sofitel enjoying the rituals of breakfast, all day refreshments, Le Goûter afternoon tea and Apero Chic canapés.
Socialise in luxury at La Serre Bar and renowned restaurant Jardin Grill, serving lively food and beverage with an open kitchen show casing Chefs artistry of a Manuka and apple wood fired Grill.
Indulgent wellness begins at So Fit gym, a haven of modern treadmills, weight and resistance machines. Include indoor fitness with invigorating walks through Wellington’s iconic landmarks The Beehive, Te Papa Museum, Wellington Botanical Gardens, Cable Car, Zealandia Sanctuary, and Cuba Street.
Boasting state-of-the-art intelligent technology and with all meeting spaces conveniently located on the first floor, your function is guaranteed to elegantly unfold into a truly memorable experience surpassing all expectations. As you enter the resplendent lobby, an inviting staircase leads you upstairs to the extravagant pre–conference area boasting three refined event spaces.
Guest review score 8.7,
rooms from around 206 NZD.
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2 Bolton Hotel Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
Bolton Hotel is an elegant, boutique, 5-star hotel offering free WiFi on multiple devices and in-room iPad minis. Secure valet parking is available. Located in the Wellington central business district, the hotel is only minutes from Lambton Quay and Wellington Railway Station.
Guests can work out in the fitness centre and then relax in the spa pool. Self-check-in or check-out can be done using the iPads in the lobby/reception.
Bolton Hotel Wellington offers a choice of spacious studios and suites. Most rooms feature views of the Bolton Memorial Park Park or downtown Wellington. Every suite has a separate dining and living area, laundry facilities and a fully equipped kitchen.
The in-house restaurant, Artisan, serves modern New Zealand cuisine and private dining is available. There is also a lobby café serving locally roasted coffee and home made light meals and treats.
Cook Strait is a 30-minute drive from Bolton Hotel. For rock-climbing and abseiling, Hutt Valley is also 30 minutes' drive away. The vineyards of Wairarapa Valley are 1 hour's drive away.
Guest review score 8.6,
rooms from around 199 NZD.
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3 Ohtel Wellington Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
Ohtel Wellington, located in Oriental Bay, offers guests a 5-star experience from the personalised service and luxurious accommodation. The rooms are individually furnished with mid-century elegance and fuse international class with urban chic. Adjacent to Wellington’s entertainment precinct and seaside promenade, Ohtel Wellington is close to major attractions and many theatres, restaurants and entertainment venues.
The boutique hotel offers rooms with Smart TV's, free WiFi, air-con, and marble bathrooms with kiwi made amenities. Mini-bars are stocked with a selection of boutique New Zealand products with complimentary tea and coffee.
As well as providing room service and breakfast, Ohtel Pantry offers wine, coffee and small bites focusing on local ingredients.
This is our guests' favourite part of Wellington, according to independent reviews.
Guest review score 8.7,
rooms from around 394 NZD.
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4 InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
The 5-star InterContinental Wellington is located by the harbour waterfront, just 8 km from Wellington International Airport. It offers an exclusive club lounge, a fitness centre, 2 restaurants and a bar.
The elegant guest rooms are spacious and well-furnished. All rooms feature a TV with cable channels and a large bathroom with modern amenities and bathrobes. Some rooms include access to the club lounge.
Chameleon restaurant is open for breakfast. Two Grey Café, Bar & Eatery offers an internationally crafted menu in a luxurious setting. The Lobby Lounge offers a warm and cozy setting to enjoy a snack and cocktail.
The Emerge Health Club offers an indoor heated pool, a spa and sauna.
InterContinental Wellington provides the perfect base for exploring the region's coast line and wineries. The Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is 5 minutes' walk away.
Guest review score 8.5,
rooms from around 349 NZD.
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5 Mövenpick Hotel Wellington Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
Overlooking the Cuban quarter and nestled between the scenic hills of Wellington, restaurants and theatres of Cuba Street, Mövenpick Hotel Wellington features refurbished guest rooms and suites and an on-site restaurant.
The elegant rooms and suites at Mövenpick Hotel Wellington are designed with luxurious textures and feature Smart TV’s, Āmiki Manuka honey amenities and complimentary WiFi. Executive Rooms and Suites also feature a Bose sound system and Nespresso coffee machine.
Other facilities at the hotel include an indoor heated lap pool, a sauna, fully-equipped fitness centre with change room, 6 dynamic event spaces and limited availability to park campervans for in-house guests (charges apply).
Forage Kitchen & Bar offers an a la carte menu and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mövenpick Hotel Wellington is just 20-minutes drive from Wellington Airport, and a 15-minute drive from New Zealand's iconic Weta Workshop.
Guest review score 8.5,
rooms from around 188 NZD.
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6 Boulcott Suites Wellington, New Zealand
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Centrally located in Wellington, Boulcott Suites is a unique 5-star apartment hotel featuring a selection of stylish accommodation from studios to four-bedroom townhouses. Guests enjoy free WiFi.
Each apartment or townhouse boasts a fully equipped kitchen including an oven and dishwasher, as well as full laundry facilities and a living space. A Nespresso coffee machine is also provided as well as pillow menus to allow guests a personal choice. The North tower rooms at Boulcott Suites offer large windows overlooking the city.
Secure onsite parking is available and electric car-charging stations are available for use.
Boulcott Suites Wellington are 10 minutes’ walk from the famous Te Papa Museum and Lambton Harbour. It is 15 minutes’ walk from Wellington Train Station. Wellington International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Guest review score 8.2,
rooms from around 229 NZD.
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7 Dream Escape for 2 Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Situated in Paraparaumu Beach in the Wellington region, Dream Escape for 2 is a 5-star property boasting free WiFi. This bed and breakfast has a private pool, a garden and free private parking.
The bed and breakfast features 1 bedroom, a kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower and hot tub. Towels and bed linen are available in the bed and breakfast.
The bed and breakfast offers 5-star accommodation with a hot tub.
Paraparaumu Beach is 1.4 km from Dream Escape for 2. The nearest airport is Kapiti Coast, a few steps from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Guest review score 9.2,
rooms from around 88 NZD.
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8 Ivy's Cottage Greytown, New Zealand
See available rooms Guest house.
Set in Greytown, Ivy's Cottage provides 5-star accommodation with private balconies. The accommodation at the 5-star guest house has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace. Free private parking is available.
The living area has a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a shower and free toiletries. The units will provide guests with a microwave.
Guests at Ivy's Cottage will be able to enjoy activities in and around Greytown, like hiking.
Martinborough is 18 km from the accommodation, while Masterton is 25 km away. The nearest airport is Wellington Airport, 83 km from Ivy's Cottage.
Guest review score 8.3,
rooms from around 160 NZD.
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9 Top Floor Bed and Breakfast Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand
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Just 100 metres from Paraparaumu Beach, Top Floor Bed and Breakfast offers a room with lovely views of the ocean and Kapiti Island. Guests enjoy free WiFi, free continental breakfast and free bicycle rental.
Top Floor Bed and Breakfast Paraparaumu is 3 minutes’ walk from the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve is a 10-minute drive, and Wellington Airport is a 55-minute away. The property is a 100 metre walk to catch the ferry to Kapiti Island Nature Reserve. Paraparaumu Airport is a 5-minute drive away.
The modern room includes a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock and a DVD player. It also contains a refrigerator, a coffee machine and an electric kettle.
There are a number of shops and cafés within a few minutes’ walk.
Guest review score 9.8
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10 The Summit Lodge Gladstone, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
The Summit Lodge offers B&B accommodation with free Wi-Fi access. Each room has a private patio and bathroom with under-floor heating.
You can relax in the large guest lounge, which features a 52-inch TV with satellite channels, a surround sound system and a DVD player. The air-conditioned lounge opens out to the extensive gardens, and boasts leather recliner chairs and an open fire.
Breakfast is included and consists of breakfast cereals, fresh seasonal fruit, yoghurts, bread and jams. Cooked options include local bacon and free range eggs. Guests enjoy also free tea and coffee.
All rooms include double-glazed windows, towels and bathrobes. Heating and air conditioning are provided.
Guest review score 9.3,
rooms from around 310 NZD.
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11 Parehua Resort Martinborough, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
Set on a large country estate with sweeping gardens and panoramic views of the Wairarapa wine-growing region, Parehua Resort features an open-air bar and fine dining restaurant.
All accommodation at Parehua Resort Martinborough has been individually designed, with artwork and furnishings by New Zealand designers.
Each cottage and villa includes a fireplace, open-plan living spaces and a fully equipped kitchen. Satellite TV is provided. The large bathrooms have under-floor heating, walk-in shower and large spa bath.
York Bistro has comfortable sofas and a log fire on cooler days. Serving the finest in Wairarapa produce and local wines, it offers an unrivalled gourmet experience.
Enjoy a game of tennis or a swim in the outdoor pool (summer only). Guests can relax by the private lake with jetty. There are vineyards within a 2-minute drive. Martinborough town centre is only a 5-minute drive away.
Guest review score 9.1,
rooms from around 343 NZD.
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12 Greenmantle Estate Hotel Paraparaumu, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Boasting an outdoor pool and a hot tub, Greenmantle Estate Hotel is just 10 minutes’ drive from Paraparaumu Beach. It offers luxurious suites with free breakfast and free pre-dinner drinks and canapés. A welcome bottle of Prosecco and fresh fruit are included.
You can work out in the fitness centre and the sunny terraces and lovely gardens. A concierge service is delivered by the hosts.
The air-conditioned suites have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some suites have a separate living area, a fireplace or a balcony.
Lower Hutt is 37 km from the property and Porirua is 30.6 km away. Wellington is a 45-minute drive away.
Breakfast options include muesli, yoghurt, fresh fruit, toast and jam. The hosts can facilitate bookings for guests at nearby local restaurants.
Guest review score 9.0,
rooms from around 1005 NZD.
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13 BKs Premier Motel Esplanade Lower Hutt, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Free Wi-Fi and free parking are on offer at this motel, located on Petone Esplanade. All rooms include satellite TV and cooking facilities. Facilities include a gym and guest laundry.
B-K's Esplanade Motor Lodge Petone is a 5-minute drive from downtown Lower Hutt. It is a 10-minute drive to Sky Stadium and a 15-minute drive from the Ferry terminals.
Each room at B-K's Esplanade Motor Lodge has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with spa bath or shower. Kitchenette facilities include a microwave, refrigerator and stove. All studios and apartments are equipped with controlled heating/air conditioning.
Guest review score 8.8,
rooms from around 215 NZD.
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14 YHA Wellington Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Hostel.
Located in the very centre of Wellington, this award-winning hostel features 2 fully equipped kitchens and dining areas and a spacious guest lounge room. WiFi is available each day for all guests.
YHA Wellington City is an easy 2-minute walk from the bars, shops and theatres on Courtenay Place. It is a 4-minute walk from Te Papa Museum and Wellington’s waterfront.
Self-service laundry facilities are available. There is a supermarket opposite the hostel.
Wellington City YHA offers a wide range of backpacker accommodation, from spacious and dormitory rooms to private rooms with queen-size bed and en suite bathroom. All bed linen is provided. The property has a secure bike storage area with maintenance tools available for use.
Guest review score 8.2,
rooms from around 38 NZD.
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15 QT Wellington Apartments Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
QT Wellington Apartments offers a fusion of luxurious art, technology and indulgence. It boasts an eclectic collection of New Zealand art and features a restaurant, heated indoor pool and a day spa. Free WiFi access is available throughout the hotel.
Each of the rooms at QT Wellington Apartments include abstract lines and playful patterns. Surrounded by urban hills, the air-conditioned rooms and studios are fitted with a work desk, ironing equipment and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some apartments feature harbour views.
Guests can swim in the heated pool or unwind in the sauna room. QT Wellington Apartments has a well-equipped fitness centre with treadmills and exercise bicycles.
Featuring stunning views of Wellington’s beautiful harbour, the Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar specializes in French fusion dishes. 24-hour room service is provided. Hot Sauce serves Asian-inspired fare and cool cocktails evenings Tuesday to Sunday.
QT Wellington Apartments is a 3-minute walk from dining options at Courtenay Place, and a 10-minute walk from the Wellington Waterfront. Wellington Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Guest review score 8.0,
rooms from around 303 NZD.
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16 Nomads Capital Backpackers - Wellington Wellington, New Zealand
See available rooms Hostel.
Located in the heart of the city, Nomads Capital Backpackers offers 5-star backpackers accommodation. It is a 5-minute walk from Wellington's stunning waterfront.
There is a range of comfortable accommodation options, including private rooms with an en suite bathroom, as well as large dormitory rooms. There is a lounge and TV room, a courtyard with BBQ facilities, and a fully equipped communal kitchen.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Blend Bar, which offers a range of drinks and dining deals, and regular live entertainment.
Nomads Capital is a 5-minute walk from Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street. It is also within a 5-minute walk of many theatres and vibrant nightlife. The Westpac stadium is a 20-minute walk away.
Guest review score 6.8,
rooms from around 32 NZD.
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17 Te Kopura Lodge Martinborough, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Boasting a garden, Te Kopura Lodge features accommodation, 15 km from Martinborough with free WiFi and lake views.
This lodge features a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave. The property also has 2 bathrooms with a bath, a shower and a hair dryer.
Masterton is 43 km from the lodge, while Greytown is 20 km away. The nearest airport is Wellington Airport, 84 km from Te Kopura Lodge.
Guest review score 9.7
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18 Incline Cottage Upper Hutt, New Zealand
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Situated in Upper Hutt in the Wellington region, Incline Cottage offers accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen and a private garden. It is located next to the Rimutaka Cycle Trail. Free WiFi is available.
The self-contained cottage features 1 bedroom with a Queen bed, a lounge area with a sofa bed, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV. Linen and towels are provided.
The lodge offers a barbecue. Guests can also relax on the sun terrace.
The centre of Upper Hutt is a 15 minute drive from Incline Cottage. Kapiti Coast Airport is 25 km from the property.
Guest review score 9.3,
rooms from around 171 NZD.
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19 Wharekauhau Country Estate Wairarapa, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Located on 3000 acres of land opposite Ocean Beach, Wharekauhau Country Estate boasts a day spa, a tennis court and an outdoor pool. It offers luxurious accommodation with bay views, included country breakfast and a gourmet 4-course dinner.
Each ocean-facing cottage features a double spa bath, a warming fireplace and antique furniture. All cottages have free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station and an LCD TV with satellite channels.
Wharekauhau Country Estate Palliser Bay is a 1.5-hour drive from central Wellington, and 2 hours’ drive from Wellington Airport. Hawkes Bay is a 4-hour drive away.
You can maintain your workout at the fitness centre, or enjoy a relaxing massage. The property also features horse riding, ATV quad biking and archery, as well as a croquet lawn and petanque field.
Start your day with breakfast from the continental buffet or the extensive cooked menu. Dinner features modern interpretations of New Zealand classics, including the famous Texel Lamb. You can enjoy a selection of canapés and pre-dinner drinks in the lounge or the sunny courtyard.
Guest review score 9.3,
rooms from around 3640 NZD.
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20 Twin Palms Waikanae, New Zealand
See available rooms Holiday home.
Twin Palms is located in Waikanae, less than 3 minutes' walk from Waikanae beach. Free WiFi is provided. There is a large 3 level deck outside for entertaining with BBQ.
The accommodation comes with a dining area and a seating area with a cable flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchen, fitted with a dishwasher. An oven and microwave are also featured, as well as a kettle. There are 3 bathrooms with free toiletries and a hairdryer in every unit. Bed linen, towels and beach towels are offered.
Above the garage is a large rumpus room/sleeping area that can sleep six people with an extra area to watch TV or play board games. There is also a separate laundry with washing machine and dryer.
The property is 17 km to Staglands Wildlife Park, bush walks and tramping in the Tararuas and Kapiti Island Native Bird Reserve. Porirua is 35 km from Twin Palms. The nearest airport is Wellington Airport, 56 km away. Free private parking is available on site.
Guest review score 9.2
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21 Boulcott Lodge Lower Hutt, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Situated just 10 minutes’ walk from Lower Hutt city centre, this 4.5-star motel offers stylish accommodation with satellite TV channels, cooking facilities and spacious bathrooms. Unlimited free WiFi and access to a nearby fitness centre are included.
The Boulcott Lodge is located 5 minutes’ drive from historic Petone and is only 15 minutes from central Wellington. It is just a 5-minute walk to both Boulcott Hospital and Hutt Hospital.
Each air conditioned studio or apartment at Boulcott Lodge includes a Smart TV, heating and double-glazed windows. Apartments with a full kitchen, including oven and dishwasher, are available.
Guest laundry facilities and free car parking are provided.
Guest review score 8.5,
rooms from around 228 NZD.
I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in December 2022. Did I miss a luxury hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!
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