City stays in the cultural capital

As New Zealand's capital city, "windy Welly" boasts plenty of attractions to hold your attention, from the iconic Te Papa museum to perpetually packed theatres and lauded dining districts such as Cuba Street. To take advantage of the many things to see, do, eat and experience, be sure to book your Wellington accommodation in the centre of town.

Take your pick of six Quest hotels scattered throughout Wellington, including locations at Hunter Street and Lambton Quay. The 4.5-star rated Novotel Wellington is a contemporary fixture in the heart of this cosmopolitan city – as is the equally renowned Rydges – while the Bolton Hotel takes the crown as one of the city's best luxury boutiques.

Lap up the Lambton Harbour views

A small bay off the larger, more famous Wellington Harbour, Lambton Harbour hugs downtown Wellington and provides a glorious vista for those who choose to stay close to the sea. One of the most exquisite dwellings by the waterfront is the Museum Art Hotel Apartments, a 5-star player on the Wellington accommodation scene.

You can also take advantage of the marina views by checking into a spacious suite at the Amora Hotel, the InterContinental Wellington or the Copthorne at Oriental Bay. What's more, all of the aforementioned hotels are rated highly for their style, service and in-house facilities such as gyms, spas and restaurants.

Welly's motor inns, motels and more

Are you keen on discovering the North Island on the road with your own set of wheels or travelling with the kids in tow? Beyond the economical backpackers hostels and top-of-the-line apartments at the harbour's edge, there are plenty of mid-range options just beyond the city limits.

Stay close to the airport – still only five kilometres from the city centre – at the Airport Motel on Tirangi Road, or cosy yourself into a bed and breakfast in the outer-city suburb of Mount Victoria, where you are guaranteed to be welcomed with classic kiwi hospitality.