Where to Find Family-Friendly Accommodation in Wellington
If your family travels of New Zealand have brought you to the capital city, then you’re in for a treat.
Wellington is packed with fascinating museums, movie studios and easy walking trails to keep the little ones stimulated, but where should families stay in between adventures? We go through some of our favourite luxury stays, affordable hotels and motel accommodations in this list of the best family accommodations in Wellington!
While you’re here, don’t miss our 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids and The Guide to Wellington for Families.
Table of Contents
1. Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington features stunning city and harbour views from its central location on Featherston Street. This family-friendly 4-star hotel boasts modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, Chromecast and kitchenettes, ideal for those travelling with kids.
Apartment-style suites with washer and dryer facilities are also available for extended stays.
Families will appreciate the convenience of free WiFi throughout and leisure facilities.
After a day of sightseeing, indulge in local and seasonal dishes at the award-winning Portlander Bar & Grill.
No wonder this accommodation makes it onto The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.
Book Rydges Wellington:
© Rydges-Wellington2. Adina CityLife Wellington
Adina CityLife Wellington provides an ideal combination of comfort and convenience for families looking for a home-like experience in the city centre. This modern 4-star hotel boasts spacious studios and apartments with fully equipped kitchens, ideal for preparing family meals.
The “Family Accommodation” options include 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with separate living areas, ensuring privacy and ample space for everyone.
Located on Lambton Quay, Wellington’s trendy shopping district, Adina CityLife puts you right in the centre of the action. Families will appreciate the hotel’s fitness centre and the convenience of free unlimited WiFi.
For those nights when cooking seems like a chore, selected local restaurants offer direct room delivery.
For more accommodations with kitchen facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Wellington.
Book Adina CityLife Wellington:
- Adina CityLife Wellington on Booking.com
- Adina CityLife Wellington on Trip.com
- Adina CityLife Wellington on Expedia
© CityLife Wellington3. Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Stay in arguably the most picturesque inner-city suburb of Wellington, Oriental Bay.
The four-star Copthorne Hotel Wellington is a mere 10-minute walk from highlights such as the Te Papa Museum, Courtney Place, Mt Victoria and, of course, Oriental Bay Beach is right on your doorstep.
Families have the option of double rooms with two double beds and with or without a harbour view.
Those looking for affordability may want to choose the “Superior Room” with a private balcony, while those seeking luxury will find it in the “Junior Suite” with a separate living and dining area.
Larger groups will find space in the “Copthorne’s Apartment”, complete with a kitchenette.
Book Copthorne Hotel Wellington:
- Copthorne Hotel Wellington on Booking.com
- Copthorne Hotel Wellington on Trip.com
- Copthorne Hotel Wellington on Expedia
© Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental-Bay4. Apollo Lodge Motel
Apollo Lodge – Free Parking offers a prime location in Wellington’s entertainment precinct, perfect for families seeking convenience and comfort.
This well-maintained motel complex boasts 15 apartments and 42 units, ranging from cosy studios to spacious family units. We’re big fans of the variety, with accommodation spread across a grand Edwardian house and more contemporary buildings.
The free WiFi and off-street parking (subject to availability) are definite perks for travellers. With guest laundry facilities on-site, it’s an ideal base for extended family stays in the capital.
Some of the family units have full kitchens, so be sure to ask if you need these facilities. Otherwise, you’re mere moments away from the city centre’s eateries, so inspire yourself with The Food Guide to Wellington: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Book Apollo Lodge Motel:
© Apollo Lodge Motel5. Quest on Johnston
Quest Serviced Apartments are all over Wellington like a Kiwi on marmite and one of the many family-friendly options is Quest on Johnston.
With its super central location and all the home essentials, like a full kitchen and separate bedrooms, the apartment hotel is like your own city centre home away from home.
The two-bedroom apartments are an ideal choice for families of up to five, while a three-bedroom apartment is also available.
Note that you’ll also find Quest Atrium, Quest 256 Lambton, Quest on The Terrace, Quest on Thorndon, Quest on Lambton and Quest Wellington, so shop around!
Book Quest on Johnston:
© NZPocketGuide.com6. The Dwellington
Don’t be too quick to turn your nose up at this modern backpacker hostel in Wellington.
The Dwellington provides very comfortable family rooms with a double bed and bunk layout for a very affordable price.
The modernly furnished hostel features unique facilities, including a boutique cinema room, as well as handy essentials such as a communal kitchen and laundry facilities. All rooms, however, have shared bathroom facilities.
For more ultra-cheap stays, check out the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wellington.
Book The Dwellington:
© The Dwellington7. U Boutique Hotel
Impossible to miss with its quirky murals on the exterior, U Boutique Hotel is a compact hotel with stylish rooms for families.
Stay in one of their “Family Suites” sleeping up to five across two separate (but interconnecting) rooms or opt for a more lavish apartment with three bedrooms – either way, this hotel easily makes it high on our list of best family accommodations in Wellington.
See how the hotel compares to the rest in the 25 Best Hotels in Wellington.
Book U Boutique Hotel:
© U Boutique Hotel8. U Suites Kilbirnie
U Suites Kilbirnie offers a perfect family-friendly base in Wellington, conveniently situated between the airport, Lyall Bay and the city centre.
This modern apartment-style accommodation offers spacious, fully self-contained units with complimentary WiFi and air conditioning. Each apartment features a private bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a dining area, making it ideal for families seeking a home-away-from-home experience.
Families will appreciate the range of modern amenities, including streaming services, washing machines, and work desks.
Additional comforts such as sofa beds, dishwashers, microwaves, and complimentary toiletries ensure a convenient and comfortable stay.
Book U Suites Kilbirnie:
© U Suites Kilbirnie9. Newlands Court Motel
Discover family-friendly comfort at the recently refurbished Newlands Court Motel, located just a 15-minute drive from Wellington’s bustling centre.
This motel offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful gardens and convenient free on-site parking. Each heated room features modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, sofa and refrigerator.
Families will appreciate the select rooms, which feature fully equipped kitchens complete with ovens for easy self-catering.
It’s an ideal choice for families seeking a homely atmosphere with easy access to Wellington’s attractions.
Book Newlands Court Motel:
- Newlands Court Motel on Booking.com
- Newlands Court Motel on Trip.com
- Newlands Court Motel on Expedia
© Newlands Court Motel10. TrinketBox
Wellington city might not have a great variety of holiday homes, but a hidden gem is TrinketBox.
This three-level three-bedroom holiday home in Thorndon is just a 5-10-minute walk from the city centre and nearby the Wellington Botanic Garden – one of the 21 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wellington.
The house is equipped with modern fixtures including two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, as well as a patio area with views of the leafy suburbs, hills and city.
Book TrinketBox out:
© TrinketBox11. James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor offers a prime location on The Terrace. Recently refurbished “Executive King” and “Twin Rooms” provide a fresh and comfortable stay, while all air-conditioned rooms feature private bathrooms, work desks, free WiFi, cable TV, refrigerators and tea/coffee facilities. Some rooms boast stunning city or harbour views.
Families will appreciate the spacious layout and convenient amenities. The hotel’s facilities include a 24-hour front desk, business centre and guest access to Les Mills fitness centre on Lambton Quay.
Dining options are plentiful with the 17th-floor Whitby’s Restaurant and Bar offering buffet or à la carte meals with harbour views, while Sojourn Café presents a contemporary menu. Enjoy live piano music in Whitby’s & Sojourn several days a week for a touch of elegance.
Book the James Cook Hotel:
© James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor12. Bolton Hotel
For a luxurious family stay in Wellington’s central business district, the Bolton Hotel is an elegant choice. This boutique 5-star hotel offers spacious studios and suites, most with views of Bolton Memorial Park or downtown Wellington.
Families will appreciate the fully equipped kitchens, separate dining and living areas and laundry facilities in every suite.
The hotel boasts free WiFi on multiple devices, in-room iPad minis, and secure valet parking. After a day of exploring, unwind in the fitness centre or spa pool.
For dining, Artisan serves modern New Zealand cuisine, while the lobby café offers locally roasted coffee and homemade treats.
See more stays like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington.
Book Bolton Hotel:
© Bolton Hotel13. Trinity Hotel
Offering hotel accommodation for the more budget-conscious and smaller family, Trinity Hotel provides rooms for up to three guests.
Choose the “Trinity Twin Room” with one queen and one single bed or you could split rooms between a queen room or a “Twin Single” room should your family be larger.
The hotel has all the usual facilities, including a bar and restaurant popular with guests and locals alike. What’s more, the city centre location is ideal.
See more cheap options in the 15 BEST Budget Accommodations in Wellington.
Book Trinity Hotel:
© Trinity Hotel14. Airport Motor Lodge
Nestled in vibrant Miramar, Airport Motor Lodge offers a comfortable family retreat near Wellington’s bustling cafes, boutique cinema, Weta Workshop and airport. The lodge boasts spacious rooms, with “Spa Studio” and “Large Studio” ideal for families of three or four. Enjoy seamless communication with complimentary WiFi and convenient free parking for road-trippers.
The attentive front desk provides express check-in/out and safety deposit boxes, while daily housekeeping ensures a pleasant stay.
For a touch of luxury, some rooms feature balconies, air conditioning and in-room entertainment. Start your day with a delicious on-site breakfast and unwind at the spa before departure.
Book Airport Motor Lodge:
© Airport Motor Lodge15. Halswell Lodge
Halswell Lodge offers a prime location next to Courtenay Place in central Wellington, making it an ideal base for families exploring the city.
This versatile accommodation provides free unlimited WiFi and a range of room options to suit different needs. Guests can choose from hotel rooms, spacious family units, or studios and apartments with cooking facilities.
All rooms feature private bathrooms, refrigerators, heating, and tea/coffee making facilities, with some boasting luxurious spa baths.
The property also offers guest laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for families on the move.
With its central location and variety of amenities, Halswell Lodge caters to both short and extended family stays in the heart of Wellington.
Book Halswell Lodge:
© Halswell Lodge[UPDATE] Harbour City Motor Inn
[Update: This accommodation is no longer accepting short-term guests, as it now provides emergency housing in Wellington].
There’s plenty of space for the whole family in one of the Family Units of the Harbour City Motor Inn. For those travelling by car, you could be hitting the jackpot with the Harbour City Motor Inn offering free undercover parking yet being a mere five minutes walk from Wellington’s city centre.
The affordable Family Unit has a queen bed and a single bed in one room and two singles in the lounge. You’ll be kept warm with the electric blankets, while able to make your own meals using private kitchen facilities.
Larger groups can also make use of the motor inn’s three-bedroom apartment with a conservatory.
More Family Accommodations in Wellington
That’s it for our list of the best family accommodations in Wellington, but it’s by no means the end of our Wellington tips! Check out these articles to make the most of your time in Wellington:
- The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington
- 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids
- 25 Best Things to Do in Wellington
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Wellington for Families.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Don Benny V.
This article was reviewed and published by Don Benny, a seasoned travel editor with a deep passion for exploring New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. Having explored much of New Zealand’s North Island first-hand, from the cultural heart of Rotorua to the wine country of Wairarapa and the capital charm of Wellington, he brings local insight and a traveller’s eye to every piece he writes. Don Benny’s travel advice is shaped by real experiences, and he loves helping visitors uncover both iconic highlights and hidden gems throughout Aotearoa.
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