The Luxury Travel Guide to Wellington

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Luxury Activities in Wellington

Looking for a special experience in Wellington? Discover these refined and unforgettable activities:

Take to the skies and discover some of the stunning scenery surrounding Wellington. Wellington Helicopters offers a range of deluxe tours. Fly to the Whaekauhau Country Estate set among lush countryside and rolling hills where you’ll indulge in a five-course gourmet lunch including New Zealand wine.

Alternatively, explore the outskirts of Wellington, including its seal colonies, the Cook Strait and the Karori Rock Lighthouse on the Wellington South Coast Discovery tour.

Did you know that Wellington has its own wine-making region? Discover it for yourself on a day trip to Martinborough in the Wairarapa. This European-style wine village is packed with cellar doors and wineries to indulge in.

Make your own itinerary using our 10 Exquisite Vineyards & Wineries in Martinborough and hiring a bike with Green Jersey Cycle Tours in Martinborough to get around.

Alternatively, join Zozo Travel for their half-day wine tour departing from the Wellington city centre i-SITE.

With 27 golf courses across the region, Wellington is a golfer’s dream. Hit prestigious courses like the Royal Wellington Golf Club located alongside the stunning Hutt River.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club on the Kapiti Coast offers tee-ers the chance to play over dune lands on a course that has hosted the New Zealand Open over 12 times.

See more golf courses worth checking out in our 20 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.

Finally, visit one of Wellington’s most popular attractions at the most exclusive time of the day: at night. The Zealandia “Night Tour” is a guided night tour through the eco-sanctuary for native birds.

Look out for the elusive kiwi bird, see beautiful glowworms and enjoy a guided tour of Zealandia’s interactive museum.

© Rydges Wellington

Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations in Wellington

Some of the world’s biggest names in hotels have an address in New Zealand’s capital.

Although we outline all your options in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

InterContinental Wellington – Five-Star Luxury Overlooking the Capital’s Harbour

Enjoy luxury at the InterContinental Wellington, a five-star retreat located in the heart of the capital. This prestigious hotel boasts an array of exquisite guest rooms and suites, each offering a perfect blend of comfort and style with breathtaking views of the harbour or iconic city skyline.

We’re particularly impressed by the plush furnishings, modern fittings, and sumptuous bathrobes that await in every room.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the “Premium Club” rooms provide exclusive access to the award-winning “Club InterContinental Lounge”. Here, guests can indulge in personalised service and complimentary refreshments.

Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the hotel’s diverse dining options, from the seafood-centric GPO to the innovative Two Gray Café, Bar & Eatery. Don’t miss the hotel’s famous afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge.

After a day of exploration, unwind at the Emerge Health Club, complete with a heated pool, spa, sauna, and state-of-the-art gym.

Discover why InterContinental Wellington is a top choice for luxury travellers and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Rydges Wellington – Modern Harbourfront Comfort in the City Centre

Stay in style and comfort at the four-star Rydges Wellington, located in Featherston Street. We love their “Deluxe” rooms, which offer either private balconies or stunning harbour views. These rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with Chromecast and kitchenettes for added convenience.

For those seeking extra space, the apartment-style suites with washer and dryer facilities are perfect for longer stays.

After a day of exploring Wellington, unwind in the hotel’s leisure facilities or indulge in a meal at the award-winning Portlander Bar & Grill. This grill house concept focuses on local, seasonal ingredients and exceptional cuts of meat, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.

The hotel is also suitable for families too with a “kids stay free” deal.

Find out what makes Rydges Wellington a fantastic base for luxury travellers, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

© Capture Studios - WellingtonNZ

Luxury Dining in Wellington

New Zealand’s coolest little capital is packed with eateries and foodie experiences. Treat yourself to some of the finest dining experiences by booking a table at one of Wellington’s renowned restaurants.

One of the most iconic establishments is Logan Brown, set in a historic banking chamber on Wellington’s vibrant Cuba Street. Known for its refined modern New Zealand cuisine, Logan Brown offers a luxurious yet accessible dining experience. We thoroughly enjoy their set-menu degustation, featuring seasonal local produce paired with exquisite wines. It’s a culinary journey that truly captures the essence of Wellington’s food scene.

For seafood lovers, Whitebait offers a prime waterfront location and mouthwatering dishes cooked in a Josper charcoal-fired oven. While the seafood is the star, their lamb dishes and desserts are equally indulgent.

Another gem is Highwater Eatery, celebrated for its innovative menu and particularly lauded for its lamb shoulder special.

These top-tier venues emphasise local ingredients, chef creativity, and carefully designed ambience, ensuring a memorable dining experience in the heart of Wellington.

See more recommendations in 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Wellington.

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All-weather Luxury Activities in Wellington

Wellington’s weather may be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some luxurious experiences come rain or shine. We’ve curated a selection of activities that will keep you entertained and pampered, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.

For fashion enthusiasts, Wellington’s designer boutiques offer a lavish shopping experience. According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, the city’s fashion scene thrives around Cuba Street and Te Aro, where stylish stores intersect with art galleries.

We admire Jhana Millers Gallery on Victoria Street and Hamish McKay Gallery for their unique designer jewellery and art pieces. Vintage lovers, don’t miss Ziggurat on Cuba Street, we can’t get enough of their high-quality vintage finery for both men and women.

When evening falls, why not savour some fine whisky and cocktails at Wellington’s reputable bars? Ancestral presents expert-curated tastings in an ambience of understated elegance, while Portlander boasts an impressive collection of around 120 whiskies (including rare Kiwi releases).

For a more intimate experience, we personally love Crumpet, which combines charm with hand-selected bottles and approachable presentation.

Art aficionados will appreciate Wellington’s thought-provoking galleries. We’re drawn to the Cuba Street arts precinct, where you’ll find gems like Enjoy Contemporary Art Space, McLeavey Gallery, and Thistle Hall showcasing emerging and established Kiwi artists.

Along Victoria and Ghuznee Streets, Page Galleries, Bartley and Company Art, Jhana Millers, and Kura Gallery offer a diverse range of contemporary and Māori artwork.

Seek out some of the 12 Art Galleries & Museums in Wellington yourself.