Wellington is a funky city known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or relaxing on the beaches, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Wellington that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Wellington?
You should plan to spend around $119 (NZ$210) per day on your vacation in Wellington. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (NZ$86) on meals
- $11 (NZ$20) on local transportation
- $115 (NZ$203) on hotels
A one week trip to Wellington for two people costs, on average, $1,662 (NZ$2,940). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$831
NZ$1,470
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,662
NZ$2,940
-
One Month
Per person
$3,562
NZ$6,300
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,662
NZ$2,940
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,325
NZ$5,880
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,125
NZ$12,600
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Wellington cost?
A one week trip to Wellington usually costs around $831 (NZ$1,470) for one person and $1,662 (NZ$2,940) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Wellington on average costs around $1,662 (NZ$2,940) for one person and $3,325 (NZ$5,880) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Wellington will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Wellington on average costs around $3,562 (NZ$6,300) for one person and $7,125 (NZ$12,600) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Wellington expensive to visit?
Wellington is a popular city that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Wellington can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $47 (NZ$84) per day, mid-range travelers spend $117 (NZ$210) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $288 (NZ$519) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Wellington.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Wellington is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Wellington Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Wellington?
The average Wellington trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Wellington travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Wellington cost?
Wellington on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
(NZ$42)
|
$57
(NZ$101)
|
$131
(NZ$232)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(NZ$8.44)
|
$11
(NZ$20)
|
$23
(NZ$40)
|
Food 2
|
$18
(NZ$32)
|
$48
(NZ$86)
|
$135
(NZ$239)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(NZ$12)
|
$15
(NZ$27)
|
$29
(NZ$51)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(NZ$4-13)
|
$6-17
(NZ$10-31)
|
$14-41
(NZ$24-73)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Wellington. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $47 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Wellington offers plenty of hostels, including Trek Global, The Marion, and The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal. The city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. The culinary scene is also a highlight for everyone in Wellington, but budget travelers tend to eat street food or make their own meals in hostels, potentially missing out on the rich flavors of the local cuisine.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Wellington will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $117 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Wellington. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Bolton Hotel Wellington is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and CityLife Wellington is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Wellington here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $288. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Spectacular Wellington: Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Wellington
Hotel prices in Wellington can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $102, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $190. Budget accommodations range from $69 to $274, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Wellington for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $115 (NZ$203). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $57 (NZ$101) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Wellington? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Wellington include:
- Bolton Hotel Wellington starting at $123
- CityLife Wellington starting at $120
- Capital View Motor Inn starting at $85
Wellington has a great public transit that lets you stay outside the city to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
Wellington is known as a family-friendly city, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Many visitors prefer to discover Wellington by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.
Transportation Budget in Wellington
Wellington is well-served by its public transit system. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike. For quick, cost-effective travel, stick to public transportation, but taxis and rideshares are always available when needed.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.
Public Transit: 



(great)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (NZ$20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Wellington. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Wellington is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
NZ$20
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Airport Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver for $70 details
- Guided Transfers & Tour for $57 details
- Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer for $40 details
How much does it cost to go to Wellington? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Wellington will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Wellington
Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Wellington by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Wellington can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Wellington is $48 (NZ$86) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$48
NZ$86
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Wellington is around $48 (NZ$86) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $133. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Wellington are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
There are a variety of wonderful food options in Wellington. You'll find some traditional restaurants as well as countless cafes around town, but you'll also find international restaurants ranging from Malaysian to Indian or Chinese. If you're traveling on a budget and looking for the best deal, fish and chips is the best way to go and you'll usually find the best options out in the suburbs.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you want to experience the culture in Wellington, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Capital Bites, A food tour of Wellington for $131 details
- A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day) for $178 details
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour for $122 details
Below are some standard food costs in Wellington, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Wellington
It's no wonder that tourists flock to Wellington, as it is known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Wellington typically cost an average of $15 (NZ$27) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
NZ$27
Wellington has a large number of cultural sights and attractions around town. If you're interested in musuems, then popular places to visit include the City Gallery, Te Papa (the national museum), The Museum of Wellington City & Sea, the National Library, and Carter Observatory. Impressive architecture around town includes Futuna Chapel, Plimmer's Ark, and Turnbull House. A great park to visit is Frank Kitts Park and Karori Cemetary is a nice place to have a picnic. If you're looking for the best views around town head to Mount Victoria, Mount Kaukau, Wrights Hill, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine, or Massey Memorial.
If you want to do a day trip, Wellington has many options as it is surrounded by a ruggedly beautiful coastline and rolling hills. There is also a beautiful harbour. You can easily venture out of town and you'll find some wonderful hiking trails and vineyards that offer some of New Zealand's wonderful scenery right at your doorstep. If you're not sure where to begin you can head over to the Wellington Visitor Information Centre in Civic Square at the intersection of Corner Victoria and Wakefield Streets. They can give you some great ideas as far as sights within Wellington and great day trips to the surrounding areas.
If you end up in Wellington at the right time of year, you visit one of the city's many festivals. Some great options include the Festival of the Arts in February and Beck's Incredible Film Festival which highlights some strange but interesting very low budget films. The quality is questionable, but it's an entertaining way to pass some time.
Beaches:
Many people flock to Wellington for a serene day at the beach. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.
Shopping:
Shopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Wellington. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Spectacular Half Day Private Sightseeing Tour for $186 details
- Wellington Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour for $49 details
- Private Wairarapa Wine Delights Tour from Wellington for $300 details
Nightlife Budget in Wellington
The nightlife in Wellington is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $12 (NZ$21) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Wellington per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
NZ$21
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Wellington. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour for $162 details
- Private Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour with lunch from Wellington for $290 details
- Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour for $168 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 25, 2024
Traveling in Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
Wellington's climate is temperate marine. The temperatures remain moderate year around and the highs rarely climb above 77 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows rarely drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the mild winters, the wind can make it feel surprisingly cold. June and July are the wettest months.
Neighborhoods & Around
Wellington's city center is compact and active. The area is very linear with the most commericialized area being the Golden Mile. This area is between the Railway Station down Lambton Quay to Willis Street and on to Courtenay Place. Manners Mall is a pedestrianized area with many shops. The Waterfront is from Kumutoto in the north, past Queen's Wharf to Frank Kitts Park and then on to the Lagoon and City-to-Sea Bridge and Waitangi Park. Oriental Bay has a nice beach and promenade as well.
Wellington's suburbs include Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.