15 BEST Budget Accommodations in Wellington 🛌🏼 [2024]

Where to Find the Cheap Accommodation in Wellington City

Did you know that you can stay in your own private room in Wellington without breaking the bank? There is plenty of budget accommodations in Wellington city for solo travellers, couples and groups. To help you find the most suitable Wellington budget accommodation for you, we’ve put together this list of the most affordable places to stay.

In this list, we have put together what we consider some of the best cheap accommodations based on location, inclusions like kitchen facilities, free WiFi, parking and other things budget travellers may need. Of course, it is also based on price. The list also captures a bit of everything in Wellington, from proper hotel experiences to self-contained apartments, B&Bs and private rooms with shared facilities.

Before we get started, be sure to open up the 21 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wellington for fun experiences for an affordable stay in “Welly”.

1. The Marion Hostel

Some of the best-loved budget accommodations in Wellington are, in fact, backpacker hostels, so it’s only fitting to start this list off with The Marion Hostel. Even discerning travellers might like the private rooms of this stylish city-centre hostel which is renovated with love inside a historical building. The hostel offers the ultimate “flashpacker” experience, boasting pod-style dorm beds with a privacy curtain, personal power sockets and a drawer-style locker. You’ll also find twin and double rooms for a little extra privacy, while the communal kitchen, indoor dining area and rooftop outdoor dining area are awesome places to relax. As an ultra-popular accommodation, The Marion also makes it onto The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.

Check The Marion Hostel out:

10 Best Budget Accommodation in Wellington City

2. Microtel by Wyndham Wellington

One of the cheapest hotels in the city, Microtel by Wyndham Wellington offers private ensuite rooms ideal for solo travellers and couples. All rooms have a work desk, drink-making facilities, a smart TV with streaming services, free WiFi, a personal fridge and contemporary art and interior design. Note that most rooms are quite compact with the exception of the more spacious “Business Queen”. What’s more, you have a nice central location within walking distance of most attractions.

Check Microtel by Wyndham Wellington out:

3. The Dwellington

For travellers looking for a refreshing yet affordable place to stay in the capital, check out The Dwellington. The modernly-furnished hostel includes some unique facilities like a boutique cinema room. Rooms include dorms with custom-timber bunks, female-only dorms and private triple, twin, double and even family rooms. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities. For more options for family rooms, head to the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Wellington.

Check The Dwellington out:

4. Trinity Hotel

Trinity Hotel is everything you would expect from a hotel. The double and queen rooms are an affordable option with an ensuite bathroom. Choose this hotel if you want a central location and plan on eating out or want to treat yourself at their rooftop bar. Unlimited free WiFi is available in each room. What’s more, on-site parking is available at an extra cost. For alternative hotel suggestions, take a look at the 25 Best Hotels in Wellington.

Check Trinity Hotel out:

5. Capital View Motor Inn

Although a little more expensive than other accommodations on this list (just a tad though), Capital View Motor Inn has the advantage of free on-site parking in a very central location in Wellington. Plus, each studio and one-bedroom apartment has its own private kitchen and bathroom facilities for an ultra-convenient stay in the city. WiFi is also included, while the motel’s perched position on the hills surrounding the city centre provides awesome city views. For more stays with private kitchens, head to the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Wellington.

Check Capital View Motor Inn out:

6. Richmond Guest House

Close enough to the city centre for convenience yet far enough away to drop the price of private rooms a little, Richmond Guest House is a worthy cheap accommodation in Wellington to consider. Choose from colourful and quirky double, single and triple rooms each with an ensuite shower room and breakfast included! There’s a communal kitchen to spruce up your own creations, while the access to free WiFi plus a TV lounge offers more ways to relax. Parking is on the street but the guest house will provide you with a resident card. For more couple-centric stays, take a look at the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Wellington.

Check Richmond Guest House out:

6. Executive Style Bedroom Homestay

Another way to stay for cheap in Wellington is to book a homestay. The “Executive Style Bedroom Homestay” is one of the best-priced, providing a private room with a modern ensuite shower room. The homestay is located on the edge of Te Ahumairangi Hill with a myriad of walking trails and a short drive or bus journey into Wellington city centre (20 minutes walk). Guests are free to make use of the large kitchen where hot drinks, fruit and sweet treats are provided.

Check Executive Style Bedroom Homestay out:

Executive Style Bedroom Homestay on Booking.com

7. Pacific View Bed and Breakfast

An alternative B&B stay, this time on the coastal outskirts of the city at Strathmore Park, Pacific View Bed and Breakfast offers two guest rooms with a private bathroom each. The accommodation enjoys Wellington Harbour views from many angles, including the upstairs conservatory where you’ll enjoy your included breakfast. You’re also close to the suburb of Miramar and its movie-making attractions, which you can read up on in the 10 Best Things to Do in Miramar.

Check Pacific View Bed and Breakfast out:

8. Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

While this hotel’s claim to fame is that it has hosted the Queen’s entourage – albeit, in 1953 – the essence of the hotel is still noticeable in Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers. Choose from private hotel rooms and dorm rooms where every guest has access to free WiFi, a pool table, a TV lounge and dining rooms, as well as a kitchen to spruce up your own meals. There is also an onsite cafe, The Duke of Wellington open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the bar is open on Fridays. For more hostels, head to the 7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wellington.

Check Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers out:

9. Bay Plaza Hotel

Boasting an enviable position in Wellington’s city centre beach spot, Oriental Parade, Bay Plaza Hotel offers a great location in Wellington, especially for the price! Enjoy amazing vistas from the 11-floor building, whether it’s in one of the queen, king, twin or suite rooms. All of your basic hotel essentials are here, from the ensuite bathroom to the hot drink-making facilities in your room. There’s also an on-site restaurant which makes for an easy breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Check Bay Plaza Hotel out:

10. Shepherds Arms Hotel

For classic above-a-pub accommodation at an affordable price, choose the Shepherds Arms Hotel. Single rooms have a shared bathroom, while the queen suite has an ensuite. Other room types are available. Join the locals downstairs at the Shepherds Arms Restaurant and enjoy free WiFi and free parking. The Shepherds Arms Hotel is within a 10-minute walk of the city centre.

Check Shepherds Arms Hotel out:

11. Halswell Lodge

As well as offering studios, Halswell Lodge has some extremely affordable single, twin and double rooms for those travelling on a budget. There’s free unlimited WiFi and the lodge has a convenient central location. Kitchen facilities are shared.

Check Halswell Lodge out:

12. The Cambridge Hotel

This hotel within walking distance of the city centre has a budget room for everyone. Part hotel, part hostel, rooms at The Cambridge Hotel range from dorms to private single, twin, double and quadruple rooms. Some rooms have en-suite. The historic hotel is within walking distance from Te Papa, Oriental Bay and the city centre. Eggs on toast for breakfast are a mere NZ$3, while facilities like kitchen, lounge and laundry are shared and offer more conveniences to save money.

Check The Cambridge Hotel out:

13. Aura Hotel

With a super central location and super affordable prices, Aura Hotel ticks the right boxes. Many of the activities mentioned in our 21 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wellington are easily accessible from this cheap hotel. Rooms offered are double, triple and quadruple rooms with some of those being en-suite. There are shared kitchen and lounge facilities, plus free WiFi.

Check Aura Hotel out:

14. Willis Wellington Hotel

Situated just outside the city centre (about a 20-minute walk to the waterfront), Willis Wellington Hotel offers budget-friendly private rooms, especially for solo travellers. Couples may also sometimes get a good deal depending on the date. There is an on-site restaurant and the hotel is close to bars and restaurants. Free WiFi is available and on-site parking is an extra cost.

Check Willis Wellington Hotel out:

15. 747 Motel

For a budget stay within 5 minutes drive of Wellington Airport, try 747 Motel. Private single rooms are particularly affordable with access to a shared kitchen, barbecue and laundry. Each room has an ensuite and a sofa.

Check 747 Motel out:

747 Motel on Expedia

[UPDATE] The Setup on Manners

[Update: The Setup on Manners is no longer offering short-term stays, now providing long-term accommodation in Wellington. For more tips on long-term stays in the city, check out Wellington City: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.]

The Setup on Manners is quite the setup! Get everything you need in your own private apartment within walking distance of the city centre attractions. A lounge and a bathroom are included in each apartment as well as a kitchen so you can save the cents on the food. Get some inspiration for quick and easy meals that won’t get in the way of your trip here. Plus, free WiFi!

More Budget Accommodations in Wellington

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget 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:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Wellington on a Budget.

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 [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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