Island Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Paul Billaney
Photo by Paul Billaney
Photo by Rachel Brown
Photo by Rachel Brown

Popular places to visit

Island Bay Beach

Island Bay Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Island Bay Beach during your trip to Wellington? Visit the shops and charming cafes in this walkable area.

Island Bay Beach
Te Papa

Te Papa

Get hands on as you learn about the heritage of these islands at New Zealand's free national museum.

Te Papa
Wellington showing interior views and kayaking or canoeing

Wellington Central Business District

Wellington Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Wellington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this walkable area.

Wellington Central Business District
Cuba Street Mall which includes café lifestyle and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Cuba Street Mall

Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.

Cuba Street Mall
Courtenay Place featuring interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Courtenay Place

Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.

Courtenay Place
TSB Arena which includes modern architecture

TSB Bank Arena

Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.

TSB Bank Arena

Activities

The black rider is looking for something, or someone.

Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

AU$160
per adult
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
4-Day Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua Tour

4-Day Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua Tour

AU$1,315
per adult
4-Day Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua Tour
Cable car over Auckland at dusk

3-Day Wellington to Auckland Tour

AU$1,168
per adult
3-Day Wellington to Auckland Tour
Time for a rest.

Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

AU$179
per adult
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Cruise through stunning Oriental Bay, one of Wellingtons most desirable suburbs!

Full Day Guided Wellington Tour

AU$229
per adult
Full Day Guided Wellington Tour
Recreate iconic scenes from the movie!

Lord of the Rings 1/2 day Tour to rule them all

AU$169
per adult
Lord of the Rings 1/2 day Tour to rule them all
See all activities in Wellington

Our pick of the best Island Bay Hotel Deals

Willis Wellington Hotel

Willis Wellington Hotel

3.5 out of 5
355 Willis St, Wellington
The price is AU$75 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$75
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"bed was okay. we paid for a king size but it was just like 2 single beds pushed together. a bit bothersome when laying down."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Willis Wellington Hotel
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
The price is AU$103 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$103
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,536 reviews)
"Great location, nice hotel. Breakfast up stairs is amazing. Best coffee of the trip, try the mocha from the machine."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
The price is AU$122 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$122
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,326 reviews)
"Fantastic central city location. Very quiet. Staff were awesome."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is AU$174 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$174
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Good value for money and helpful, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Rydges Wellington
Rydges Wellington Airport

Rydges Wellington Airport

4.5 out of 5
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai, Wellington
The price is AU$198 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
AU$198
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Wellington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Great stay, beautiful room, so convenient walking straight through to airport terminal"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Rydges Wellington Airport
ibis Wellington

ibis Wellington

3.5 out of 5
153 Featherston St, Wellington
The price is AU$108 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$108
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Wellington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very central so could walk everywhere"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

ibis Wellington
See all 430 properties in Island Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Island Bay

Wellington Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals

Newtown

If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Newtown
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Kilbirnie

Restaurants and shopping are notable features of Kilbirnie. You might consider stopping by ASB Sports Centre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Kilbirnie
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Brooklyn

Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Basin Reserve and Central Park.

Brooklyn
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Mount Cook

If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Basin Reserve and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Cook
Mount Victoria Lookout featuring night scenes, a marina and a bay or harbour

Mount Victoria

If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.

Mount Victoria
Courtenay Place featuring interior views and a bar as well as a small group of people

Te Aro

4.5/5(1,649 area reviews)

Te Aro is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St James Theatre and Cuba Street Mall, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Wellington.

Te Aro

Island Bay Travel Guide

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