Cost of Living in Wellington
How much does it cost to visit Wellington? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Frank McKenna / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
NZD 120
per day
Weekly: NZD 840
Monthly: NZD 3600
Examples
- 🏨Base Hostel dorm bedNZD 40
- 🍽️Lunch from a food truck at Civic Square, dinner from Moore Wilson's Fresh food marketNZD 35
- 🚌Walking and occasional Metlink bus fareNZD 10
- 🎟️Wellington Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (free entry, special exhibits may have cost)NZD 0
- 🎟️Cable Car ride to the Botanic GardenNZD 9
- 🎟️Explore the Botanic Garden and walk down through the cityNZD 0
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
NZD 250
per day
Weekly: NZD 1750
Monthly: NZD 7500
Examples
- 🏨QT Wellington private roomNZD 150
- 🍽️Brunch at Floriditas, dinner at OmbraNZD 100
- 🚌Day pass for Metlink buses and ferriesNZD 20
- 🎟️Weta Workshop TourNZD 50
- 🎟️Visit Zealandia EcosanctuaryNZD 25
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
NZD 500
per day
Weekly: NZD 3500
Monthly: NZD 15000
Examples
- 🏨InterContinental Wellington suiteNZD 350
- 🍽️Degustation menu at Logan Brown, cocktails at The Green RoomNZD 150
- 🚌Private car service for the dayNZD 100
- 🎟️Wellington Gondola to Brooklyn, explore local artisan shopsNZD 40
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Parliament BuildingsNZD 60
Cost by Category
accommodation
NZD 60-150 (hostel/budget hotel)
food
NZD 40-80 (mix of cafes/casual dining)
Transport
NZD 10-20 (walking/occasional bus)
activities
NZD 30-70 (museums/attractions)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Te Aro | Mid-range | Average | first-timers, foodies |
| Waterfront | Mid-range | Slightly above average | first-timers, families |
| Oriental Bay | Luxury | Above average | couples, families |
| Mount Victoria | Mid-range | Slightly below average | families, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Wellington
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Wellington
Compare prices from NZD 120/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Wellington?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Wellington Costs
How much does it cost to visit Wellington?
Budget travellers can visit Wellington for around NZD 120/day (NZD 840/week). Mid-range travellers should budget NZD 250/day, while luxury travel costs around NZD 500/day.
Is Wellington expensive?
Wellington is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least NZD 120/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Wellington?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Wellington, budget NZD 250/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Wellington?
Budget travellers in Wellington can get by on NZD 120/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.