Find your calm at Harbour View Park, the perfect spot to catch Wellington’s legendary sunsets. Lush greenery meets endless harbour views—watch sailboats drift by, listen to seagulls sing, or simply close your eyes and let the breeze wrap around you. It’s not just a park; it’s a hug from the city.

Everything you need to know about Harbour View Park
The Cavendish Hotel is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Harbour View Park. Its stunning sea-view rooms offer panoramic vistas of the Wellington Harbour and surrounding hills. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, an on-site café serving local brews, and 24-hour concierge service. Guests can also join the hotel’s weekend coastal walking tours, which explore Wellington’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The most convenient option is taking the city bus (e.g., routes 23 or 28) from Carterton Square, with a 15-minute ride to the park entrance. For a scenic alternative, walk along the coastal pathway from Wellington Waterfront, a 25-minute stroll offering views of the lighthouse and seabirds. Alternatively, rent an electric bike—several rental stations are located near the park, ideal for families or couples seeking a relaxed exploration.
Don’t miss the morning yoga sessions held monthly on the park’s grassy lawn, led by certified instructors amidst sea breezes and bird songs. Interactive eco-interpretation signs highlight native species like gulls and rock doves, while weekly wildlife observation tours use binoculars to track migratory birds. Families will love the children’s sand play area and nature discovery trail, blending fun and environmental education seamlessly.
The Harbour Kitchen specializes in fresh seafood, featuring dishes like grilled mussels with herb butter and local salmon tartare, sourced daily from Wellington’s fish market. Another standout is Sunset Bistro, whose elevated terrace offers stunning views of the sunset-lit harbour while you enjoy handmade pasta. Both restaurants offer plant-based options and support local producers, making them perfect for experiencing authentic Wellington cuisine.
Absolutely! The park features a large playground, shaded benches, and accessible pathways leading to main trails. Regular family-friendly nature workshops—such as "Seashell Safari" and "Ocean Conservation Craft Time"—are led by trained guides. Designated picnic zones include free power outlets and rainwater collection systems, making it ideal for extended family outings.
The west-facing cliff viewpoint captures dramatic scenes of the sunset over the water and sailing boats gliding by. The eastern stone stairway offers dynamic compositions with gulls flying across the foreground. For cityscapes, visit the central platform at dawn to photograph Wellington’s skyline reflected in the harbor. Bring a tripod—nighttime shots of the lighthouse beam and star trails are stunning.
See what other travelers say about Harbour View Park

Staying at Ascot Motor Lodge was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The moment we arrived, we were relieved to find ample parking—perfect for our 5-meter-long ute, which fit comfortably on the property without any hassle. The lodge itself was spotless, well-maintained, and warmly welcoming thanks to the incredibly friendly owners who went out of their way to make us feel at home. Our room was quiet, cozy, and inviting—ideal for a restful night’s sleep. Location-wise, it’s a breeze to get into Wellington city or explore nearby attractions, whether by car or public transport. Everything we needed was right there, and the attention to detail made all the difference. A truly great stay with excellent value—definitely coming back.

I absolutely loved my stay at Ohtel Wellington! The team went above and beyond—so warm, welcoming, and helpful. My flight got cancelled due to bad weather, but instead of stress, I was quickly rebooked with zero hassle. Now I'm enjoying a gorgeous room with stunning sea views, and it’s such a peaceful escape. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and easy access to everything. It's rare to find such a thoughtful, friendly hotel with such a great vibe. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at Richmond Guest House was an absolute delight. The accommodation is incredibly cozy and spotlessly clean—every detail feels thoughtfully taken care of. The host was warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips on local transport and great dining spots nearby. I felt like a guest in a friend’s home rather than just another traveler. Located just minutes from the city center via public transit, it's super convenient for exploring Wellington. With such a friendly vibe, top-notch cleanliness, and unbeatable value, this place easily earns my highest recommendation. I’ll definitely be back!

Staying at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers in Wellington was a fantastic experience. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and even helped me check in ahead of time, which made my arrival so much smoother. The room was spotless and well-maintained, with excellent privacy—perfect for a good night's sleep without any disturbances. Location-wise, it can't get much better: right across from the train station and just a short walk from the Bluebridge ferry terminal. Getting around town is super easy, whether you're heading downtown or exploring nearby attractions. I especially appreciated how quiet and clean the space felt, all while being in such a central spot. For budget-conscious travelers who value comfort and convenience, this place is a real gem. Would definitely come back.

Absolutely perfect stay! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to downtown Wellington, with everything you need within easy reach. The apartment is spacious, well-equipped, and even comes with a washer and dryer—huge plus for longer trips. At such a reasonable price, this is hands-down the best choice for visiting Wellington. The host was incredibly friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I’d definitely book again—highly recommend!

Staying at Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay was a highlight of my trip to Wellington. The room layout is smart and spacious, with a clean, well-maintained feel from top to bottom—every corner looked fresh and cared for. The view from the window? Absolutely stunning. Waking up to the ocean breeze and sunlight reflecting off the water was pure magic. Breakfast was excellent—plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and hot options that hit the spot. The only minor note: the front desk staff were polite but slightly reserved, which I guess comes with being in a capital city vibe. Not cold, just more formal—nothing personal! Parking is pricey both across the street and at the hotel, but honestly, it’s expected in a central CBD area like Wellington. It’s not unique to this hotel—it’s just how things work in major urban centers. Still, I’d gladly pay extra for such a prime location and quality stay. Overall, an outstanding experience with great value for money. Would book again without hesitation.

Staying at WQ Wellington Quarter Hotel was a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—just a short 8-minute walk from the bus interchange, making it super convenient to catch the airport express bus. I appreciated how close it was to downtown Wellington, and having a New World supermarket nearby made grocery shopping a breeze. The hotel itself was spotless, with a clean and welcoming atmosphere. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Everything about this place felt well thought out, from the comfort of the room to the thoughtful touches around the property. If you're visiting Wellington and want a hassle-free, centrally located base, this is an excellent choice. Highly recommended!

I stayed in Wellington for a week to support my son as he started his new school life here, and I chose this hotel because it’s just a short walk from his school. From day one, the front desk manager and housekeeping staff went above and beyond—genuine warmth, thoughtful service, and attention to detail that you rarely get at big chain hotels where everything feels automated. The room itself is well-maintained, with excellent soundproofing so I could sleep peacefully even during noisy city nights. The hot water heater works perfectly, and the shower was truly refreshing—great for unwinding after a long day. I also loved how spacious and functional the room layout was, with modern amenities that work flawlessly. Even though it’s not a brand-new property, the atmosphere feels more personal, human, and welcoming. It’s clear the team cares about guest comfort beyond just checking boxes. If you’re visiting Wellington with family or need a reliable, friendly base near schools or downtown, this place is a real gem. Highly recommend.

I stayed at Naumi Hotel Wellington and was genuinely impressed from start to finish. The room was spacious, immaculately clean, and the bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep. Located right on Cuba Street, it’s an ideal spot for exploring local dining and nightlife. I could walk to so many great restaurants, cafes, and shops in just a few minutes. The lobby has a modern, relaxed vibe with great attention to detail—very welcoming and stylish. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed, and the value for money is outstanding. I’d absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Wellington.

Staying at Wellesley Boutique Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions within easy reach. My room was spotless and meticulously clean, with a comfortable bed and excellent air conditioning that kept the room just right throughout the night. The bathroom was fresh and dry, with high-quality toiletries. Everything felt thoughtfully designed, from the lighting to the little touches in the room. It’s rare to find such a well-maintained boutique hotel with this level of comfort and convenience. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Wellington.

We never actually got to stay here, which is a real shame. We booked a night in June for early March, but received a call on May 22nd informing us that our reservation had been canceled because the motel had been sold—and the new owners planned to demolish it. After emailing to confirm the call was legitimate and expressing how disappointed we were at having to pay significantly more for last-minute accommodation, we were told that the staff had all lost their jobs too. The owners reportedly didn’t plan this sale—apparently strangers walked in off the street and made an offer the owners couldn’t refuse. Still, despite the disruption to guests and employees alike, they’ve refused to provide any compensation. It’s incredibly frustrating and shows zero regard for customers. Honestly, I’m glad we didn’t end up staying. This kind of sudden closure, with no support or transparency, should be a red flag for anyone considering booking through the platform.

Staying at Quest on Thorndon was an absolute delight. The room was spotlessly clean, with a tidy layout and fresh linens—everything felt well-maintained and comfortable. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, offering local tips and assistance with transportation options without hesitation. What truly stood out was the location: just a short walk from both the airport train station and bus stop, making travel to and from the city incredibly convenient. I didn’t have to worry about transfers or long commutes—perfect for a quick visit or a late-night arrival. For its cleanliness, service, and unbeatable location, this hotel offers incredible value. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Wellington.
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