Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Riding the Cook Strait Ferry isn’t just travel—it’s poetry in motion. Gliding across turquoise waters, the boat rocks gently beneath your feet while mountains rise like ancient guardians on either side. Seagulls circle above, wind brushes your face, and time slows down. Even the onboard art installations and local stories turn the journey into a living journal. Who knew a ferry ride could feel so much like freedom? In Wellington, even transit becomes an experience.
This hotel is perfectly located in Wellington CBD—just minutes to Victoria University, Te Papa Museum, and convention centers. Rooms feature microwaves, espresso machines, and plush beds for ultimate comfort. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry services, and express check-in/out. Business travelers will love the 4 meeting rooms and banquet hall. Driving? Paid parking and EV charging available. Family-friendly with kids' play areas. A true home-away-from-home with every convenience!
Everything you need to know about Wellington
Stay at Wellington Waterfront Apartments, just a 5-minute walk from the Cook Strait Ferry terminal. These apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Horseshoe Bay and passing ferries. The property provides free bicycle rentals, ideal for exploring the scenic Wellington Harbour Walkway. Morning ferry departures create a peaceful ambiance perfect for watching sunrise over the water—ideal for travelers seeking both convenience and natural beauty.
Take the ferry to the terminal, then transfer to Metlink light rail. After disembarking, walk 300 meters to Wellington Central Station, where you can board the Tram or Bus directly into the CBD. The journey takes just 15 minutes and connects key attractions like the Parliament Buildings, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and Victoria Square. Use an Opal Card for prepaid fares to avoid queues. This route offers not only speed but also scenic views of urban greenery and coastal landscapes along the way.
While aboard the ferry, enjoy sweeping views of the southernmost peaks of the North Island and the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse. On clear days, the sea sparkles under sunlight, creating a breathtaking visual panorama. Stand at the front deck to feel the sea breeze and watch albatrosses and gulls soaring above the vessel. Some crossings offer onboard guided commentary on marine ecology and maritime history. For a true Kiwi experience, grab a local seafood sandwich and a warm drink, then relax at the stern with a seaside picnic view—perfect for soaking in the authentic rhythm of New Zealand’s coastal journey.
The Cloud Kitchen is a top pick near the harbour, serving modern fusion cuisine featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced organic ingredients. Their signature dish, "Sea Urchin Avocado Tart," uses wild-caught sea urchin from Cook Strait, delivering a rich, silky flavor. Another must-visit is Pak'nSave Seafood Bar, located right by the dock, offering freshly cooked mussels soup and fish and chips at affordable prices with generous portions. Both venues offer takeout and outdoor seating—perfect for enjoying a meal after your ferry arrival while watching ships dock and waves roll in.
The Grand Millennium Wellington is a top choice, located just steps from the Cook Strait ferry terminal, offering panoramic views of the Strait from its spacious rooms. Its rooftop Sky Lounge provides 360-degree vistas, perfect for watching ferries glide across the water at sunset.
Equally impressive, Meridien Hotel Wellington sits within a 5-minute walk of the ferry dock, blending modern design with local Maori influences. Floor-to-ceiling windows in each room ensure guests enjoy uninterrupted ocean views and morning light dancing on the waves.
Both properties offer direct access to the ferry terminal and premium shuttle services, making them ideal for travelers seeking convenience and scenic beauty. Their prime waterfront locations and seamless integration with transit make them standout choices for island-hopping adventures between North and South Islands.
The fastest way from downtown Wellington to the Cook Strait ferry terminal is via the free city cable car (Wellington Cable Car) or a 15-minute walk along the harbor front. Public buses like Route 21 or 22 also provide frequent, reliable service directly to the port area.
Many hotels, including The Grand Millennium Wellington and Meridien Hotel Wellington, offer complimentary shuttle transfers to the ferry dock, ensuring hassle-free arrival. This is especially convenient for travelers with luggage or tight schedules.
The terminal itself features clear signage and accessible pathways, making navigation easy for all passengers. By leveraging these efficient transit options, you can smoothly move from the city center to the ferry point, enjoying a stress-free departure experience.
Onboard the Cook Strait ferry, several unique experiences enhance the journey. The open deck areas offer prime views of the strait’s rugged waves and soaring seabirds—especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when light dances across the water.
The ship features an interactive cultural exhibit highlighting Māori maritime traditions and legends tied to the strait, allowing passengers to explore indigenous knowledge of the sea.
Dining options include a seafood restaurant serving freshly caught mussels and abalone, paired with regional wines—a must-try culinary highlight.
Some sailings host onboard photography workshops, led by professionals who teach techniques for capturing dynamic sea and vessel shots.
Additionally, every voyage includes a short historical documentary about the strait’s geological formation and early explorers’ voyages. These immersive elements transform the trip from mere transit into a rich, multi-sensory adventure.
Yes, several hotels near the Cook Strait ferry terminal provide airport transfer services. The Grand Millennium Wellington and Meridien Hotel Wellington partner with Wellington International Airport (WLG) to offer scheduled shuttles, with travel time from the airport to the hotel averaging just 20 minutes.
These transfers include baggage assistance and multilingual drivers (English and Chinese), with flexible scheduling to match flight arrivals and departures, ensuring no missed ferry connections.
Premium room packages often include this service as a complimentary amenity, enhancing overall comfort. Both hotels also feature self-service luggage lockers and 24-hour front desks, ideal for early-morning or late-night arrivals.
For travelers aiming to go straight from the airport to the ferry dock, these end-to-end transfer solutions are the most efficient and stress-free option.
See what other travelers say about Wellington
Staying at Boulcott Suites in Wellington was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a 5-minute walk to the airport bus stop, making travel in and out of the city super convenient. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit, and the room amenities exceeded expectations. I’ve already recommended this hotel to friends planning a trip to New Zealand, especially those exploring Wellington. A short stroll around the corner leads you to a well-known local café—a great spot for coffee or a light snack with a relaxed vibe. It’s clear the team here takes pride in creating a comfortable, welcoming experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Wellington.
Staying at Astelia Apartment Hotel in Wellington was a fantastic experience overall. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the bustling city center, making it easy to explore local restaurants, shops, and attractions. The apartment itself is spacious, well-equipped, and very quiet, which made for a peaceful and restful stay. I especially appreciated having access to a laundry machine—great for longer stays or when traveling with luggage. The room felt like a home away from home, offering comfort and convenience without the hassle of a traditional hotel. It’s a smart choice if you’re looking for a relaxing, central base in Wellington with great value.
Staying at Willis Village was such a pleasant surprise! The location is perfect—just a short walk from downtown Wellington, and public transit is super convenient. The room itself is well-equipped with a washer and dryer, which made laundry stress-free during my trip. I also loved the fully stocked kitchen, allowing me to cook my own meals—great for saving money and enjoying fresh food. The cleanliness was top-notch; everything felt spotless and well-maintained. The vibe of the place is cozy and modern, though you do need to climb a spiral staircase to reach your room—something to keep in mind if you're not up for a bit of walking. Parking is available nearby on the opposite side of the street for $28 per night, but it's only a 1-minute walk, so it’s totally manageable. Overall, this place offers fantastic value and charm—definitely my go-to choice next time I visit Wellington.
We stayed in a spacious and spotlessly clean apartment perfect for three couples, with cozy beds that made for restful nights. The living area was inviting and well-appointed, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. Located right in the heart of Courtenay Place, Wellington, we had endless dining options just steps away, and Te Papa Museum was only a short walk. We especially loved strolling along the nearby waterfront early in the morning to watch the sun rise over the city—such a peaceful way to start the day. The location, comfort, and atmosphere made our stay truly memorable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for convenience, charm, and a great base in Wellington.
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.
Explore more amazing destinations