Still haven’t booked your stay for 7in7? Don’t worry, we love a good last-minute plan around here!
If you’ve read our guide on the neighborhoods of Wellington but are still feeling lost, we’ve put together some suggestions to help!
Wellington is a wonderfully walkable city, with plenty of accommodation options near the 7in7 venue at the National Library.
Here’s a selection of great hostels, hotels and homestays to suit those on a budget. Note: Monday 28 October is a public holiday in New Zealand, so the long weekend might mean accommodation is busier than usual. Book soon!
As conscious travellers, we love staying with independent accommodation operators to help our travel dollars stay in the local community. Something to consider when you’re booking!
Also, consider reaching out to others in the 7in7 Attendees Facebook Group to share a room or apartment to bring the costs down. Alternatively, staying further out in the suburbs and taking Wellington’s easy public transport can also keep costs down.
IMPORTANT: Remember when looking at rates: NZD$10 is about US$6 or €5.
Hostels
The Dwellington – 8 Halswell Street, Thorndon
https://www.thedwellington.com/
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4acHEsEXtrYX9VRU8
The Dwellington is a stylish, mature hostel in Thorndon area, just a 6-minute walk from 7in7’s venue at the National Library. Established in 2013, this hostel has plenty of common areas, a slick self-catering kitchen, plus free wifi and breakfast! During 7in7 dates, rates are currently NZD$40-45 each night in a shared dorm room, or NZ$105 for 2 people in a private twin with bunks.
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers – 1 Bunny St, Pipitea
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/1KV7N4WbqWHMbdFy9
The art deco Hotel Waterloo has a prime location near the Wellington train station, a 9 minute walk from the National Library. The dorm rooms of 3-8 beds are basic and clean, priced at NZD$25-32 per bed for advanced bookings. Private rooms with ensuites are around $109 for singles or $124 for double rooms; all including free wifi of 1GB per day.
Other options:
Trek Global hostel – 9 O’Reily Ave, Te Aro
Website: https://trekglobal.net/
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/bMXvWxxpvC1yZdHb7
This lively hostel is 23 minutes by foot from our venue, the National Library. NZD$30-$37 for shared dorms, or NZD$80-$105 for private rooms, with free wifi included.
Hotels & Apartments
St Paul’s Quality Accommodation – 37 Pipitea Street, Thorndon
Website: https://stayatstpauls.co.nz
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4ZkrG7egppQXJQLt6
Located in the same block as the National Library, you can’t get much closer than these one and two bedroom apartments. The 21 apartments each have in-room kitchen and laundry facilities. Current rates during 7in7 are NZD$169 single or NZD$210 double, with free wifi and daily servicing included.
Gilmer Apartment Hotel – 10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
https://www.10gilmer.co.nz/index.html
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/N635qT1T7PAcz7a99
An 18-minute walk from 7in7, Gilmer Apartment Hotel offers rooms with kitchenette and in-room washer/dryer. Rates are currently NZD$155 – $208 for one or two-bedroom apartments; some sleeping up to 4 people. Free wifi and daily servicing are included, with complimentary gym access added if booked direct through Gilmer’s website.
Thorndon Hotel by Rydges – 24 Hawkestone St, Thorndon
https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/new-zealand/the-thorndon-hotel-wellington/
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/nXfbLUtR1XsVK9SF9
An easy 4 minute walk from the venue, this 3.5 star hotel has single rooms at NZD$152 or twins with 2 beds at $165; cheaper rates at a 20% discount for advanced bookings. Free wifi included.
Other options:
Bay Plaza Hotel – 40 Oriental Parade, Wellington
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Fhz7UHSvLi4c79UR9
Take a 30 minute stroll along the waterfront from Bay Plaza to 7in7. Rates are NZD$135-$185 for single and twin rooms, including free wifi.
Ibis Wellington – 153 Featherston St, Wellington
https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3049-ibis-wellington/index.shtml
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6Skhx9eX6my1WeCL8
A 12 minute walk from National Library, this 3.5-star hotel has clean and contemporary hotel rooms. Part of the Accor Hotels group, accommodation is NZD$201 per night for rooms with configurations of 1 king or 2 single beds. Note: Free wifi in common areas, but paid in rooms.
Alternative accommodation
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/
There are plenty of Airbnbs in Thorndon area within a short walk from the venue, ranging from single rooms (around NZD$80 a night) to entire homes (NZD$150 upwards). Take a look.
A small selection of apartments in Thorndon and nearby, starting around NZD$110 a night.
Couchsurfing https://www.couchsurfing.com/
When we checked, there were around 440 hosts with reviews in Wellington. Try your luck for free accommodation!
Housesitting
- Trusted Housesitters (https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/) only has a small presence in Wellington, but if you’re lucky, you can get free accommodation in return for petsitting.
- Kiwi Housesitters (www.kiwihousesitters.co.nz) is popular in New Zealand and has more housesit options. Note: This is a partner site to Housesitters America, Housesitters Canada and Aussie Housesitters, so any profile reviews from these sites can carry across to Kiwi Housesitters.
Van Life
Renting a campervan can give you flexibility to explore New Zealand, while providing cheap accommodation during 7in7 week. Jucy Rentals are a good supplier to try (https://www.jucy.co.nz/). Don’t forget that New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road, so be prepared! Read more about campervan rental here: https://www.backpackerguide.nz/things-you-need-to-know-about-camper-van-rental-in-new-zealand/
