Island Bay Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Island Bay
Popular places to visit
Island Bay Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Island Bay Beach during your trip to Wellington? Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.
Cuba Street Mall
Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.
Te Papa
Get hands on as you learn about the heritage of these islands at New Zealand's free national museum.
Hnry Stadium
Catch an event at Hnry Stadium during your trip to Wellington. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
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 acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
TSB Bank Arena
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.
Activities
Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour
Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Wellington: Return Cable Car Ticket
Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Our pick of the best Island Bay Hotel Deals
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Overall quite good, lack of extras in room, mini bar & goody drawers empty, sachet coffee only especially since a number of hotels now have Nespresso machines in the room. Have to pay extra for an espresso at breakfast. Bed OK if you like the type of body forming mattress but not my favorite. Great ...
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Rydges Wellington Airport
Rooms are really clean, no stocks at all in the mini bar, not even bottled water. The Entertainment set up for the in room Tv is outdated by at least 10 years, wasn’t easy to relax as the hallways are very noisy- noise transfer . Beds are ok but maybe a 7/10 Bar staff downstairs were really ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Naumi Studio Wellington
Love this hotel - great staff, rooms, facilities and wonderful access to the bars, restaurants, cafes and shopping available in Wellington CBD. Is my go to for my Wellington stays.
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
After hours, check-in was a breeze. There's a combination washer and dryer and small kitchen. The hotel is tucked away. However there are steps down to Lambton Quay. Also you can follow Boulecott Street down to Cuba Street and Waterfront.
Reviewed on 16 May 2026
Rydges Wellington
Still in the process of new owners taking over, so for example can’t accept Amex yet. Most things remain the same - lots of opportunities for new owners to improve, from a fairly average spa with only a few jets working for 3 minutes at a time, to noisy rooms with average aircon. Breakfast very overpriced ...
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
ibis Wellington
Clean room. Helpful, friendly staff. Onsite parking is an extra cost.
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Island Bay
Lyall Bay
Lyall Bay is well liked for its beaches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Wellington area, you might plan a trip to Wellington Zoo or Newtown Park.
Newtown
If you're spending some time in Newtown, Newtown Park and Wellington Zoo are top sights worth seeing.
Kilbirnie
Restaurants and shopping are notable features of Kilbirnie. You might consider stopping by ASB Sports Centre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Rongotai
While Rongotai may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like ASB Sports Centre and Wellington Zoo.
Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Central Park and Basin Reserve.
Mount Cook
If you're spending some time in Mount Cook, Central Park and Basin Reserve are top sights worth seeing.
