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 top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Interislander Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Wellington with a trip to Interislander Ferry Terminal. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums 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.

TSB Bank Arena
Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.

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.
Activities

Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour

Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour

Wellington Guided eBike Tour-Cruise Shore Excursion
Our pick of the best Island Bay Hotel Deals

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Prefer shower not over bath
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Rydges Wellington Airport
A quick overnight
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Rydges Wellington
No Ocean view. Although the heater adjustment didn't work we were warm enough for a comfortable sleep.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Fair sized room right on the doorstep for City centre, museums, wharfs. Washing machine in Queen suite, and a bigger machine available if required. Spotless. Parking available if booked everyone very friendly. Wifi worked for us no problems. Upgrading air con so will be even more comfortable.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Bolton Hotel
Good downtown location. Used the pool and hot tub both of which were nice. Our Ferry out the next day was 3.5 hours late so they let us leave our car in the parking garage (we had valet parking the previous day) all the next day at no additional cost. Cooked in the kitchenette but the dinner menu ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Naumi Studio Wellington
Great staff and cute hotel, but very thin walls between rooms and windows rattled loudly from wind.
Reviewed on 12 Mar 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.

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.

Mount Victoria
If you're spending some time in Mount Victoria, Mount Victoria Lookout and Oriental Parade are top sights worth seeing.


