Hotels by the beach for seaside views

This four-star-rated seaside hotel has stunning harbour views. Many of the 118 rooms have individual balconies so you can sit and watch the Oriental Bay cyclists, runners, strollers, and swimmers as they use Wellington’s famous inner-city beach, or join in yourself. With three event rooms accommodating up to 130 delegates, The Copthorne is also ideal for conferences. During your stay, go for dinner at in-house One80° Restaurant and Lounge Bar — the dining experience is award-winning as are the harbour views from your table. If you prefer to go further afield for food, then a host of Wellington’s finest eateries can be found a short walk away in Marjoribanks Street and Courtenay Place.

You’ll be in mid-century modern heaven at Ohtel. Each of the hotel’s 10 rooms have been individually designed with unique furniture and design pieces with a 1950s and 1960s twist. The five-star rooms are set up for a lavish and relaxing stay with king-size beds, 42-inch smart televisions with Chromecast, air-conditioning and double-glazed windows. Though only a short stroll from the bars and restaurants of Courtenay Place, Ohtel also has an excellent onsite café bar called Pantry. Ohtel even has a dog-friendly room, so if you are travelling with your best furry friend, be sure to get in touch early to reserve The Studio.

QT Wellington is a fusion of flamboyance, art, luxury, and convenience. This is the ideal hub for cultural connoisseurs or those who want a unique stayover in New Zealand’s cultural capital. Its eclectic art collection covers nationally significant artists through to the quirky and fun. The 180 rooms in this five-star hotel range from self-contained apartments to plush individualised rooms. Take high tea or enjoy a sumptuous meal at the award-winning restaurant Hippopotamus. Hang out in the elegant lobby lounge and sip on a cocktail or take advantage of your proximity to the waterfront and entertainment district. QT Wellington is the perfect way to spoil yourself.

At 280 rooms Rydges Wellington is the largest hotel in the region. It has a commanding presence on Featherston Street at the north end of the central business district and is close to parliament, offices, Sky Stadium, and Lambton Quay shops. Amenities are excellent with an extensive leisure centre sporting a large pool, sauna, and gym with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. All rooms are beautifully decorated and boast 55-inch Smart TVs, complete with casting capabilities. With a unique combination of harbour and city views Rydges Wellington is a stylish way to stay in Wellington.

You don’t have to choose between the city and the sea when you stay at Bay Plaza — it’s just minutes to both. Located on Wellington’s famous Oriental Parade, Bay Plaza has panoramic views of the harbour, Mount Victoria, and the city. You’re also only minutes from New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa, and Wellington’s restaurant and entertainment precinct Courtenay Place. The 76 rooms are smart and refreshingly spacious and have a three-and-a-half-star Qualmark award. Visit the in-house restaurant and bar on the first floor and watch as the city’s lights go on and reflections glitter on the harbour.