22 Of The Best Wellington Airbnbs For An Unforgettable City Vacay

Oh hello historic city centre artists’ lair. Plimmer Bolthole is described as “so much more than a bed for the night” and we couldn’t agree more. This top-floor apartment in an 106-year-old Edwardian gem is a feast for the eyes and a seriously romantic New Zealand stay. 

Inside, you’ve got original Matai floors, high ceilings and sash windows which look out onto the streets of Wellington. It’s incredibly arty, with painting-adorned walls, antique furniture, books, brass accents, tactile fabrics and deep seating in which to cosy up with your plus one. Outside, you’re in the heart of everything and a literal stroll away from all of Wellington’s best bits, including the Cable Car, Cuba St and waterfront, plus there’s public transport  just up the street if you need it.

Call the entire top floor of one of Wellington’s most photographed buildings home for a while at this city centre stay. Your 80 sqm apartment is just two minutes’ walk from Courtenay Place and the waterfront so it’s perfectly positioned so you and your plus one can enjoy the ultimate city vacay. 

Inside, you’ll find well-trodden hardwood floors that echo the building’s industrial past, but elsewhere it’s all mod-cons, with smart appliances, quality linen and a super-king bed. Pop your luggage in the lift and if you take the stairs you’ll arrive at the top at the same time it does! Then grab a coldie, settle into one of the cosy leather lounge chairs and plan your next move.

If you’re longing for a taste of luxury, The Swan Penthouse Airbnb has you in for a treat. There’s a wide, spacious terrace with sweeping views of the city—perfect for kicking back with a drink at golden hour—a sleek modern kitchen, and a sun-soaked living area styled with sophisticated flair.

Oh, and you’re staying right above all the glorious eats and sights of Cuba Street. A+ holiday in Wellington coming right up.

Just steps away from the excitement of Cuba Street, the Captivating Canvas Airbnb matches practicality with funky style. Ditch the car and grab your comfy shoes instead, as the prime positioning of this place means you're a relaxed stroll from all the fun stuff.

The dual-level, loft-style apartment comes decked out with all the space and amenities you’ll need for a fabulous stay in the capital—including the luxury of a private courtyard for a cheeky alfresco brekkie (or sunset wine?)

If fun and functional is your vibe, The Cube Bed and Breakfast might just be your perfect match. A chic Wellington studio apartment decked out in warm neutrals, this one is the ideal combination of comfortable modern amenities and no-fuss accommodation that sits right amidst all the hustle and bustle.

Plus, we all know what a bonus it is to be close enough to walk home—no Ubers required.

It’ll be love at first sight when you’re greeted with the seaside views and sunshine of Crescent Studio’s spacious balcony. The dreamy, private studio is in a prime Oriental Bay location, meaning you can take a stroll along the promenade and be in Wellington CBD in 20 minutes.

Your super cute Airbnb is kitted out with a modern bathroom and a well-stocked kitchenette. It even boasts an epic barbeque, stainless steel bench and sink with hot water on the private terrace, which is pretty much the ideal all-season setup, if you ask us.

Those looking to incorporate a little romance into their inner-city stay will find love at this Waterfront Apartment in Oriental Bay. Roll out the scented candles, snuggle right into the fluffy bathrobes your hosts have left out, and prepare to relax in the jewel-coloured velvet chairs to enjoy the view.

Bring your flat shoes, because this Airbnb is a stroll from Wellington’s top attractions, close to the CBD and with some lovely green belt walks to explore.

What’s better than a walk along the sparkling waterfront on your way to a café brunch? At the 180-Degree View Home Airbnb, you’ll experience the perfect mixture between Wellington’s stunning seaside and the bustling excitement of the city as it's a cruisy 25-minute flat walk to markets and museums.

Even indoors you’ll be basking in the city’s beauty as this stay boasts uninterrupted, sweeping views across the harbour. Sink into the inviting blue couch with the tipple of your choice and enjoy.

Gotta find a place big enough for you and the whole crew? This renovated four-bedroom Airbnb overlooking the water at Lyall Bay is a Wellington stay worth considering. You are a literal stroll across the road from the beach with some top coffee spots within a stone’s throw for that early morning caffeine fix.

Bring your bathers if the weather’s balmy because you’re going to want to go and take a dip in the sea (there’s a shower in the garage for those post-swim sandy toes). Or maybe a spot of surfer-spotting with a cuppa on the balcony calls instead?

Fancy a pad with its own private fresh water hot tub with an epic view overlooking Cook Strait? Thought so. The sleek interiors of this Sea View Apartment are enough to make any minimalist swoon and that outdoor spa is simply the cherry on top.

Airy and open plan, the apartment catches the sun and its water views give you all the vibes of a beachy vacation despite being the Airbnb being only a short drive from the city. Throw open one of the (many) wide windows and let that fresh, salty air flow right on in.

If you think there’s something a little bit spesh about treating your loved one to a stay in a unique Airbnb, this Wellington spot will have you rubbing your hands with glee. Your home away from home is a former art studio that was built to resemble a lighthouse (and it has an original lighthouse light no less). It’s since been converted to a romantic New Zealand bolthole with a comfy double bed and a view to die for. Yes it’s cosy, with steep, narrow stairs, a kitchenette and a compact bathroom, but head to the top floor and the vista is truly magical. Snuggle up together up there, with a glass of New Zealand’s finest to watch the waves roll in, and we swear the hours will just fly by. 

This accommodation is pet-friendly on request, and sits opposite a dog and swimming beach and rock pools. There’s a popular cafe around the corner and the shops are just a ten-minute stoll away, so stocking up on provisions won’t be a chore.

Bundle in the on-site cable car, enjoy the 44-second trundle up the hill and you’ll find yourself in a very special place. This Wellington Airbnb has panoramic views over Raukawa Moana (Cook Strait) to the majestic Kaikōura mountains of the South Island. It’s quite simply bliss—in the heart of a wildlife reserve and yet within 12 minutes of Wellington’s city centre.

Your accommodation is cosy, with wooden interiors and an upstairs loft, accessed via ladder, for sleeping in. Pour yourself a drop and take to the retro green outdoor bath for a leisurely soak. It’s an epic spot at sunset, and come nightfall you’ll get the best view of the southern sky.

Perched on a ridgeline, this private studio provides beautiful 360-degree views of the whole capital, so you can really take it all in.

With a private outdoor hot bathtub overlooking the city, thoughtful architectural designs, and shelves of creative books and magazines, it is really an artist's dream. Plus, you're just a three-minute toddle to the bus stop so getting into Wellington CBD for a spot of retail therapy is easy and fast. Sounds like the Welly retreat you need…

Welcome to your own pint-sized pad, just a seven-minute toddle from the beach and ten to a whole heap of cafes, restaurants shops and more. Your Wellington Airbnb, in all its 18 sqm glory, is small but perfectly formed and comes with complimentary brekkie (think a choice of cereals, yoghurt, fruit and locally-roasted plunger coffee or tea) courtesy of your thoughtful hosts.

This beachside stay is a little further from the city itself (but still only a 15-minute drive) so it’s perfect if you’re hoping for a trip to the capital that’s a bit less hustle and bustle and a bit more beachfront bliss.

Styled with taste and sophistication, this Heritage Listed Villa will add a touch of fancy flair to your next Wellington stay. This lovely character villa is just a stroll away from the sights of Thorndon—think the Beehive, the stadium, and the shimmering waterfront.

Combine a relaxing soak in the gorgeous standing tub with a night’s rest in the villa’s lush queen bed and you’ll be prepared to explore the city streets.

A cosy, character dream, the Gorgeous Lavender Apartment in Kelburn is one of the best Airbnbs in Wellington and also the peaceful abode you’ve been looking for.

Nestled in Wellington’s quiet Kelburn—the perfect location if visiting Victoria University is on the cards—this Airbnb offers private space with an adorable patio and even a complimentary breakfast. (Oh yes, bring on the bread, butter, jams, yogurt, milk, biscuits, fresh fruit, chocolate, tea coffee, and muesli!)

If a budget option with funky, colourful, expertly curated decor is up your alley, Eco Art Deco in the City will be love at first sight. Offering a private room and welcome access to the living area, this gorgeous central apartment will add more than a touch of charm to your Wellington visit.

Sitting right amongst some of the capital’s best shops and thoughtfully decked out with completely eco-friendly amenities, this Airbnb is something truly special.

Described as a "tiny oasis in the heart of Welly", if you’re searching for something on the quiet and secluded side, this brand-new Mount Victoria Studio is what your holiday needs.

Minimalistic and cosy, the gorgeous studio sits in one of the sought-after neighbourhood’s heritage streets where you’ll feel at peace despite being only a short stroll away from the city centre.

If you’re after an Airbnb that offers a heap of romantic extras then this self-contained apartment in a seaside village outside of Wellington could be just the thing. Nothing is too much trouble for the hosts of this stay, and they’ll help you with any travel planning you need. Fancy a packed picnic you can take to a romantic spot with your other half and enjoy? They can do it. How about a day trip to the local wineries? Yep, they can help with that too. Plus, they’ve got kayaks, bikes, fishing gear and a paddle board available for you to use, so there’s a whole lotta stuff you can do.

Your cosy living space is just steps from the beach and has its own private access. You’ve also got your own deck with a lovely sea view that just calls out for an afternoon cocktail. Not keen on the hassle of sorting dinner? The hosts of this pad can provide meals as required too. Phew!

We’re living our best tiny house lives in this adorable little stay less than 45 minutes from Wellington city centre. The headliner here is the fantasy glasshouse dining room which is so cute that it deserves an Insta page of its own. Dine in style with your other half, while surrounded by festoon lights, plants and colourful knicknacks and it’s sure to be an evening to remember. The best bit? This pad is dog-friendly too so you can bring the Floof along to share in all the fun. 

When you’re not immersed in the dining room of our dreams, there’s still a whole lot more to explore. Your tiny home has an open plan living space with large French doors opening out to the big sunny deck where you can sit and admire the view. The breakfast bar is a top spot in which to enjoy a cuppa sitting beneath its picture-perfect striped awning, but wait, there’s more. This pad comes with resident alpacas (Tofu and Pom Pom) who love to be hand fed from the bowl of pellets the hosts can provide. Could this stay get any cuter? 

For something a little set back from the action, this Relaxing Seaside Haven in Seatoun offers peace and quiet at a stunning seaside location. It sits right opposite Seatoun beach with beaut views of Wellington harbour and Somes Island. 

Roll on outside and you'll find the best outdoor deck to take a load off while enjoying the all day sun. Or perhaps grabbing a cuppa and setting yourself up for a long, hot soak in the outdoor bath takes your fancy instead? If a day on the sand calls, you'll be pleased to know there's a hot outdoor shower to wash those toes off afterwards.

Step through its adorable sunshine yellow front door and you'll find one of the cutest stays on this list. The Heritage Listed Cottage is simply gorgeous inside and out and it's got the best festoon light-strewn outdoor deck for chill time with wine.

Cleverly decorated with inviting pops of colour and renovated with modern amenities, your Wellington Airbnb feels welcoming and warm in the best way. Location-wise, Petone street has the vibrant Jackson Street at one end and the beach at the other. Basically, further afield doesn’t get much better than this!