Wellington
North Island, New Zealand
Daily Budget
~NZ$85
~US$55 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Cultural gem
Overview
New Zealand's compact capital city is perched at the southern tip of the North Island, where it funnels Cook Strait winds through steep hillside streets. Wellington punches well above its weight in culture, food, and nightlife. The free Te Papa museum is world-class, Cuba Street is a bohemian hub of cafes and street performers, and the craft beer scene rivals cities many times its size. For backpackers, Wellington is where the North Island ends and the Interislander ferry to the South Island begins.
Editor's Pick
Wellington stands out for: Free entry to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum; Cuba Street's vibrant cafe culture, street art, night markets, and live music; Gateway to the South Island via the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry.
Things to Do
View all 8 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 5 hostels
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily (NZD) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | NZ$37 | $24 |
| Food | NZ$26 | $17 |
| Transport | NZ$7 | $5 |
| Activities | NZ$9 | $6 |
| Total | ~NZ$85 | ~$55 |
Hostels
5 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
8 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Wellington?
- Budget around NZ$85 NZD (~US$55) per day in Wellington, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Wellington?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Wellington are Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Wellington?
- Top-rated hostels in Wellington include Nomads Capital, Trek Global Backpackers, The Marion Hostel. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from NZ$28 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Wellington?
- Must-do activities in Wellington include Explore the street art and vintage shops of Aro Valley, Hike the Skyline Walkway for panoramic harbour views, Ride the Wellington Cable Car and walk back down through the Botanic Gardens. There are 8 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
