Daily costs per person in US dollars. Wellington is mid-range by New Zealand standards — many top attractions are free, but food and accommodation are the main expenses.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: NZD (New Zealand Dollar) (Cards accepted almost everywhere)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25–50 | $60–120 | $150+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury stays |
| Food | $15–25 | $30–55 | $70+ | Self-catering → cafes → fine dining |
| Transport | $0–10 | $10–25 | $40+ | Walking → bus → rental car |
| Activities | $0–15 | $20–50 | $60+ | Free museums → Zealandia → Weta Workshop |
| Coffee & Beer | $5–10 | $10–20 | $25+ | Flat whites and craft pints add up fast |
| Daily Total | $45–110 | $130–270 | $345+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Free museums
Te Papa, Wellington Museum, and City Gallery are all free. Zealandia is the main paid attraction — book online for a discount. Wellington has more free cultural experiences per square kilometre than almost any city in New Zealand.
Walk everywhere
Wellington's CBD is compact and walkable — you rarely need transport within the central city. Save on buses and taxis by walking between attractions. The waterfront, Cuba Street, and parliament are all within 15 minutes of each other.
Cook at hostels
Wellington restaurants are excellent but not cheap. Stay at a hostel with a kitchen and shop at New World or Pak'nSave supermarkets. A week of self-catering saves $100-200 NZD compared to eating out three meals a day.
Happy hour craft beer
Wellington's craft beer bars run happy hours typically 4-6pm — pints drop from $12-14 NZD to $8-10 NZD. Golding's, Fortune Favours, and Little Beer Quarter all offer daily specials.
Snapper card for transport
If you do need buses, a Snapper card gives discounted fares compared to cash. Useful for trips to Zealandia, the south coast, or Miramar/Weta Workshop.
Free events and festivals
Wellington hosts numerous free events — check the Wellington.govt.nz events calendar. CubaDupa street festival, LUX light festival, and summer outdoor concerts are often free.
