When it comes to Wellington Airport Accommodation, there are several hotels near Wellington Airport to choose from which fit a range of budgets.
Wellington International airport has a unique pattern of International flight arrivals and departures. Flights (when there is not a global pandemic) arrive from Australian cities in Wellington minutes shortly before midnight and leave Wellington before 7am making quality somewhere to rest your head quickly a must.
Here’s the lowdown on the best Wellington Airport Accommodation.
Brentwood Hotel
16 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie
Brentwood Hotel is 1.7km from Wellington airport and offers a free shuttle for guests which runs every 15 minutes.
While it was a tad dated the Brentwood Hotel was clean and tidy. Our Standard King room contained two single beds and one queen sized bed. Many of the original features had been retained while modifications had been added – for example the hot and cold faucets in the shower were accompanied by a fabulous modern and large shower head.
There weren’t enough power outlets for charging devices but the 500MB of free internet per person was satisfactory – we could also have opted to upgrade to an unlimited plan for $7.
There was a mini-bar (Chips $3.50, Coke $5, Beer $9 and Wine $10.50) and an old and noisy beer fridge which we had to turn off to be able to sleep.
The Brentwood features an outdoor pool which is heated to 28 degrees Celsius, a restaurant and bar, and offers free parking. The upstairs rooms at this Wellington Airport hotel would be quieter not only by people dragging suitcases up and down the hallway, but also cars and car alarms as people arrived from late flights.
You can stay at the Brentwood Hotel from $139 per night.
Rydges Wellington Airport Hotel
28 Stewart Duff Drive, Rongotai
The Rydges Wellington Airport hotel opened in May 2019, the first hotel fully connected to a New Zealand airport terminal.
If you’re arriving on a late flight or leaving on an early one, it’s only a short walk between your pillow and your plane. and the calm Rydges lounge and lobby area has a marked difference and feel to the frantic hustle of the airport.
Black and white artworks featuring iconic New Zealand landscapes line the corridor walls and is depicted in the hardcover coffee table books in the rooms and room décor has an autumnal theme. Being situated as it is some, but not every room has a view of the runway and Lyall Bay – many look out on carparks or the golf club.
Being an international hotel brand, the hotel is very quiet and a real treat to stay in. The Rydges Wellington Airport also has a Whiskey Lima Golf, a huge restaurant and bar with views of parked planes and helpful, friendly staff. The hotel is also connected to the Peleton Bar and Eatery in the terminal, or there is 24-hour room service if you just want to keep to yourself. If you’re feeling cooped up from your time on an aircraft the Rydges Wellington Airport has a small gym.
Due to the current global pandemic staying a night at the Rydges Wellington Airport from $126 per night (making it by far the best Wellington Airport Accommodation option right now).
Airport Motor Lodge Wellington
Hobart Street, Miramar
Only 650m from the airport or a 6 minute walk, the Airport Motor Lodge appeared very secure on first impression – due to my flight arrival time I turned up during the window between check out and check in times to find the sliding doors were locked and a computer printed sign provided a phone number to call if you had a booking.
The views aren’t much but this Wellington Airport accommodation option has the advantage of being on the Number 2 bus route to town if you are only stopping over in Wellington but want to briefly explore the city. From around $160 per night the Wellington Airport Motor Lodge is budget friendly, bright and clean.
It’s also across the road from a Burger King, a petrol station with a large convenience store and Oikos, a favourite Greek restaurant if you don’t want to take advantage of the dining options within the airport.
You can stay at the Airport Motor Lodge from $164 per night.
How to get to the city from Wellington Airport
The best hotels in Wellington city include my favourites The Bolton Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton. If you’re staying in central Wellington, or further afield you can take the airport bus ($10 cash) or with a little additional effort, take the Number 2 (Karori) bus which costs $5.50 cash to your destination or to link up with another Wellington bus route or train.
The closest bus stop to Wellington Airport is outside the Airport Motor Lodge on Hobart Street.
- From the downstairs arrivals area at Wellington airport, walk outside to where the taxis and shuttles wait and turn left.
- Follow the pedestrian path out of the airport, walk along Stewart Duff Drive towards the Burger King, crossing at the pedestrian crossing.
- You can either cut through the small carpark and Burger King drive-thru, or walk around on the pavement following the map.
- Turn right onto Boardway, and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing,
- Turn left on the corner where the Airport Motor Lodge is and you’ll see the bus stop.
The bus fare is free to gold card holders if you’re travelling off-peak (between 9am and 3pm and after 6.30pm weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays).
