Wellington And Around Accommodations And Camping

For truly spectacular sleeps, head north to one of the many shorefront hostels along the coast. Book your bed in advance during the summer and on weekends.

• Wellington City YHA (☎801 7280; www.yha.co.nz), Cambridge Terr. and Wakefield St. Recently renovated and centrally located, this 6-story behemoth has 320 beds, 2 kitchens, a game room, and big lounges. Laundry $4. Internet $2 per 15min. Reception 7am-10:30pm. 6-bed dorms $26; 4-bed dorms with bath $28; twins $66-90; doubles $70-90. $3-6 YHA discount.
• Moana Lodge (BBH), 49 Moana Rd. (☎233 2010; www.moanalodge.co.nz), in Plimmerton. Take SH1 north to Plimmerton; turn left into town and follow the coast. Right on the water, with views of the legendary Mana Island. The owners, John and Helen, have created a home away from home in this carefully crafted lodge with a fully stocked kitchen, dining room, and living room with sea views. Choice freebies including kayaks, coffee, and tea. Call for free pickup. Laundry $5. Internet $2 per 15min. Book ahead. Dorms $26-28; singles $40; twins and doubles $56, with view $70.
• Nomads Capital, 11 Wakefield St. (☎978 7800; fax 978 7810; www.nomadscapital.com). Across from the Wellington i-Site. Popular with travelers of all ages, this hostel is fully equipped for impromptu barbeques and rowdy rugby matches. Internet $4 per hr. 24hr. reception. Dorms $22-28; ensuite double $85; “elite rooms” with TV and clock $99. ISIC and VIP discounts.
• The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers (BBH), 28 Cambridge Terr. (☎385 8829; www.cambridgehotel.co.nz). Enter from Alpha St. This converted hotel retains all the glamour with none of the cost. Breakfast $2. Laundry $4. Internet $5 per hr. 24hr. reception. 8-bed dorms $23-25; singles $59; doubles $85-99. AmEx/MC/V.
• Base Backpackers (VIP), 21-23 Cambridge Terr. (☎801 5666; www.basebackpackers.com). A converted pub, Base hasn’t lost its social atmosphere in the change over. The female-only “sanctuary” floor pampers guests with spa-like amenities. Laundry $4. Internet $4 per hr. Key deposit $10. 6- to 8-bed dorms $25; 6- to 8-bed female dorms $28; 4-bed dorms $26-28; doubles with bath $80-85. $1 VIP discount.
• Downtown Backpackers (VIP), 1 Bunny St. (☎473 8482; www.downtownpackers.co.nz). Across from the railway station and Blueridge ferry station, the historic hotel is great for travelers in transit. Internet, lockers, and a cafe. Key deposit $20. Dorms $24; single with shared bath $58; twin with shared bath $56; double $68.
• World Wide Backpackers, 291 The Terr. (☎802 5590 or 0508 888 555). Take Ghuznee St. up the hill, and turn right. Continental breakfast (7:45-9am), shared boxed wine, local calls, and Internet all included. Linen $1 per item. Laundry $6. Key deposit $20. Reception 7:45am-noon, 3-8:45pm. Dorms $24; twins and doubles $60. Weekly dorms $120. $1 YHA/BBH/ISIC discount.
• Wildlife House, 58 Tory St. (☎381 3899 or 0508 005 858; www.wildlifehouse.co.nz). Recognizes your animal desires with free condoms at reception. Linen $3. Laundry $5. Free Internet. Key deposit $20. Reception 7:30am-10:30pm. Dorms $25-29; twins and doubles $68, with bath $73-85.
• Rowena’s (VIP), 115 Brougham St. (☎385 7872 or 0800 801 1414; www.wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz). Removed from the city center, this brightly painted hostel has great views of downtown. Free shuttle to 12:30pm ferry. Laundry $6. Internet $0.50 per 15min. Key deposit $10. Reception 7am-10:30pm. Dorms $20; singles $30; twins and doubles $50. Tent sites $12.50.
• Stillwater Lodge (BBH), 34 Mana Esplanade (☎233 6628; www.stillwaterlodge.co.nz), in the unsigned village of Mana. Take SH1 north past the junction with SH58; it becomes Mana Esplanade. This beautiful home-turned-hostel is a few steps from Pauatahanui Inlet. Free pool table. Linen $4. Free wash, $2 dry. Internet $2 per 20min. Book ahead. Dorms $23; twins and doubles $57, with bath $65.
• Top 10 Hutt Park Holiday Park, 95 Hutt Park Rd. (☎568 5913 or 0800 488 872; www.huttpark.co.nz), in Lower Hutt. Take SH2 to Petone and follow it to the waterfront. Wellington’s closest holiday park, although tent campers may be lost amid the caravans. Laundry $4. Internet $2 per 10-20min. 1- to 2-person tent and powered sites $30, $13 per extra person; 2-person cabins $40.