Wellington on a Budget

A daily budget of $200-380 for a family of four is realistic for Wellington, covering accommodation, food, and activities. You can expect to pay around $150-250 per night for a mid-range motel or apartment, $20-30 per person for meals, and $20-50 per person for attractions.

Some top attractions like Te Papa Museum are free, while others like the Wellington Cable Car cost around $9 per adult and $4.50 per child. Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary costs around $55 per adult and $25 per child, but is worth the splurge for nature lovers.

Wellington has a range of free activities that are perfect for families. The Te Papa Museum is one of the best free museums in New Zealand, with a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays. The Wellington Waterfront and Frank Kitts Park playground are also great spots for kids to burn off energy.

The Botanical Garden is another free attraction, and can be accessed by taking the Wellington Cable Car to the top and walking back down through the garden. For a more adventurous day out, head to Makara Beach, which is around 30 minutes from the CBD and offers great rock pooling and a wild west coast beach experience.

Wellington has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For families on a tight budget, consider staying in a hostel or budget motel, which can cost around $100-150 per night. For a mid-range option, consider a motel or apartment, which can cost around $150-250 per night.

Some top picks for families include the Ibis Wellington, which costs around $180 per night, and the Quest Wellington, which costs around $200 per night. For a more luxurious option, consider the Novotel Wellington, which costs around $300 per night.

Here's a rough breakdown of what you might expect to pay for a 3-day trip to Wellington: