Central Library

This modern public library is regarded for its functional architecture, free events year-round and many collections of books and other resources.

Central Library is a landmark public library in the heart of Wellington. With interactive storytelling sessions and literary celebrations, the library is great for families. Notice the award-winning architecture, designed with accessibility in mind by renowned New Zealand architect Sir Ian Athfield.

Check the events calendar for upcoming happenings, including board game evenings and interactive learning programs for children and their parents and caregivers. Central Library also hosts film screenings from its media collection and special seminars on a wide range of interests, such as gardening and architecture.

Find a vast collection of books and novels for young readers on the ground floor. This floor also includes a section for adult learning and English as a second language. Improve your English and Te reo Māori skills on the ground floor or browse children’s picture books, bestsellers, DVDs, CDs and records.

The first floor contains magazines, large books and more. Look through the biography section for excellent works of non-fiction or select from many arts, music and literature books in nearby areas. The first floor also features a music room and a foreign language resource collection.

Take the elevator to the second floor to find the Māori Collection, one of the best assortments of Māori books and resources in any public library. The Māori Collection is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s indigenous Polynesian people. The second floor also displays newspapers, travel guides and history books.

Stop at the mezzanine floor for a parenting room and a café. This floor also features a citizen’s advice bureau, which offers assistance and legal aid. Other resources, such as computers with paid and free internet access, phone books and dictionaries, are located in many areas within the library.

Walk to Central Library from Wellington Waterfront in less than 10 minutes. The library is located next to City Gallery Wellington, an excellent contemporary art gallery with changing exhibits, guided tours and lectures. Central Library is open every day, excluding public holidays.

With a helpful atmosphere and many resources, Central Library is a great place to plan your stay in Wellington.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Central Library

City Gallery Wellington

Enjoy eclectic and cutting-edge contemporary art at this free gallery.

Civic Square

Relax outdoors in the center of Wellington, surrounded by public artworks and some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Michael Fowler Centre

Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.

Wellington

As the New Zealand capital, Wellington has all the cool museums, gardens and heritage buildings, but its arty vibe is what makes this windy city über cool.

TSB Bank Arena

Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, this multipurpose venue hosts many events, including concerts, trade shows, art exhibitions and more.

Hotels near Central Library

Travelodge Hotel Wellington

2-6 Gilmer Terrace

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station). TSB Bank Arena and Victoria University of Wellington are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 14 minutes by foot.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

147 The Terrace

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of St Paul's Cathedral, Carter Observatory, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Old St Paul's and Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Trinity Hotel Wellington

166 Willis Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Central Library, and Victoria University of Wellington. City Gallery Wellington and Lambton Quay are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 17 minutes by foot.

ibis Wellington

153 Featherston St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 6 minutes by foot.

Rydges Wellington

75 Featherston St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is only a 3-minute walk.

Willis Wellington Hotel

355 Willis St

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Aro Valley, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Sky Stadium and Wellington Zoo are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Grand Mercure Wellington

345 The Terrace

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Wellington Zoo and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Novotel Wellington

133 The Terrace

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Bolton Hotel

Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and New Zealand Parliament Buildings are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman

169 Willis St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Victoria University of Wellington, and Cuba Street Mall. Wellington Waterfront and TSB Bank Arena are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Central City Hotel and Apartments

130 Victoria Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Cuba Street Mall. Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington Waterfront are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Naumi Studio Wellington

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

100 Oriental ParadeOriental Bay, Oriental Bay

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Parade and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

CityLife Wellington

300 Lambton Quay(Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace)

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Lambton Quay and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

West Plaza Hotel

110 Wakefield Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Town Hall, Michael Fowler Centre, and Civic Square. City Gallery Wellington and The Opera House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Bay Plaza Hotel

40 Oriental Parade

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 23 minutes by foot.

Q Hotel

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel

70 Tory Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District, Courtenay Place, and St James Theatre. New Zealand Film Archive and Embassy Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Atura Wellington

24 Hawkestone StThorndon, Thorndon

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thorndon, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Old St Paul's and Beehive. Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station is 29 minutes.

InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel

2 Grey Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

QT Wellington

90 Cable Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located in the entertainment district, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 19 minutes by foot.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)

1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and Parliament House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 1-minute walk.

Richmond Guest House Bed & Breakfast

116 Brougham St

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mount Victoria, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Wellington Zoo are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Nomads Capital Backpackers Wellington

118 Wakefield St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.