You know what they say about Wellington on a good day. You can't beat it. Sitting on the edge of the Cook Strait, Wellington is known for its vibrant CBD, waterfront promenade and, of course, excessive wind. As the capital city of Aotearoa, Wellington certainly carries its weight in terms of venues for hire. This guide includes the finest Wellington venues - from polished hotels and picturesque vineyards to inspiring galleries and immense stadiums to host your next Wellington event.

30 Waring Taylor

Image by Generator

Set in the heart of Wellington City, 30 Waring Taylor is a space designed to facilitate collaboration and spark innovation. This double-storey venue has six bookable meeting rooms, a premium boardroom, and three main event spaces accommodating up to 160 guests. With on-site catering, a dedicated event manager, quality AV facilities and tech support, 30 Waring Taylor is a dynamic venue for your next event.

Bowen Street

Image by Generator

The newest venue by the visionaries at Generator, Bowen Street, is an ultra-modern venue with beautiful rooms and innovative tech solutions. Bowen Street is a central hub for workshops, meetings and seminars in Wellington's parliamentary precinct. 

NZCIS

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NZCIS is an impressive sporting and events facility set on 18 hectares of park-like grounds. This extensive property includes elite facilities, playing fields, accommodation, a conference centre, lecture theatres, lounges, media rooms and more. The largest complex of its kind, NZCIS is a unique destination for athletes, community groups, and corporate guests.

Rydges Wellington Airport

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Save time and skip to the good part at Rydges Wellington Airport. Situated at the Wellington Airport terminal, Rydges is the most accessible and comprehensive conference venue for guests flying in from out of town.

Atura Wellington

Image by Atura Wellington

A streamlined experience awaits you in the creative capital at Atura Wellington. Spaces range from semi to fully private rooms, offering cutting-edge comforts and technologies. Designed with intuition, Atura Wellington is a savvy venue for your next conference, meeting or workshop.

QT Wellington

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QT Wellington is an eccentric hotel venue in the heart of New Zealand's creative capital. With seven unique spaces, including Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar - QT Wellington hosts conferences, private dining events, weddings, celebrations and meetings.

The Shamrock Suite

Image by The Shamrock Suite

Reimagined in recent years and restored with precision, The Shamrock Suite is a heritage venue with a fresh take on events. Whether you need a meeting space for focused productivity or a cozy corner for unwinding conversations, The Shamrock Suite is a great option located close to the city.

Foxglove Bar & Kitchen 

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Foxglove is a multi-faceted venue and home to one of the finest whisky collections in Wellington. Set in a heritage building on Queens Wharf, Foxglove combines old-world charm with a touch of modernity. With bespoke catering, event assistance, AV capabilities and an unbeatable location, Foxglove offers the best of Wellington hospitality.

 

Whisky & Wood

Image by Smoke Photography

Whisky & Wood is Wellington's hottest, newest venue. With washed-brick walls, soaring high ceilings, skylights, and a wooden bar area - Whisky & Wood exudes industrial elegance. With 350 square meters of versatility at your fingertips - the space is suitable for up to 120 guests and can be configured to suit any event.

 

TSB Arena

Image by Wellington NZ

The TSB Arena is one of Wellington's most favoured venues for large-scale events. With 2,186m2 of open space at your fingertips, TSB Arena can be arranged to host any manner of event, from a daytime conference to a themed gala dinner venue.

 

Sky Stadium

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The Sky Stadium is an impressive complex on the outskirts of Wellington CBD. Formerly known as Westpac Stadium, this venue has been running for over 20 years and has hosted some of New Zealand's most iconic sporting moments. The Sky Stadium consists of 15 meeting spaces, the largest being the Function Centre, which can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.

 

Tiakiwai Conference Centre

Image by Tiakiwai Conference Centre

Tiakiwai Conference Centre is an engaging meeting venue in the heart of Wellington's Government precinct. The venue features a contemporary design and versatile spaces, including an award-winning auditorium, spacious foyers, and configurable meeting rooms.

 

Te Papa 

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Plan your very own night at the museum with Te Papa - the Museum of New Zealand. This significant venue has multiple conference, convention, and meeting spaces - hosting 20 to 1,000 guests. Catering and event management can also be arranged.

 

Thistle Inn

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The Thistle Inn is a character-filled establishment with 180 years of history within its walls. In 2023, The Thistle Inn continues to charm guests with its vibrant atmosphere and roaring fire. The venue has a main bar, courtyard, marquee lawn and several rooms suitable for private dining or board meetings. Whether 20 or 180 guests attend your event, The Thistle Inn is a gracious host.

Willeston Conference Centre

Image by Willeston Conference Centre

Willeston Conference Centre is the ideal meeting venue. Overlooking Wellington Harbour, the venue consists of pillar-free rooms bursting with natural light and available at half-day or full-day rates. With whiteboards, overhead projectors, screens, smart TVs, video conferencing units, PA systems and flipcharts - Willeston Conference Centre sets you up for success.

 

Michael Fowler Centre

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Michael Fowler Centre is a prestigious concert hall and landmark of Wellington's cultural and civic scene. With its striking architecture and dramatic auditorium, this award-winning venue hosts major conferences, exhibitions and performances.

The Opera House

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Take a step back in time at The Opera House, one of Wellington's oldest and most extravagant venues. The Opera House is home to comedy, ballet, theatre and classical performances. Not to mention providing a unique canvas for formal dinners and product launches.

 

Oaks Wellington Hotel

Image by Oaks Wellington Hotel

Nestled between the harbour and hills, Oaks Wellington Hotel is a contemporary venue in Wellington's vibrant cosmopolitan CBD. With four multi-purpose function spaces and a host of facilities, including an onsite restaurant, Oaks is an ideal destination for your next event.

 

Shed 6 (TSB Auditorium)

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Shed 6 is an impressive 763m² auditorium that is ahead of the times in Wellington's event scene. With state-of-the-art AV & lighting, just about anything is possible at this unique Wellington venue. Thanks to optional retractable and soundproof walls, Shed 6 can be divided into 4 smaller spaces to suit breakout sessions, meetings, product launches and social functions.

 

Old St Paul’s

Russell Kleyn 

Suitably atmospheric and beautifully dramatic, Old St Paul’s is just the ticket for your event. Built in 1866, this Wellington venue is an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture. Famed worldwide for its glowing wooden interior and illuminated stained glass windows, Old St Paul's is an exceptional venue for weddings, performances and filming.

 

Academy Galleries

Image by Massey University

Academy Galleries is a sophisticated and thought-provoking venue in the creative heart of Wellington. The Main Gallery offers a contemporary space to host cocktail functions with up to 250 guests or seated events with up to 90 guests. With an onsite kitchen and easy venue hire, minimalism meets practicality at Academy Galleries.

 

Te Raukura - Te Wharewaka o Poneke

Image by Wellington NZ

Wharewaka Function Centre is an award-winning function centre and waka house perched on Wellington's waterfront. With a contemporary style, stunning outlook and the latest AV technology - Wharewaka Function Centre can accommodate 20 to 500 guests, depending on your needs.

Space Place

Image by Museums Wellington

Immerse yourself in wonder at Space Place, the world-class observatory and venue within the Botanical Gardens. With multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, and a full-dome planetarium - events at Space Place are sure to leave an impression. 

 

The Basin Reserve

Image by Andrew Cornaga

Named one of the top 10 cricket venues in the world, The Basin Reserve holds a rich history within its parameters. Not only a beloved destination for cricket players and fans, The Basin Reserve also offers two event spaces to host meetings, seminars or celebrations.

Harbourside Function Centre

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Harbourside Function Centre is an impressive venue running from what was once a warehouse for trade wares. This historic building consists of five spaces suitable for all manner of occasions - from conferences to banquets.

 

Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club

Image by Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club

Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club is an iconic venue on Wellington's Harbour. Established in 1883., the Yacht Club is a hub for the yachting community and a beautiful event venue. The building has three versatile spaces and a sun-soaked deck extending over the water.

 

Wellington Museum

Image by Lonely Planet

Home to over a century of fascinating stories within the Wellington region, the Wellington Museum is also a world-class venue. Whether a corporate day, media presentation or wedding reception - Wellington Museum has a selection of spaces to suit.

City Gallery Wellington

Image by City Gallery Wellington

Make your event a work of art at City Gallery Wellington - one of New Zealand’s foremost contemporary art galleries. Award-winning architecture, bright spaces and memorable exhibitions make City Gallery Wellington a truly captivating venue.

Lower Hutt Event Centre

Image by Lower Hutt Event Centre

Keep it local with Lower Hutt Event Centre. Whether you need a meeting room, a space for a school ball or an auditorium to host a concert - Lower Hutt Event Centre accommodates all of the above and much more. Hosting up to 900 guests with ease, the expert management team will work alongside you to bring your event to life.

Grand Mercure Wellington

Image by Stuff NZ

Grand Mercure is a world-class hotel with the perfect touch of local warmth. Overlooking Cuba Quarter, Grand Mercure is within walking distance of the CBD and Wellington Harbour - making it the perfect choice for guests flying in from out of town. Taking pride in its versatility, Grand Mercure boasts 8 Spaces, premium service and in-house catering.

Wallaceville House

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Wallaceville House is a historic homestead surrounded by acres of pristinely kept grounds. With the option of staying onsite, this homestead is an all-in-one venue for weddings, multi-day conferences and celebrations. Discover the perfect blend of grandeur and elegance in this early 20th-century space.

Cliftons

Image by Scaling Matters

Host with confidence at Clifftons. Take control of your event with collaboration-friendly meeting rooms, conference spaces and training rooms designed to accelerate productivity and inspire innovation. From convenient essentials like projectors and flip boards to audio-visual equipment and technology solutions, you can trust the professionals at Clifftons.

 

Rydges Wellington

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Located on downtown Featherston Street, Rydges Wellington offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. With captivating views of the harbour and the vibrant cityscape, the hotel offers 7 meeting and conference spaces - hosting up to 230 guests.

Intercontinental Wellington

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Intercontinental Wellington offers five-star luxury right by the waterfront. Spaces vary from the largest pillarless ballroom in Wellington to meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, convenient conference spaces and a pre-function lobby.

Sofitel Wellington

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Indulge in French luxury in the heart of New Zealand's capital city at Sofitel. This 5-star hotel is central to the Parliament precinct, premium shopping and Sky Stadium. With beautiful catering, accommodation and versatile spaces on offer, Sofitel is a venue fit for a king.

The Arborist

166 Willis Street, Te Aro

Known as one of Wellington's best spots, The Arborist Rooftop Bar is the perfect escape from the city noise. Sheltered from that pesky Wellington wind, you'll find The Arborist Rooftop Bar 7 stories high. Frozen cocktails and spritzers are their speciality, and their happy hour deals are well worth snapping up! 

Kumutoto

Image by Isthmus

Kumutoto is a beautiful venue with four glorious spaces to host your next Wellington event. Boasting a premium location on Wellington Harbour - Kumutoto is just a few minutes from The Beehive, government buildings and the train station.

 

The Boatshed

Image by The Boatshed

Built in 1874, Boatshed is a timeless piece of Wellington. With a spacious function room, adjoining bar/lounge, commercial kitchen and central heating - modern conveniences blend beautifully with the significance of this heritage building.

 

West Plaza Hotel

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West Plaza Hotel is a venue famous for its warm atmosphere and stylish yet affordable facilities. Enjoy comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, superb dining experience, event spaces and service to match. West Plaza Hotel hosts family milestones, weddings, product launches and conferences.

 

Bolton Hotel

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As Wellington's finest 5-star, family-owned and operated hotel, Bolton Hotel presents excellent hospitality across the board. Flexible in its approach and offering, Bolton Hotel specialises in meetings and conferences for small to medium-sized groups.

Margrain Vineyard

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In the heart of the Martinborough vineyard area, Margrain Vineyard produces excellent wines and hosts equally excellent events. Margrain Vineyard offers two spaces - ‘The Woolshed’ and ‘The Boardroom’, perfect for intimate meetings, conferences and strategy days. Family-owned since 1992, Margrain Vineyard offers guests the complete vineyard experience. 

Boomrock

Image by Visa Wellington on a Plate

Backdrops don’t get better than the one on offer at Boomrock. This breathtaking venue overlooks the Cook Straight, offering stunning views of the South Island. Providing impeccable service and hospitality for 21 years, Boomrock will take your event vision and deliver excellence.

 

For more great venue ideas, check out our venue guides for other major NZ cities:

Auckland Venues  |  Tauranga Venues  |  Hawkes Bay Venues

Hamilton Venues  |  Christchurch Venues  |  Queenstown Venues

 

For Wellington wedding photographers, check out the range on Wellington Weddings.