Courtenay Place Tours and Activities

Courtenay Place showing a bar and interior views as well as a small group of people
Courtenay Place showing signage
Courtenay Place featuring a bar and interior views
Courtenay Place showing signage


Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.

It is said that Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City. “The Windy City” is renowned for its appreciation of fine dining, excellent cheap eats, specialty coffee, superb wine and craft beer. Courtenay Place is where you will find the heart of Wellington’s culinary culture. It is also the entertainment hub with bars, clubs, theatres and cinemas.

Explore the shops, historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and public art works on one of Wellington’s most historic streets. Originally an industrial area, today it is the centre of Wellington’s fashionable social life. Foodies will love the self-guided food tour. Begin with a coffee, where the coffee beans have been directly sourced from the growers and roasted on the premises. Try uniquely flavoured chocolates, freshly made ice cream, locally made cheeses, craft beer or New Zealand’s renowned manuka honey. Sample contemporary Māori cuisine or dance the night away in a funky bar.

Browse through elegant boutiques and specialty stores. A walk down Cuba Street, just off Courtenay Place, will take you through Wellington’s bohemian centre. Discover ethnic restaurants, secondhand bookstores, vintage stores and and hip cafés full of students and artists.

Courtenay Place has a thriving arts and culture scene. Over seven theatres and cinemas show classic and contemporary films, theatre shows and cultural performances. Check out the Embassy Theatre where Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings had its world premiere. Courtenay Place is also host to the biannual New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Courtenay Place is located in the inner-city district of Te Aro and is the main street of the Courtenay Quarter. It is served by bus routes and is a short walk from Lambton Quay. On-street and garaged car parking is available.

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Best Lodging Options Near Courtenay Place

Willis Wellington Hotel

Willis Wellington Hotel

3.5 out of 5
355 Willis St, Wellington
Willis Wellington Hotel
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
Rydges Wellington
TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street

TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street

4 out of 5
15 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street
West Plaza Hotel

West Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
110 Wakefield Street, Wellington
West Plaza Hotel
Oaks Wellington Hotel

Oaks Wellington Hotel

4.5 out of 5
89 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington, Wellington
Oaks Wellington Hotel
Naumi Studio Wellington

Naumi Studio Wellington

4 out of 5
213 Cuba Street, Te Aro,, Wellington, Wellington
Naumi Studio Wellington
Museum Apartment Hotel, Independent Collection by EVT

Museum Apartment Hotel, Independent Collection by EVT

4.5 out of 5
90 Cable Street,, Te Aro,, Wellington
Museum Apartment Hotel, Independent Collection by EVT
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Courtenay Place

Courtenay Place is a vibrant entertainment hub in Wellington, offering a variety of activities for tourists. You can explore local shops in the bustling marketplace, catch a film at the nearby movie theatres, or enjoy a leisurely walking tour to soak in the area's rich culture. With its lively atmosphere and diverse attractions, Courtenay Place is the perfect spot to experience the best of Wellington's entertainment scene.

Shopping

In Courtenay Place, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while shopping at Queensgate Shopping Centre, located 14.5km away, offering a mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Clouston Park Shops and River Valley Shopping Centre, both 32.2km away, provide additional options for gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Sky Stadium, where you can catch exciting sports events. Visit Basin Reserve for a scenic walk or picnic amidst beautiful greenery. Newtown Park offers ample space for relaxation and recreational activities, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Adventure

The Wellington Cable Car, located 1.1km from Courtenay Place, offers a thrilling ride with stunning views. For hiking enthusiasts, Butcher Track and Morne LaBaye Trail, both 12.9km away, provide scenic outdoor adventures amidst beautiful landscapes, perfect for exploring New Zealand's natural beauty.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Courtenay Place is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the St James Theatre, just 161m away, or catch a performance at the Opera House, 322m away. For a cinematic experience, visit the Embassy Theatre, also 322m away, perfect for family and romance.

Find the best attractions near Courtenay Place

Courtenay Place in Wellington offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including event venues, history museums, and lively streets perfect for exploring. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a taste of local cinema, this area has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the city's rich history while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of Courtenay Place.

  • Te Papa: Explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse cultures of the country. With engaging exhibits and interactive displays, it offers a vibrant cultural vibe, making it a perfect spot for history buffs and curious travellers alike.
  • Cuba Street Mall: Stroll along the lively Cuba Street Mall, known for its eclectic atmosphere, colourful street art, and unique shops. This vibrant street is a hub of creativity and urban culture, ideal for those looking to experience Wellington's trendy side.
  • Wellington Central Business District: Discover the bustling heart of Wellington in the Central Business District. With its modern architecture, shops, and cafés, this area provides a dynamic city vibe, perfect for business and leisure alike.

Best time to go to Courtenay Place

Visitor numbers around Courtenay Place is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Courtenay Place is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Courtenay Place

To save money during your visit to Courtenay Place, explore nearby free attractions like Cuba Street Mall and Wellington Central Business District. Consider visiting in January, June, or August for lower accommodation rates, while Sunday is the cheapest night to stay. Book hotels about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities. Lastly, keep an eye out for dinner deals to enjoy local cuisine without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Courtenay Place are January, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Courtenay Place is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Courtenay Place is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Courtenay Place is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Courtenay Place hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.