Newtown and Wellington Experiences

Experience Wellington

Wellington is a charming city that welcomes travellers from all around the world who can never quite forget the warm atmosphere and dynamic culture they experienced.

Sojourn Apartment Hotels have two convenient Wellington locations, in Newtown and the City centre. Whether you are in town to visit friends or family, attending a graduation, enjoying an event at Sky Stadium or TSB Arena, or here for business – Sojourn Apartment Hotels is a short stay delight, ideal for both leisure and business traveller.

Sojourn Apartment Hotel Riddiford is in Newtown directly opposite Wellington Regional Hospital and Wellington Children’s Hospital making it the perfect location for hospital visits and in easy reach of the airport. Close neighbours include Ronald McDonald House, Southern Cross Hospital, Massey University, Wakefield Hospital, and Wakefield Heart Centre.

Sojourn Apartment Hotel Ghuznee is situated in central Wellington, just off colourful Cuba Street, so ideally positioned for corporate travellers or guests wanting to explore what Wellington has to offer.

Immerse yourself in the impactful culture this city has to imprint on its visitors by exploring Wellingtons Waterfront, visit Queen’s Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina, and Oriental Bay. Get some retail therapy in at the quirky stores while you’re at it! A few other favourites from this cool little capital include Wellington Zoo, riding the Wellington Cable Car, taking a tour of Weta Workshop, visiting Zealandia or getting a coffee fix before savouring the Capitals’ flavours.

Transportation from Newtown

Just 35 metres to the bus stop outside the neighbouring Ronald McDonald House makes getting around the city a breeze.
Newtown is a major stop on most south Wellington routes, so you conveniently never have to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus. If you’re up to getting some exercise in, it’s also a manageable 2.1 kilometre walk to the waterfront or the CBD, which will only take you about twenty minutes. If walking is not on the agenda this holiday, then a $20 taxi ride will get you there, without breaking the bank. The drive to the airport is a quick eleven minutes.

Cooking your own dinner – Supermarket supplies

Our fully fitted apartment kitchens give you the freedom to eat-in if you like.  Sojourn Apartment Hotel Riddiford, is 140 meters from the Newtown Countdown Supermarket, which is a two-minute walk.

From Sojourn Apartment Hotel Ghuznee, you can get to the Chaffers New World supermarket in Cable St. It’s a 15-minute walk that is only 1.1 kilometres or a four minute drive.

Dining Experiences

It’s unlikely you’ll find other hotel locations with a plethora of cuisines as abundant within walking distance of one another. Take your pick from an array of hidden gems, prime spots, and eccentric experiences with food that just cannot be overlooked.

As tempting as it is possible, you might find yourself dining at a different restaurant every night of the week. It’s hard to choose where to start with tastes and fragrances featured from every corner of the globe is represented.

In Newtown, Fancy Japanese? The Ramen Shop is an authentic spot not to be missed! In the mood for some Mexican? Viva Mexico is your place. Looking for a culinary journey to the heart of Italy; Cicio Cacio is authentic Italian at its’ best. Otherwise, take a trip to Planet Spice to taste India. The list is endless.

And when you wake up in the morning craving more delicious experiences, mosey on down to the daytime delight of a thriving brunch and coffee scene. The Newtown city culture is palpable and some notable cafes you want to add to your itinerary include Bordeaux, Baobab, Pranah and stalwart espresso bar People’s Coffee.

Just off Ghuznee St , you will find Cuba Street, where you are spoiled for choice, from quirky to classic. Choices include 1154, fresh pasta pioneers, Logan Brown, a Wellington icon remaining an accolade to fine dining, Floriditas if you are a fan of eggs for breakfast, Laundry, a bar/ eatery / late night venue, Fidels with its good, honest food, and strong Cuban coffee, Rasa Malaysian Restaurant specialising in two cuisines Malaysian and South Indian, Scopa, a traditional Italian kitchen and Midnight Expresso, the original café for midnight feasts are just a few of your options.

The Essential Guide - Plan Your Trip to Wellington for the 2025 World of WearableArt Event

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Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car

Soak up panoramic views over the gorgeous Wellington city and harbour. For over a century, passengers have loved the short journey from bustling Lambton Quay to Ke...

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The Rogue & Vagabond

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

The Rogue & Vagabond – Craft Beer Bar, located just off Cuba St in Glover Park specialises in amazing beer and also in a wide variety of live music.. Jazz, Blue...

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1154 Pastaria

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

TRADITION BECOMES MODERN: 1154 PASTARIA Named in Cuisine’s top 100 New Zealand restaurants for 2019, fresh pasta pioneers 1154 deliciously merge the modern and the...

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Noble Rot Wine Bar

FINE WINES WITHOUT THE FUSS: NOBLE ROT WINE BAR Designed to be a hub for wine in Wellington, Noble Rot is a place where wine-lovers can relax and enjoy themselves wh...

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Olive

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Olive is an established Cuba Street institution serving seasonal French and Italian-inspired menus in a rustic-chic space. Olive’s curiously lush tropical courtyard...

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Highwater Eatery

Come hell or Highwater Eatery A Saturday morning coffee, a long lunch or an evening of fine dining, it’s always a good time for a visit — come hell or highwater ...

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Logan Brown

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Logan Brown, a Wellington icon that has been delighting Wellingtonian taste buds for more than 20 years and is an accolade to fine dining within the Wellington set. ...

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Floriditas

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Floriditas offer a globally-inspired menu of fresh, seasonal dishes, using only the finest Kiwi produce. If you’re a fan of eggs for breakfast, then you’re goi...

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Laundry

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Laundry’s manager Lucy Minter describes Laundry as a part-jukebox joint and part-southern-style ramshackle barrelhouse. “It’s a place where people gather for cr...

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Fidels

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Fidel's is like a shrine to Cuba. Its walls are decorated in 1950s Cuba memorabilia, images, photos of Cuban street scenes and of Fidel Castro himself. With a colourf...

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Rasa Malaysian Restaurant

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Is a combination of the delightful food, welcoming service, warm ambiance and BYO offering that has made this Cuba Street restaurant a favourite for 20 years. Rasa sp...

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Midnight Espresso

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Midnight Espresso is one of the last places still open on Cuba Street to get a late-night coffee and bite to eat. Their iconic café counter is piled high with sandwi...

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Scopa

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

Owned and run by a pair of brothers, Scopa has both familiarity and charm. Staying true to their Italian roots, they’re grounded in classic Italian style pizza and ...

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El Matador

Located close to: Sojourn Ghuznee

El Matador is a vibrant eatery and bar offering quality cuisine and beverages with an Argentine/Spanish twist. Featuring NZ's first wood-fired asadores and parrill...

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Hillside Kitchen

HILLSIDE KITCHEN: ACCLAIMED PLANT-BASED DINING Seasonal and foraged eats at Wellington’s leading vegetarian restaurant After three-and-a-half years operating as a...

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Government House

If you’re interested to check out Wellington’s Government House, it’s close enough. It’s the principal residence of the Governor-General of New Zealand, Da...

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Wellington Hospital

Newtown is the home of Wellington Hospital and the New Wellington Children’s’ Hospital will be arriving soon. One of the best hospitals around, facilities inc...

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Have a close encounter at Wellington Zoo

Get inspired by the incredible animals at Wellington Zoo. Experience a close and personal encounter that you’ll never forget with some of the Zoo’s endangered...

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The Basin Reserve

For the cricket fans, The Basin Reserve is New Zealand’s home grounds used for Test, first-class and one-day cricket. The Basin Reserve is a must-see for sports...

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Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre

Dive into a 50-metre heated indoor pool at the Aquatic Centre. You can also get some laps in or show off some skills at the diving pool. For the kiddies, there’...

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Discover our stories at Te Papa Museum

Te Papa whispers the ancestral stories of New Zealand through interactive exhibitions that engage visitors in a fun and fascinating experience! It’s suitable fo...

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See native wildlife at Zealandia ecosanctuary

Renowned by Time magazine, making it to the list of the 100 greatest places in the world, ZEALANDIA ecosanctuary is an absolute must. It’s impressively the world...

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Enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Mount Victoria

The best way to get your bearings of the city is by enjoying the views from the top of Mount Victoria. The Mount Victoria Lookout has stunning panoramic views of ...

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Check out our world famous movie making magic

Get a piece of the action by visiting the heart of movie-making magic in Wellywood. Experience what it’s like to be behind the scenes while glimpsing into how W...

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Visit Cuba St

One of Wellington's most-loved and best-known streets, Cuba Street. It’s one of those places where everyone is warmly welcomed making you feel right at home. We...

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Wander the Wellington Waterfront

Locals flock to the waterfront any chance they get and there’s a good reason why. The wide footpath stretches from the Railway Station around to Oriental Bay an...

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Visit the Harbourside Market

On Sunday mornings, it’s worth getting up early to make your way to the colourful array of food trucks and stallholders selling beautiful fresh produce, cheeses, br...

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ASB Sports centre

For the active spirits, the ASB Sports Centre provides indoor sport and recreation facilities for community use. It’s a sociable establishment that welcomes visitor...

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Fabulous Stay - We chose this hotel as it is near where our daughter lives in Newtown. We had the room with kitchenette, it was spacious and comfortable. The location was great, very handy to cafes and two great restaurants we ate at. Also, nice China/ glassware shop nearby and furniture / homeware shop Axe. Will be back.  J Bogor- Taupo -

Sojourn Riddiford

Exceptional 10/10 An amazingly comfortable bed, I had the best sleep. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and the secure parking was great. I would have loved to have stayed an extra day and just relax in the room it was just so comfortable ☺️  Niki G - Marlborough -

Sojourn Riddiford

Although we were here, sadly my sister passed away unexpectedly but loved staying here Thank you to all 10/10 - Convenient to everything hospital location and the city. Very comfortable beds pillows etc lovely rooms. Great facilities. And fantastic staff cleaners and front of house, would definitely recommend staying here.  Julie DB - Canterbury   -

Sojourn Riddiford

Perfect! Lovely accommodation in excellent location. Our large room was exceptionally clean- we actually wonder if it had just been built/renovated? Would definitely stay again. - Tracey S - Auckland

Sojourn Riddiford

Wonderful. Only a few weeks old so VERY clean and fresh. Lovely bed and having a kitchenette was great too. Wonderful staff who helped me move a room when there was a glitch with my TV. Right across from Wellington hospital so very handy while my husband was in overnight.  Joanne G - Wellington -

Sojourn Riddiford

Comfortable quality stay. Spotlessly clean and modern facilities. Very comfortable and good quality furnishings. Staff lovely and nothing too difficult.  Gayle R - Hawkes Bay -

Sojourn Riddiford

Lovely to have the Nespresso machine in the room. However, would have liked some instructions. Luckily my daughter demonstrated for me when she picked me up. Loved the shower dome. Cut all condensation and no need for a noisy extractor running with the light. I was happy that I couldn't hear any sirens or helicopter noise in the room. Will definitely stay again.  Janet H - Bay of Plenty -

Great experience from the moment I walked into the front door, very helpful and courteous staff rooms were very bright clean and good value for the money would stay here again and highly recommend to whanau and friends.  Patrick W - Canterbury -

Sojourn Riddiford

I really enjoyed it being so quiet in my room. I didn't hear any traffic. The room was dark at night which I appreciated very much.  Anna D – Hawke’s Bay -

Sojourn Riddiford

Perfect in all aspects. Location directly over the Road from the hospital and beside Ronald McDonald House. You can enjoy the down-home vibe of cosmopolitan Newton with its myriad of cafes, bars and restaurants. Well equipped kitchen, Room is quite spacious. Staff helpful, welcoming and friendly. -  David C

Sojourn Riddiford

Bright, modern and contemporary. The staff are very helpful and friendly and are also super accommodating. Location is directly opposite the main Wellington hospital which makes visiting sick family and friends a breeze. I would highly recommend staying here.  Anita H - Tasman -

Sojourn Riddiford

What a find. Perfectly positioned for access to dozens of restaurants, bookshops and close to Wellington’s centre and all glistening and new. Comfortable, well-appointed room and sweet staff. Very much look forward to our return. Many thanks to all.  Catherine P - Raglan -

Sojourn Riddiford

Super friendly helpful staff and awesome room and facilities.  Steven M - Auckland -

Sojourn Riddiford

Wonderful, very accommodating. Would stay again and would recommend to family and friends. Thank you! - Olivia W – Bay of Plenty

Sojourn Riddiford

The staff were welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. My room was immaculately clean and fresh. The overall guest experience was 10/10, and I will definitely be recommending Sojourn Apartment Hotel to others. Thank you for your welcome, and your overall hospitality. - Elizabeth C - Wanganui

Sojourn Riddiford

The room was lovely, the bed was like sleeping on clouds and your staff were absolutely amazing! I can’t fault a single thing! Would highly recommend. - Victoria R - Nelson

Sojourn Ghuznee

Lovely service - made everything very easy! The rooms were very clean, with great amenities. Bed was super comfy! Would highly recommend to anyone staying in the Wellington CBD. Cannot say enough about how great the staff were! - Mobile60316272008

Sojourn Ghuznee

The rooms are modern, clean and have everything you need (including a pod coffee machine and full-length mirror). Loved the lamp with inbuilt phone charger on the bedside table. Booked the petite room and it was a lot more spacious than I expected. Great location too. Could walk top meetings, cafes, and Cuba St for dinner. Will definitely stay again. - Flyer54186761172

Sojourn Ghuznee

I was impressed at how clean it was. Nice assortment of cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery, which is good for simple self-catering as there is no restaurant attached to the hotel. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, but after a long day, it was nice to not have to go out to eat. It was also very quiet at night, which was a surprise as usually I've always heard city noises throughout the night. And being able to cast so I could watch what I wanted to watch was a nice bonus. It was a good business stay. - maniania2016

Sojourn Ghuznee

Compact room, which is perfect. I don't need heaps of space. All the mod cons. Nice TV. Comfy bed. Smoothest check in/out process ever. Affordable. And parking included! Crazy good. - Phil Murphy

Sojourn Ghuznee

Steps away from my favourite bars and restaurants. Rooms are immaculately clean and have everything you need. Reception staff are wonderfully polite and helpful. Background noise is what you would expect for such a central hotel but they’ve done a good job with the soundproof and the noise didn’t disturb me. I’ve stayed here twice and would come back every time. - Jemma

Sojourn Ghuznee

I was staying on business. The room was small as advertised but was all I needed, and all facilities were crisp and clean. The service was efficient and friendly. The room had all the essentials including USB and wireless charging points. This accommodation represented solid value for money. I would gladly stay here again. - James Robinson

Sojourn Ghuznee

The location of this hotel was great. Being right off of Cuba street meant we had access to loads of great food, bars, buses, and shops. The rooms were also extremely clean, and the staff did a great job of cleaning the rooms and replenishing coffees and teas while we were out around town. The staff was extremely helpful and kind as well. - Kyle Johnson