Planning a Wellington getaway? Here's are pick of the city's 7 best hotels

There's something for every taste in this ultra-cool city.

Naumi Hotel Wellington: Inspired by Andy Warhol, the design at Naumi Hotel Wellington has been described as a "sensory wonderland". Each of the 116 boutique rooms is a tribute to contemporary style and comfort, featuring bright decor, plush textures and organic bathroom products. The hotel is located on Dunlop Terrace, within walking distance to the city's Cuba Street cultural centre, along with the TSB Arena, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum and eclectic shops and restaurants. The hotel's on-site Lola Rouge Restaurant offers modern Asian dishes and the Grand Bar is described as "wunderkammer" (German for a room of wonders) and serves boutique wines and beer from local craft breweries. From $190 per room, per night. naumihotels.com/naumi-hotel-wellington

QT Wellington: Dubbed "a gallery opening that never closed", QT Wellington is a playful art-inspired hotel that teams opulence with technology and luxury. Bold art covers the lobby walls and the guestrooms are stylish with fluffy throw rugs and feature walls that pop. On-site restaurant Hippopotamus is decked out in clashing power pinks and chandeliers, serving sumptuous breakfasts like creamy eggs with truffle oil and chives, or indulge in a raspberry and pink peppercorn fizz and gaze upon the art collection at the Gallery Bar. Located on the Clyde Quay Wharf, the hotel boasts harbourfront views with easy access to the Wellington Cable Car. From $269 per room, per night. qthotels.com/wellington

The Cobbler Wellington: The design at The Cobbler Wellington is old-meets-new, paying homage to the area that sprung to life in the 1940s after the Hannah Footwear Factory was built next door. The hotel, in the Te Aro neighbourhood, overlooks Hannah's Laneway, an iconic boutique foodie strip where you'll find Asian eateries, pizza, a bakery, Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter, the Wellington Chocolate Factory and more. From $166 per room, per night. thecobblerhotel.co.nz

Sofitel Wellington: Sofitel Wellington is a familiar place to rest if you're a business traveller or someone who enjoys a bit of luxury and a porter service. The rooms are chic and plush and there are on-site restaurants - Jardin Grill, offering fancy burgers and steaks, and La Serre bar where you can relax with a glass of wine or a mixer after work; or spend an afternoon walking around the nearby Wellington Botanic Garden. The hotel has views of the picturesque Wellington Hills and is located in the CBD. From $223 per room, per night. sofitel-wellington.com

The Intrepid Hotel: Housed in a historic 1909 building that was once Cadbury Chocolate's headquarters, the Intrepid Hotel exudes boutique charm with a converted-warehouse aesthetic. Each room has a unique rug and artwork, and there's an in-house wine bar, Puffin, that specialises in natural, organic wine - or you can get a bottle to take back to your room. The hotel is located on vibrant Ghuznee Street in the CBD's Te Aro area, where there are hip clothing stores and street art. From $197 per room, per night. theintrepidhotel.com

InterContinental Wellington: Ultimate luxury awaits you at InterContinental Wellington, where life's extras are at your fingertips - such as touch-button frosting of the shower window, fluffy robes and a concierge service. The hotel is within walking distance to Cuba Street, Wellington's fun and eclectic pedestrian mall. There is an on-site health club with a sauna and gym, and the largest heated swimming pool in Wellington. From $288 per room, per night. wellington.intercontinental.com

Ohtel Wellington: Located harbourside in the exclusive Oriental Bay neighbourhood, this boutique hotel is an urban-chic home away from home in a part of the city known for its nightlife. Some rooms come with oversized baths for a good soak before heading out on the town to check out the clubs around Courtenay Place. The hotel's style is mid-century - think 1950s leather chairs and twee vases, with some interesting kiwi artwork. It's close to the walking tracks at Mount Victoria, and Oriental Bay Beach where you can swim in summer. From $196 per room, per night. ohtel.nz/wellington

Once you've had your fill of Wellington's culture, art and restaurants, say goodbye to the bustling capital and relax by the clifftops. Here are two excellent places for a getaway.

Wharekauhau: Set in the spectacular foothills of the Remutaka Mountain Range and the cliffs of Palliser Bay, an hour and a half's drive from Wellington, Wharekauhau is a luxurious farm stay where guests can enjoy an ATV quad bike ride across the black sand beach trail or a game of croquet on the courtyard lawn. Choose from villas, terraces and cottage suites decorated with earthy tones, and enjoy the heated saltwater indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and hot tub. The estate is home to a 5000-bottle wine cellar and a restaurant inspired by what can be sourced on-site. From $2305 per room, per night. wharekauhau.co.nz

Pipinui Point: Perched on a cliff above the Tasman Sea, Pipinui Point, 40 minutes' drive from Wellington, is perfect for a romantic getaway. Watch the sunset from the outdoor hot tub on the deck while listening to the waves break on the rocks below. Book into adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activities including claybird shooting and four-wheel-driving over muddy valleys, take a leisurely walk along the cliffs or have a massage with the nomad spa. Chef's dinners are available or you can cook your own meals in the on-site kitchen. From $817 per room, per night. pipinuipoint.co.nz