Ohtel, Wellington 

Get out and explore New Zealand’s captivating capital from this quirky harbourside base.

This new waterfront bolthole is in an excellent spot, at the heart of the action in Wellington’s Oriental Bay neighbourhood. It’s a quick stroll from the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum and only a 20-minute walk from the city’s cable car. The style here is eccentric but high-quality, most obviously in the guest rooms; the mid-20th-Century furnishings and leather chairs contrast wonderfully with the sizeable, glistening bathrooms. The spacious front-facing Suite has large windows, a deck and lovely views over Waitangi Park, the city and the marina. All rooms come with air-conditioning, TV, minibar and Wi-Fi.

On the ground floor of the hotel you’ll find Duppa Bar, named after the first resident of the bay, George Duppa before the founding of Oriental Bay. There are no photos of Mr Duppa on record but the hotel have incorporated a sketch of him into their logo; head down here to enjoy breakfast, tapas, a selection of drinks and Wellington’s famous coffee.