Michael Fowler Centre

Wellington’s main stage for conferences and indoor events features award-winning architecture and a year-round calendar of music and arts events.

Michael Fowler Centre is a convention centre and concert hall in Wellington’s cultural precinct. The centre, home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, hosts international opera, theatre, music events and conferences. Attend a classical music performance or visit the centre to admire its striking architecture.

Book tickets for an event in the main auditorium to witness its impressive design. The auditorium can seat more than 2,000 guests for music events, such as classical concerts. Designed by architectural firm Warren and Mahoney in the late 20th century, Michael Fowler Centre is noted for its unique acoustic and spatial features.

The centre also contains a number of spaces for commercial and public events. Find the Fletcher Challenge Foyer on the ground floor. This large area features polished native timber and Italian marble floors. It is regularly used for fine art installations and as a meeting space for conference attendees.

For panoramic views of Wellington Harbour and Civic Square, walk along the centre’s Promenades. These curved spaces are used for expositions and pre-function entertainment areas. Other great event spaces include the Lion Harbourview Lounge and the Frank Taplin Room.

Many nearby attractions, including City Gallery Wellington and Central Library, are located a short walk from Michael Fowler Centre. Wellington Waterfront is less than 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from the centre. Notice the text sculptures along the waterfront, part of Wellington Writers Walk. The sculptures are a celebration of New Zealand’s best-known writers. The waterfront also features excellent restaurants and cafés with outstanding views of the harbour.

Michael Fowler Centre is about 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Wellington International Airport. With many luxurious hotels and affordable self-catered apartments in the city’s civic and cultural precinct, you’ll find the right place to stay. Use parking available at the centre’s car park. Parking is free on weekends; however, time limits apply.

Purchase tickets from the Ticketek box office adjacent to Michael Fowler Centre to experience an event in this excellent multipurpose venue.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Michael Fowler Centre

Civic Square

Relax outdoors in the center of Wellington, surrounded by public artworks and some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

City Gallery Wellington

Enjoy eclectic and cutting-edge contemporary art at this free gallery.

Central Library

This modern public library is regarded for its functional architecture, free events year-round and many collections of books and other resources.

Te Papa

See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.

Cuba Street Mall

Enjoy artisan coffees, sample specialty foods, browse through vintage shops or hunt for retro bargains in Wellington's bohemian heart.

Hotels near Michael Fowler Centre

Travelodge Hotel Wellington

2-6 Gilmer Terrace

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station). TSB Bank Arena and Victoria University of Wellington are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 14 minutes by foot.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

147 The Terrace

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of St Paul's Cathedral, Carter Observatory, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Old St Paul's and Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Trinity Hotel Wellington

166 Willis Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Central Library, and Victoria University of Wellington. City Gallery Wellington and Lambton Quay are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 17 minutes by foot.

ibis Wellington

153 Featherston St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 6 minutes by foot.

Rydges Wellington

75 Featherston St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is only a 3-minute walk.

Willis Wellington Hotel

355 Willis St

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Aro Valley, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Sky Stadium and Wellington Zoo are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Grand Mercure Wellington

345 The Terrace

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Wellington Zoo and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Novotel Wellington

133 The Terrace

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Bolton Hotel

Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and New Zealand Parliament Buildings are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman

169 Willis St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Victoria University of Wellington, and Cuba Street Mall. Wellington Waterfront and TSB Bank Arena are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Central City Hotel and Apartments

130 Victoria Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Cuba Street Mall. Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington Waterfront are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Naumi Studio Wellington

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

100 Oriental ParadeOriental Bay, Oriental Bay

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Parade and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

CityLife Wellington

300 Lambton Quay(Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace)

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Lambton Quay and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

West Plaza Hotel

110 Wakefield Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Town Hall, Michael Fowler Centre, and Civic Square. City Gallery Wellington and The Opera House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Bay Plaza Hotel

40 Oriental Parade

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 23 minutes by foot.

Q Hotel

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel

70 Tory Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District, Courtenay Place, and St James Theatre. New Zealand Film Archive and Embassy Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Atura Wellington

24 Hawkestone StThorndon, Thorndon

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thorndon, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Old St Paul's and Beehive. Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station is 29 minutes.

InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel

2 Grey Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

QT Wellington

90 Cable Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located in the entertainment district, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 19 minutes by foot.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)

1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and Parliament House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 1-minute walk.

Richmond Guest House Bed & Breakfast

116 Brougham St

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mount Victoria, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Wellington Zoo are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Nomads Capital Backpackers Wellington

118 Wakefield St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.