| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Wellington City Council accommodation register; resource consent required in some zones |
| Tax Rate | NZ GST 15%; no separate Wellington tourist tax |
| Night / Day Cap | None; resource consent required in some residential zones |
| Permit Fee | Registration fee |
| Penalties | Fines for non-consent |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rentals in Wellington, Wellington Region are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Wellington City Council accommodation register; resource consent required in some zones. The associated permit fees are Registration fee.
Short-term rental operators in Wellington should be aware of these tax obligations: NZ GST 15%; no separate Wellington tourist tax.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Wellington include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: None; resource consent required in some residential zones. Occupancy limit: Per unit.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Wellington: Resource consent required in some residential zones. Density rules: Resource consent required in some zones.
Hosts who fail to comply with Wellington's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines for non-consent.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Wellington but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Capital city. Resource consent required in certain residential zones. Growing enforcement. No dedicated tourist tax unlike some NZ peer cities.
Yes. Wellington requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Wellington City Council accommodation register; resource consent required in some zones.
Short-term rental hosts in Wellington are subject to the following tax obligations: NZ GST 15%; no separate Wellington tourist tax.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Wellington may face enforcement. Fines for non-consent.
City registration required; resource consent in some zones; growing enforcement; NZ GST 15%.
LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.
View in Full Database →