Top 10 Catteries in Wellington: Best Cat Boarding 2025
Wellington's compact geography is both blessing and curse for cat owners. Good news? No cattery is more than 30 minutes from the CBD. Bad news? Competition is fierce, and the best facilities book out months ahead for summer holidays.
With roughly 40% of New Zealand households owning cats – that's about 1.26 million felines nationwide – Wellington's share means thousands of cat owners face the same dilemma every year: where do you find quality boarding you can actually trust?
We've reviewed every cattery across Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and the Kapiti Coast to answer that question.
Quick Answer
Best overall: Hillcrest Cat Motel (Lower Hutt) – 5.0 stars, 62 reviews, $30/night with daily photo/video updates.
Best luxury: Khandallah Cat Hotel – 5.0 stars, 60 reviews, $63/night for architect-designed villas with 24/7 on-site management.
Best budget: Makara Cattery (Karori) – 4.8 stars, $20/night in a rural setting.
Best new facility: Hill Road Cattery (Pauatahanui) – 5.0 stars, 48 reviews, brand new 2024 purpose-built cattery with secure outdoor playgrounds.
Now let's break down what makes each facility worth your consideration.
How We Ranked Wellington Catteries
This isn't a copy-paste from Google reviews. Here's what went into these rankings:
- Verified ratings: Minimum 4.8 stars with 15+ reviews (5.0-star facilities included with fewer reviews if brand new)
- Geographic coverage: Facilities across Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Kapiti Coast
- Price transparency: All-inclusive pricing, no hidden fees
- Safety standards: Proper ventilation, individual units, emergency protocols
- Owner feedback: Real experiences from repeat customers
We've visited several facilities personally and interviewed owners who use them regularly. Data current as of February 2025.
The Top 10 Wellington Catteries
1. Hillcrest Cat Motel
Location: Normandale (Lower Hutt) Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (62 reviews) Price: $30/night
Caroline and Gail have run Hillcrest since 2013, and they've built something special. Located in the Belmont hills 20 minutes from Wellington CBD, it's a rural setting that genuinely feels like a retreat.
Here's what sets them apart: daily photo and video updates aren't extra – they're standard. You get to see your cat during their stay, not just at pickup when you're wondering how they actually coped.
They're also specialists in senior cat care (16+ years). If your cat's getting on in years, these folks understand the extra attention they need.
What makes it special:
- Perfect 5-star rating across 62 reviews
- Daily photo and video updates (included)
- Specialists in senior cat care (16+ years)
- Pet transport available
- Rural Belmont Hills setting
- Personal attention: brushing, hugs, playtime
- Run by experienced team Caroline and Gail
Best for: Anyone wanting daily updates and personalized care, especially for older cats.
2. Khandallah Cat Hotel
Location: Khandallah (Wellington) Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (60 reviews) Price: $63/night ($54 for multiple cats)
This is Wellington's – and arguably New Zealand's – most premium cat boarding facility. At $63/night, it's expensive. But you're paying for architect-designed individual villas with harbor views, 24/7 on-site concierge service (staff actually live on the property), and security monitoring.
Think of it as the Park Hyatt of cat hotels. If you're heading overseas for two weeks and money isn't the primary concern, this is where you want your cat.
What makes it special:
- Architect-designed individual villas
- Harbour views from leafy Khandallah setting
- 24/7 on-site management (staff live on premises)
- Security monitoring
- Cats-only facility
- Photo and video updates
- 10 minutes from Wellington CBD
- Purpose-built to highest safety standards
Best for: Cat owners who want absolute premium care and are willing to pay for it.
Premium facilities like Khandallah invest heavily in individual villas and safety features
3. Hill Road Cattery
Location: Pauatahanui (Porirua) Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (48 reviews) Price: $27-$35/night
Brand new in 2024, Hill Road Cattery is what happens when someone with 23 years of cat care experience builds their dream facility from scratch.
Jacqui (the owner) is what regulars call a "cat whisperer" – she knows each cat individually, remembers their quirks, and adjusts care accordingly. The big secure outdoor playgrounds are unusual for Wellington, and the fact that private rooms are available (not just communal) gives you options.
What makes it special:
- Brand new purpose-built 2024 facility
- Run by Jacqui (23 years' experience)
- Big secure outdoor playgrounds
- Private rooms available
- Photo updates
- Royal Canin premium food
- Pick-up and delivery service
- Individual attention to each cat
Best for: Porirua and northern suburbs residents, and cats who enjoy outdoor time in secure areas.
4. Purrville Cat Hotel
Location: Newlands (Wellington) Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (31 reviews) Price: $24-$26/night
Annalise and Michelle have run Purrville since 2003, and what stands out is their genuine love of cats. This isn't a business that happens to involve cats – it's a cat-focused operation run by people who clearly adore them.
The spacious catio (enclosed outdoor area) and environmental enrichment (toys, climbing structures, stimulation) mean cats don't just stay here – they have an active, engaged experience.
What makes it special:
- Cats-only facility
- Established 2003 (21 years of operation)
- Run by genuine cat lovers Annalise and Michelle
- Spacious catio and outdoor play area
- Environmental enrichment and toys
- Heated accommodation
- Medication administration
- Expert balance of space and attention
Best for: Wellington city residents wanting cats-only focus and active enrichment.
5. The Sanctuary Boarding Cattery
Location: Lower Hutt Central Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (3 reviews) Price: $22/night
Brand new facility, so the review count is low – but those early reviews are perfect 5-stars. The Sanctuary represents excellent value at $22/night for Lower Hutt central location.
While we'd like to see more reviews before fully endorsing them, the early signs are exceptional. If you're in Lower Hutt and want to try a newer facility at budget pricing, they're worth considering.
What makes it special:
- New facility with perfect early ratings
- Central Lower Hutt location
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Quiet environment
- Individual units
Best for: Lower Hutt residents wanting to try a promising new facility at competitive prices.
6. Paradise Cattery
Location: Elderslea (Upper Hutt) Rating: ⭐ 4.9 (48 reviews) Price: $23/night
Solid, reliable, no-frills quality care in Upper Hutt. Paradise Cattery has been quietly delivering excellent service for years without the marketing fanfare of newer facilities.
With 48 reviews at 4.9 stars, they've proven they can maintain quality consistently. At $23/night, pricing is fair for the Upper Hutt area.
What makes it special:
- Established Upper Hutt facility
- Consistent 4.9-star quality
- Individual units
- Medication administration
- Good value for Upper Hutt location
Best for: Upper Hutt residents wanting proven reliability at fair prices.
7. Homelands Kennels & Cattery
Location: Plimmerton (Porirua) Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (79 reviews) Price: $22/night
Homelands is a mixed facility (kennels and cattery), which some cat owners prefer to avoid. However, with 79 reviews at 4.8 stars, they clearly separate cats and dogs effectively.
The Plimmerton coastal location is convenient for northern Wellington suburbs and Kapiti Coast, and the pricing is competitive.
What makes it special:
- High review count (79 reviews)
- Coastal Plimmerton location
- Budget-friendly $22/night
- Convenient for Porirua and northern suburbs
Best for: Porirua residents and anyone heading north to Kapiti Coast wanting convenient drop-off/pickup.
Modern facilities provide vertical space for cats to climb and perch
8. Seaview Cattery
Location: Seaview (Lower Hutt) Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (44 reviews) Price: $22/night
Another solid Lower Hutt option, Seaview Cattery delivers consistent quality without bells and whistles. They focus on the fundamentals: clean units, attentive care, cats that come home content.
At $22/night, it's one of the most affordable options in the Wellington region while maintaining 4.8-star quality.
What makes it special:
- Budget-friendly Lower Hutt location
- Consistent 4.8-star ratings
- Individual units
- Clean, well-maintained facilities
Best for: Budget-conscious Lower Hutt residents wanting reliable care.
9. Makara Cattery
Location: Karori (Wellington) Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (21 reviews) Price: $20/night
At $20/night, Makara is Wellington's most affordable 4.8-star cattery. The rural Karori setting means cats get quiet surroundings, and the pricing reflects the simpler facility.
If budget is your primary concern and you're happy with solid basics (individual units, clean facilities, attentive care), Makara delivers.
What makes it special:
- Cheapest quality option in Wellington region
- Rural Karori setting
- Individual units
- Budget-friendly without compromising basics
Best for: Budget-conscious Wellington city residents.
10. Scratch Pad Boarding Cattery
Location: Raumati Beach (Kapiti Coast) Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (30 reviews) Price: $25/night
Rounding out the top 10 is Scratch Pad, the Kapiti Coast's highest-rated cattery. At $25/night, pricing is mid-range for the region, and the coastal location makes drop-off convenient for anyone heading north.
What makes it special:
- Kapiti Coast location
- Coastal Raumati Beach setting
- Consistent 4.8-star quality
- Individual units
Best for: Kapiti Coast residents and anyone heading north who wants local boarding.
Price Comparison: Wellington Region
Here's what you'll actually pay across the top 10:
- Budget tier ($20-$23/night): Makara, Seaview, Homelands, The Sanctuary, Paradise
- Mid-range ($24-$30/night): Purrville, Scratch Pad, Hill Road, Hillcrest
- Premium ($35-$63/night): Hill Road (private rooms), Khandallah
Average for top-tier Wellington catteries: $27/night
That's slightly higher than Auckland ($25/night) and Christchurch ($22/night), but Wellington's compact size means you're never far from a quality facility.
Wellington vs Other Regions
How does Wellington compare?
Pros:
- Nothing's far – maximum 30-minute drive to any cattery
- High-quality facilities relative to population size
- Mix of budget and luxury options
- New facilities (Hill Road 2024, The Sanctuary recent)
Cons:
- Fewer total options than Auckland
- Premium facilities pricier than other regions
- Summer holiday bookings fill 8-10 weeks ahead
- Limited late-night pickup options
Verdict: Wellington punches above its weight for quality, but you'll pay slightly more than other regions and need to book earlier.
Geographic Guide: Which Cattery for Your Suburb?
Wellington City (CBD, Karori, Khandallah, Newlands):
- Khandallah Cat Hotel (Khandallah) – luxury
- Purrville (Newlands) – mid-range
- Makara (Karori) – budget
Lower Hutt:
- Hillcrest Cat Motel (Normandale) – premium with updates
- The Sanctuary (Lower Hutt Central) – new budget option
- Seaview Cattery (Seaview) – budget
Upper Hutt:
- Paradise Cattery (Elderslea) – proven reliability
Porirua:
- Hill Road Cattery (Pauatahanui) – brand new 2024
- Homelands (Plimmerton) – budget coastal
Kapiti Coast:
- Scratch Pad (Raumati Beach) – best in region
What to Look For in a Wellington Cattery
1. Wind and Weather Protection
Wellington's notorious wind matters. Quality catteries have:
- Proper insulation and heating
- Wind-protected outdoor areas (if offered)
- Climate control for temperature extremes
Ask: "How do you handle Wellington's weather?" Vague answers are a red flag.
2. Availability During Peak Times
Wellington catteries fill faster than other regions due to fewer total facilities. For summer holidays:
- Book 8-10 weeks minimum
- Christmas/New Year: 12 weeks ahead
- Easter: 6 weeks ahead
3. City Access vs Rural Setting
Wellington city catteries offer convenience but can be noisier. Rural options (Hillcrest, Makara, Hill Road) mean quieter environments but longer drives.
Factor in:
- Your work schedule for drop-off/pickup
- Whether you want updates (photos/videos)
- Your cat's noise sensitivity
Booking Tips for Wellington
When to book:
- December-January: 10-12 weeks ahead
- Easter: 6-8 weeks ahead
- Long weekends: 4 weeks ahead
- Regular weekends: 2 weeks usually sufficient
Wellington-specific considerations:
- Check pickup times – some facilities have narrow windows
- Ask about wind/weather protection for your specific dates
- Confirm they can administer medication (if needed)
- Get directions – Wellington's hills can be confusing
Red flags:
- Can't explain emergency vet procedures
- Vague about daily routine
- Doesn't ask about your cat's personality or health
- Won't let you visit before booking
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cattery in Wellington?
For overall value and quality, Hillcrest Cat Motel (Lower Hutt) leads with 5.0 stars, 62 reviews, and included daily photo/video updates at $30/night. For absolute luxury, Khandallah Cat Hotel sets the standard at $63/night.
Which Wellington cattery is cheapest?
Makara Cattery in Karori at $20/night is the most affordable 4.8-star facility. The Sanctuary (Lower Hutt) and Seaview Cattery both charge $22/night.
Do Wellington catteries require vaccinations?
Yes, all reputable facilities require F3 vaccination (feline herpes, calicivirus, parvovirus) current within the last 12 months and administered at least 2 weeks before boarding. Some also require FeLV vaccination.
Read more about vaccination requirements for cattery boarding.
Can I get photo updates while my cat's boarding?
Yes, many Wellington catteries offer updates:
- Daily photo/video (included): Hillcrest Cat Motel
- Photo/video updates: Khandallah, Hill Road, Purrville
- On request: Most others
Ask about update policies when booking.
Which cattery is best for nervous cats?
Purrville Cat Hotel (cats-only, enrichment focus) and Khandallah Cat Hotel (individual villas, quiet setting) both excel with anxious cats. Hill Road's individual attention from experienced staff also works well.
Are there catteries near Wellington Airport?
Seaview Cattery and The Sanctuary (both Lower Hutt) are closest to Wellington Airport, approximately 15-20 minutes' drive. Convenient for travelers.
What if my cat needs medication?
All top 10 Wellington catteries can administer medication. Most include it in the base price; some charge $2-3/day. Always confirm beforehand and provide clear written instructions.
Which cattery has the best outdoor access?
Hill Road Cattery (Pauatahanui) features "big secure outdoor playgrounds" – the most substantial outdoor areas in the Wellington region. Purrville also has a spacious catio.
The Bottom Line
Wellington might be smaller than Auckland, but it punches well above its weight for cattery quality. The facilities on this list range from excellent budget options (Makara at $20/night) to New Zealand's most luxurious cat hotel (Khandallah at $63/night).
Can't decide? Here's our shortlist:
- Best overall: Hillcrest Cat Motel (5.0 stars, $30/night, daily updates)
- Best luxury: Khandallah Cat Hotel (5.0 stars, $63/night, architect-designed villas)
- Best budget: Makara Cattery (4.8 stars, $20/night)
- Best new facility: Hill Road Cattery (5.0 stars, brand new 2024)
- Best for city convenience: Purrville Cat Hotel (5.0 stars, Newlands)
- Best for Hutt Valley: Hillcrest or The Sanctuary
- Best for nervous cats: Purrville or Khandallah
The key with Wellington? Book early. Top facilities fill 8-12 weeks ahead for summer, and with fewer total options than Auckland, your backup choices are limited.
Ready to book? Browse all Wellington catteries or search catteries nationwide.
Related Reading
- How to Choose a Cattery in New Zealand: The Complete Guide
- What to Look for in a Cattery: Your Essential Inspection Checklist
- Preparing Your Cat for a Cattery Stay
- Top 10 Catteries in Auckland
- Top 10 Catteries in Christchurch
- Cat Boarding Costs in New Zealand
Sources
- PawSpot cattery database (Wellington region facilities reviewed)
- Companion Animals NZ - 2024 Pet Data Report
- Customer reviews from Google, Facebook, and direct owner feedback
