If coverage of the Rugby World Cup has got you dreaming about a trip across the Tasman, then why not treat yourself to a stay at vintage-modern Ohtel boutique hotel in Wellington?

Known for its harbourside setting and serious caffeine addiction, intimate capital Wellington, on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, makes for a perfect weekend getaway, with culture, parks, bars and cafés all within easy strolling distance.

Located in the arty, central Oriental Bay neighbourhood, opposite the marina, Ohtel’s cliffside contemporary façade hides a hip mid-century heart. The owner’s mad for 1950s and 1960s design, and has decked out the cool reception/lobby and 10 spacious rooms with handpicked furniture and accessories from the period, including sleek Scandi finds. We especially love the Kiwi and Australian design classics (think chairs by Grant Featherston and Parker Furniture pieces), teamed with local textiles and ceramics by Crown Lynn.

Despite the vintage details, generous beds and modern comforts ensure 21st-century luxe rules. If you want a view of the sea, ask for a room at the front of the hotel; suites 6 and 9 feature balconies with city and harbour vistas, and freestanding baths. For a seductive, bigger corner bath, but no view, request a room at the back. All sport hi-tech treats such as flatscreen LCD TVs with Sky channels, preloaded iPods and free broadband, as well as a minibar and Evolu toiletries.

Ohtel serves up breakfast, cakes and coffee in its sociable lobby/bar in the mornings, as well as alcoholic drinks at night, and its cosy scale feels properly boutique. There’s no restaurant, but staff can suggest top local dining spots or see Smith’s Wellington eating and drinking guide. Nearby Cuba Street is always a good bet, with mod-Alpine cocktail bar Matterhorn (number 106) and pretty café-restaurant Floriditas (161), as well as stylish shopping. At 5 Courtenay Place, just a hop from Ohtel, quirky Mexican eatery Sweet Mother’s Kitchen is also a must.

For a culture hit make for Wellington’s Maori museum Te Papa Tongarewa, or catch a movie at the art-deco Embassy Theatre (10 Kent Terrace). Nature buffs can take the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, then hit the beaches and wineries beyond town. Or just chill out with another Allpress coffee...

To book Ohtel or any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s boutique hotels visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the Travel Team on 1300 89 66 27, 24 hours a day, five days a week. Smith members enjoy special gifts on arrival, such as a free breakfast for two at Ohtel.