Top Wellington Art & Culture - page 2

Combine award-winning wine and gorgeous scenery on a full-day small-group tour from Wellington to Martinborough that also explores the Hutt Valley, Rimutaka Ranges, Wairarapa coast, and Lake Onoke. You'll visit Martinborough wineries for cellar tours and tastings, pause for lunch in a vineyard restaurant, then eat dinner at the edge of Lake Onoke after a short shoreline hike. The tour includes a platter lunch, restaurant dinner, wine tasting, and hotel pickup.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

Book a shared arrival transfer from Wellington Airport to your hotel doorstep and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip. It’s a simple, cost-effective option that takes all the hassle out of arranging transportation after you land. Transport is by climate-controlled shuttle so you can sit back and enjoy the views in comfort on the drive into the city.

Wellington, long-celebrated for its bohemian liberal arts and cafe culture, is fast-becoming renowned as New Zealand’s capitol of craft beer. Visit four Wellington and Hutt Valley breweries, tasting a range of tasty local beers at each establishment on this small group day tour designed for lovers of ales, stouts, lagers and everything hoppy in-between.

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3.5-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in the North Island to the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island. The Wellington to Picton ferry offers a daily 1-way service, with incredible views through the Marlborough Sounds, which are among the world’s most scenic waterways.

A fun and informative introduction to Wellington. Meeting and leaving from the main entrance of the Wellington train station, a quick walk to the Parliament grounds will provide insight into New Zealand and Wellington politics. From here we'll take a walk atop the Wellington seismic fault line to the botanic gardens, these gardens marry the exotic with the native beautifully, and we shall garner an understanding of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna as we walk through some dense New Zealand bush. Reaching the top of the gardens, at the top of the cable car, we'll take in the beautiful view, point out some landmarks and generally orientate ourselves. From here we will walk through suburbs and places most tourists will never see, winding up on Cuba st, the heart of the city, for a quick refreshment. We will finish at the national Museum on the waterfront. Guests are guaranteed to come away from this tour with a better understanding of Wellington and New Zealand.

Get out of Wellington city for the day on this exciting mountain bike outing on the Remutaka Cycle Trail, suitable for riders of all levels. Enjoy riding through bird-filled native forests, over bridges, and through rail tunnels at your own pace. Mountain bikes (pedal, not electric), gear, transport from central Wellington, and food are all taken care of so you can have active fun.

Discover Wellington's creative soul and dramatic natural setting with your self-guided audio tour, allowing you to explore New Zealand's compact capital at your own pace. Begin at Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum whose innovative exhibitions explore Māori culture, Pacific identity. Ride the cable car from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Garden where panoramic views sweep across the harbor to the Rimutaka Range while native bush and Victorian gardens cascade down the hillside. Explore the historic waterfront where the Museum of New Zealand, Old St Paul's wooden cathedral, and the regenerated Clyde Quay Wharf create a precinct celebrating the nation's maritime heritage. Experience the film industry legacy of Peter Jackson in the suburban studios where Lord of the Rings and Avatar came to life, then catch a sunset from Mount Victoria's summit.

One tour to rule them all...... You'll get to check out the filming locations of the magical Lord of the Rings trilogy & you also get to wander around the beautiful city. All hosted by expert guides! Including but not limited to the Outer Shire, Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith, Isengard & Rivendell. We'll recreate some iconic scenes & enjoy some stunning scenery whilst we go! Your tour includes the 90-minute Weta Cave experience where you'll be taken behind the scenes of Weta Workshop.

Explore the outskirts of Wellington and the landscape beyond on this helicopter flight tour. While listening to commentary from your pilot/guide, fly over the rugged shores and seal colonies of the South Coast, the Cook Strait, the Karori Rock Lighthouse, and the Makara Wind Farm.

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic special-effects Wētā Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

Travelers with limited time in Wellington can enjoy a half-day Lord of the Rings tour with hotel pickup and skip-the-line access. Visit Hobbiton Woods filming locations on Mt. Victoria, explore Weta Workshop's special effects exhibits, and see the theater that hosted the films' world premieres. This tour offers a convenient way to experience key filming sites and behind-the-scenes insights in the capital.

Join us for an evening filled with wonder, learning, and celestial beauty. Step back in time and celebrate one of the most significant days of the ancient calendar—the Autumn Equinox. At Stonehenge Aotearoa. This event marks a moment of celestial and seasonal change. As the sun begins its descent, our Storyteller will transport you to the past with Tales of the Autumn Equinox. You'll be invited to step into the Circle of Stones, a modern-day observatory that echoes the mysteries of ancient megalithic sites. Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking moment: weather permitting, you'll see the sun set perfectly aligned with the Equinox Heel Stone in the west. The Autumn Equinox at Stonehenge Aotearoa is not just an event—it's an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world around you and the timeless traditions that continue to shape our lives.

Join us for an evening filled with wonder, learning, and celestial beauty. Step back in time and celebrate one of the most significant days of the ancient calendar—the Autumn Equinox. At Stonehenge Aotearoa. This event marks a moment of celestial and seasonal change. As the sun begins its descent, our Storyteller will transport you to the past with Tales of the Autumn Equinox. You'll be invited to step into the Circle of Stones, a modern-day observatory that echoes the mysteries of ancient megalithic sites. Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking moment: weather permitting, you'll see the sun set perfectly aligned with the Equinox Heel Stone in the west. The Autumn Equinox at Stonehenge Aotearoa is not just an event—it's an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world around you and the timeless traditions that continue to shape our lives.

Wellington’s scenic harbor and cultural attractions can be tricky to explore without a local perspective. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can customize the itinerary to fit your interests—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to align the tour with your preferences. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour reveals Wellington’s best-kept secrets.

Delve into the rich tapestry of Māori and Polynesian astronomy with our engaging evening tour at Stonehenge Aotearoa. While the sacred time for observing Matariki (the Pleiades) traditionally occurs with its early morning rising, these same stars grace the evening sky in November. This presents a unique opportunity for those seeking to explore the cosmos in a comfortable, warm setting as the night sky darkens. Our tour begins as the sky transitions from twilight to night, creating an ideal environment for stargazing. Guided by knowledgeable astronomers, you will embark on a journey through ancient legends and the physical nature of the stars. This is a time of learning and understanding, where the mysteries of the heavens unfold through captivating stories and scientific insights.This tour provides a perfect blend of mythology and astronomy, making it suitable for all ages and interests.

Whether you’d like to traverse on the e-scooter or the e-bike, Awa ki te awa, this tour shares the knowledge stretching between two rivers. From Kumutoto to Waitangi following a timeline in history. Our tour guides enhance the importance of Te Āti Awa purpose and responsibility to the whenua (land), moana (waterways) and tangata (people).

A sunset tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa offers a unique and enchanting experience. Here are some of the standout features: Guided Tour: You'll be taken on a guided tour that begins about an hour before sunset. The guide will share fascinating stories about ancient stone circles, celestial navigation, and the cultural significance of the site1. Cultural Insights: Learn about Māori starlore and Polynesian navigation, and how ancient civilizations used the sun, moon, and stars for timekeeping, religion, and navigation. Scenic Views: Enjoy the stunning views of the Wairarapa region and the Tararua ranges as the sun sets. Interactive Experience: You can experiment with the acoustics of the stone circle and get a hands-on understanding of how the ancient structures were used. Relaxing Atmosphere: The serene environment of rural Wairarapa provides a perfect backdrop for a peaceful and reflective experience. Maximum group size 50

Start your day with seaside stroll in the heart of New Zealands capital, passing notable artworks that line the waterfront. This leads you to renowned Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa where you will explore captivating exhibits that celebrate New Zealands rich history, culture, and natural wonders. After immersing yourself into background of Aotearoa you will unwind at a local brewery, where you can sample a variety of craft beers that are so tied to Wellingtons identity. Make your way back to the boat through the Central Business District and past The Beehive, capping off a beautifulday in the big city.

4,500 year ago the migrations into the Pacific began and, the traditions of the Seven Sisters (Matariki) were carried into the Pacific by the Polynesians. In the dawn of early June, Matariki, the food bringer and her seven daughers rise the shoulder of Rangi to herald the beginning of the Maori New Year. At this time we see all the posts that hold up Rangi. The posts are stars. They are the basis of Maori astronomy. Also at this time, in the south, the Waka of Tama-rereti is berthed in the eyebrow of the sky. the stars of this waka are the basis of Polynesian navigation. In this presentation we explore the ancient legends and meanings of Matariki. We also explore the physical nature of this cluster of stars. Bookings are essential.

Discover the Secret Realms of Middle-earth with this journey into the heart of Elvendom. Join your expert guide and begin the day visiting Stansborough Mill - official costume maker for Lord of the Rings - for a fascinating insight into how this small, family-owned business became renowned around the world for craftsmanship still done the old fashioned way, including the exquisite cloaks gifted to the Fellowship. Then enter a historical country estate that became the filming location of Lothlorien and the Gladden Fields. After enjoying lunch in the Summerhouse, your expert guide will share stories and anecdotes of how the area was transformed into the home of Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light, as well as where Smeagol and Deagol discovered and fought over the ownership of The One Ring. As well as in-depth knowledge from people who were there, we have also gathered cloaks, weapons, and even a coracle for you to recreate once-in-a-lifetime photos from your favourite scenes

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create a gruesome wound and use prosthetic effects to apply it to your arm? Learn the art of crafting convincing special effects by mixing blood and sculpting your own scars and scrapes at our Intro to SFX workshop.

City to Sea - Take a journey of discovery with our educated and passionate guides into the spiritual world of Te Ao Māori (The māori world view). Learn about the big stories of creation and how these events shaped what we now see as landscapes, first arrivals, celestial navigation. An intimate and entertaining tour not to be missed! The area where Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Pōneke is located was harbour frontage to Te Aro Pā, an old traditional Māori village. Learn about the people of this place, the various elements and design of Te Raukura the building and its connection to the Polynesian explorer Kupe. Hear stories about the two taniwha (mythological beings) in the harbour retold, find out about environmental impacts for Māori in today’s urban landscape and learn other fascinating facts about Māori culture in Wellington.

Explore New Zealand's small capital city while getting fresh air and exercise on an electric bike tour. Ride along the Wellington Waterfront and Miramar Peninsula, pedaling past beaches, urban landmarks, and residential neighborhoods with a guide leading the way and keeping you safe. Stop often to snap photos, and use the bike’s battery power to easily scale the city’s hills, for stellar views over the city and coast.