Top Wellington Art & Culture - page 3

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.

Martinborough, just a short drive from Wellington, is one of New Zealand's most prestigious wine areas. This full-day tour includes tastings at three boutique wineries, showcasing some of the finest local drops from the region, and travels through beautiful countryside. For those less partial to wine, stop at a local brewery to try some craft beers, as well as a gourmet cheese shop. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for added convenience.

Get ready for a journey along Wellington's breathtaking coast! This self-drive audio tour takes you on a 4–5 hour loop past glittering bays, sandy beaches, wartime memorials and hilltop lookouts, from Oriental Bay around the Miramar Peninsula to the summit of Mount Victoria. The Trippy Tour Guide app leads the way with 33 GPS audio points: 25 narrated stops plus spoken turn-by-turn directions. Commentary plays automatically as you arrive, so you can keep your eyes on the road. Maps work offline, so you don't need mobile signal. Along the way you'll hear the stories behind Massey Memorial, Te Raekaihau and Wellington's coastal bays, and find quirky photo stops like the Wellington sign, the Sleeping T-Rex Head and the Moai statue at Lyall Bay. Stop for photos, linger at a beach or just enjoy the drive. There's no group and no fixed start time. The tour is available in 5 languages and comes with lifetime access, so you can replay it or finish it on another day.

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.

The highlights of Wellington on a personalized 4-hour private tour. Take in stunning panoramic views from Mt Victoria, the famous Te Papa Museum, and indulge in delicious food and drink at local markets and cafes. Enjoy the freedom to customize your itinerary and pace to suit your interests and preferences, while your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories and insights about the city's history, culture and lifestyle. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to discover new hidden gems of Wellington.

Join Wellington locals Joe Bleakley (Queens service medal for services to New Zealand for ceremonies of the 1990 commonwealth games, twice winner of the Art Directors guild for excellence in production for the lord of the rings films as art director, various film credits and projects spanning decades & most promising all rounder Johnsonville softball club 1962) and Louis Tait (actor & comedian) on a magical journey. Jumping on the number 28 bus, we'll discover the secrets of Wellington like a true local. Winding through the city to the hills. Departing the bus at the end of the Earth, we shall then wander on foot down the road to Joe's place. Here we shall explore this old masonic hall hallowed by wondrous creations spanning decades and across many mediums. Only those initiated by the number 28 bus shall discover the secrets of this place. We will check it out, have a cuppa and a chat, pop down to the beach for some kai then catch the bus back into town or wherever it is you are going…

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 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. View the archaeological remains of a whareponga (house) at the Pā site, hear the story of the people who lived at the Pā and their journey to Wellington, gain exclusive access to a non-public excavation site. Discover Wellington’s hidden Māori treasures.

The essential introduction to Wellington! Jump on a bike and our guide will show you around the Wellington Waterfront and introduce you to some fascinating past and present figures who have made Wellington the creative capital it is today. This tour is perfect for those with just a couple of hours to spare or who prefer their riding to be only on cycle paths. This route is only 10km so the riding is easy and the distance is short (if you're after a longer bike ride, check out our Half Day Tour). Our Introduction to Wellington tour is set at an easy pace with plenty of time for questions and taking photos at each of the tour stops. Our tour focuses on six city shaping people and we’ll point out some key Wellington landmarks along the way including the Parliament, Wellington Stadium, Te Papa Museum, Cuba St, Oriental Bay, Wellington Railway Station and the historic Wellington Waterfront. We use regular bikes for this tour as it's mostly flat, but you can upgrade to an electric bike.

Experience Wellington on a completely private walking tour customized to your exact interests. Whether you want to uncover the bohemian energy of Cuba Street, explore the rich heritage of the Parliament grounds, or soak in harbor views along the waterfront, you set the pace. Your dedicated local guide will navigate the vibrant streets with you. Please note that this is a fully customizable experience; the itinerary below shows the options you can choose from to build your perfect day. Design your route: Choose which specific Wellington neighborhoods and landmarks you want to explore. Pick your duration: Select a flexible 2, 3, or 4-hour experience depending on your schedule. Select your stops: Decide between scenic waterfront walks, historical government sites, or arts districts. Choose your focus: Tailor the guide's commentary to focus on Māori history, modern architecture, or local culture.

Step back in time and discover the stories that shaped New Zealand’s capital on our Historical Walking Tour through Wellington. Discover Wellington on our 3.5-hour small-group walking food tour, designed for just 2 to 10 guests. Wander through the city’s historic streets and hidden laneways as your local guide brings Wellington’s past to life with fascinating stories, landmarks and colourful characters. You’ll see the city from a different perspective, uncovering the history behind its buildings, waterfront and vibrant neighbourhoods. The experience finishes with a light lunch at Wellington’s oldest pub, where you can relax and enjoy a meal in one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings. It’s the perfect way to end a morning of exploring, combining Wellington’s rich history with a taste of its local hospitality. Ideal for travellers who enjoy history, culture and authentic local experiences, this tour offers a memorable introduction to Wellington’s heritage.

Travel in a luxury brand vehicle (BMW) with you fellow guests being your close friends or family. Travelling privately affords a little more flexibility for your tour & further personalization. And we consider ourselves to be Lord of the Rings experts. We squeeze loads of Lord of the Rings magic in to this one. Recreate some of the most iconic scenes from the trilogy as we visit the location for the first day of filming. Hobbits Hideaway & Dunharrow are a couple of the scenes that we'll bring to life for you. The 90 minute Weta cave experience is included in this tour & we check out some of the World Class movie facilities here in Wellywood! This tour is great fun for anyone, not just LOTR fans.

This private tour ensures visitors their own dedicated driver/guide for the entirety of the experience. This tour captures the best of Wellington, including scenic drives of the bays; a visit to the famous Weta Cave and Workshop; a variety of memorials and monuments; the Parliament buildings; and Old St. Paul’s Cathedral. This tour is filled with history and culture.

Duration: Approx. 6.5 hours Transport: Comfortable tour van or minibus Audience: First-time visitors, history & culture enthusiasts Wellington’s political, cultural, and historical landmarks, complemented by a scenic cable car ride and a historic pub lunch. Enjoy a scenic ride on the Wellington Cable Car & take in the panoramic city views. Old St Pauls - discover this 1866 Gothic Revival wooden cathedral with intricate timberwork and stunning stained-glass windows. Be taken on a tour of the Wellington Museum, which occupies the 1892 Bond Store, a historic building on the waterfront. Voted in 2013 as one of the world's 50 best museums. Experience a 15 minute tour at The Thistle Inn - learn about its historic significance, including the connection to Māori chief Te Rauparaha. Enjoy a delicious lunch at New Zealand’s oldest surviving pub (est. 1840). Mount Victoria lookout: Photo opportunities aplenty while we take in the amazing views of Wellington city, and its harbour.

Martinborough is known as one of New Zealand's premier wine regions. This private tour takes you to three of the best Martinborough wineries, with tastings included. Cellar door experiences let you sample world-class wines while learning more about wine-production here. A few daily departure times are available, with hotel or port pickup from Wellington for your convenience, too.

Get to know Wellington on a private guided day tour without the stress of driving its hilly terrain, or navigating the public bus system. Take in spectacular views from Mt. Victoria, the Wind Turbine, and the Cable Car top. See Oriental Bay's golden sands and colorful townhouses, explore the Rose Gardens, and visit Peter Jackson’s restored art-deco Roxy Cinema. Enjoy hotel pickup and private transportation for a seamless experience.

Discover the North Island’s highlights without having to back-track on this 1-way, 4-day tour from Wellington to Auckland via Rotorua. Accommodation and all transportation are included, saving you logistical stress. Travel along the Kapiti Coast, past active volcanoes, and the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua. Watch Māori performances and visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Take a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves, lit by hundreds of glowworms, and more.

See and do exactly what you want on a private full-day tour of the Kapiti Coast with hotel pickup. Choose your own sights and activities from several suggestions, so every member of your group is satisfied. Spend time on the beaches at Plimmerton and Paraparaumu, enjoy views from Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout, and sample sweet treats at the Kapiti Chocolate Factory. All entry fees and lunch with alcoholic drinks are included.

Discover Wellington’s top attractions on this full-day guided tour, ideal for first-time visitors or anyone short on time who wants to fit a lot into a day. See outer suburbs and city highlights including the Mt. Victoria lookout, a ride on the Wellington Cable Car, and a visit to Old St. Paul's Cathedral. Choose between a guided tour of Weta Workshop Studios or the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.

Baring Head Lighthouse Walk The Baring Head Lighthouse Walk is a must-visit for those interested in the history and natural beauty of Wellington. The 6km round trip walk starts from the Wainuiomata car park and offers panoramic views across the Cook Strait and the distant Kaikoura Ranges. Along the trail, visitors can explore WWII-era bunkers and enjoy the unique geological formations. The lighthouse itself is a significant historical and functional landmark, standing 12.2 meters tall and powered by a solar-powered LED beacon. The area is part of a conservation effort, with ongoing restoration work including the refurbishment of the lighthouse keepers’ cottages and plans to transform the old powerhouse into a visitor center. New trails are also being developed to highlight the site’s rich history and ecological importance. Wellington Live