Top Wellington Culture

Get a behind-the-scenes look at several “The Lord of the Rings” locations around Wellington that will delight fans of the movies or books. See where scenes were filmed, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Workshop for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to lunch.

Immerse yourself in movie history with this tour of Wētā Workshop. Follow your guide as you see props, costumes, and more from blockbusters including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Learn how everything is made and other behind-the-scenes facts as you go. Perfect for movie buffs.

Spend the morning or afternoon visiting Middle-earth on this half-day “The Lord of the Rings” tour from Wellington. A guide with insider knowledge entertains Frodo fans on a journey into the scenic New Zealand countryside. Get a behind-the-scenes look at LOTR movie production on a tour of the Weta Workshop and discover why director Peter Jackson selected this region to film the renowned trilogy, along with “The Hobbit” movies.

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is unique for its innovative, interactive exhibits that engage visitors through cutting-edge technology, its deep respect and authentic representation of Māori culture and heritage, its comprehensive displays of New Zealand's diverse natural history and cultural narratives, and its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, making it a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub.

Gain entry to Zealandia at night and take a guided tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition, which showcases New Zealand’s natural history. Interact with a life-size model moa and Haast’s eagle — both extinct — and learn about the country’s conservation efforts to preserve other native species. Located just minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia includes a night tour of Sanctuary Valley, a fenced eco-sanctuary and safe haven for endemic animal and bird species such as the nocturnal little spotted kiwi.

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Get a personal introduction to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, with a guided experience that adds meaning and context to what you see. Explore key highlights from the museum’s interactive exhibits, cultural collections, fine art, and natural history, while a guide shares stories and insight that bring the displays to life. Gain a deeper understanding of Māori heritage and New Zealand’s colonial history, and receive recommendations tailored to your interests so you can continue exploring with a richer perspective.

Get an insider's look into the behind-the-scenes of blockbuster movies on this tour of Weta Workshop. Including shuttle transfers from Wellington's city center, simply walk to the meeting spot and let your driver and guide sort out the logistics for the day. See props, costumes and more from movies including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. Perfect for movie buffs.

Built on hilly terrain, Wellington has many viewpoints from where you can take in the city views and natural vistas. On this half-day small-group shore excursion, explore the city while heading to three different viewpoints, along the way learning about the city’s filming heritage, local history, and political significance. Visit the special-effects Weta Cave with included entrance, ride the Wellington Cable Car, and enjoy hotel pickup for added convenience.

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…

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.

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.

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

First-time visitors to Wellington who want to see some of the capital’s must-visit attractions alongside its less-frequented spots will love this small-group half-day tour. There’s no need to get tired walking around, or get lost self-driving. Head up to the Mt. Victoria Lookout for panoramic views, learn about “The Lord of the Rings” at the Weta Workshop Studios, take a drive around the scenic Miramar Peninsula, and more.

Explore the mysteries of Stonehenge Aotearoa! This unique open-air observatory, nestled in the beautiful Wairarapa countryside, is a modern take on ancient stone circles like Stonehenge and Callanish. Discover how people from cultures around the world used the sun, moon, and stars to navigate the globe and mark the passage of time. Wander among the massive stones and learn to identify constellations, track the movements of the sun, and understand the cycles of the moon. Our self-guided tour provides fascinating insights into the history of astronomy and the ingenuity of our ancestors. Stonehenge Aotearoa is a fascinating experience for all ages, whether you're a seasoned stargazer or simply curious about the world around you. Come unlock the secrets of the universe!

Rather than exploring the Remutaka Range’s natural sights and landmarks by car, get up close to nature on this full-day small-group tour by hopping on an e-bike and riding the Remutaka Cycle Trail. Take in views of native forests, historic railway systems, craggy mountainous landscapes, and much more as you cycle through a range of habitats.

Did you know that the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve has one of the darkest and clearest skies in New Zealand? Only 80km from the Wellington Airport, you get a personal astrobiologist and an astrophysicist to show you the Universe. We are Hari and Sam, and we created Star Safari out of our love of the night sky. • We invested in the best equipment for stargazing, with powerful telescopes and top-quality optics. We know our night sky - both our 16" telescopes are manual, and you can learn it too! • Advanced stargazers, bring your observing list. • Beginner stargazers, we will show you where to start. By the end of the session, you will know what's in the sky and how to orient yourself to the stars. Star Safari is a 90-minute experience with the Universe while seeing the best the amazing southern sky offers. If the weather is unsuitable for stargazing, we explore our sky in virtual reality. You get to ask questions. We deliver a learning experience just for you.

Explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War with the peace and stillness this subject matter deserves by joining a small group guided tour. Te Papa has joined forces with Weta Workshop to create an exhibition like no other. Garnering international acclaim and various awards, join your expert host and learn more about Te Papa's famous exhibition. * See eight extraordinary New Zealanders captured frozen in time on a monumental scale - 2.4 times human size * Learn about the battles that took place in this culturally-defining event * Discover more about the ANZAC story through 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences. This tour includes the international visitor entry charge. Domestic tour pricing is available on our website.

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.

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.

Discover Wellington’s unique blend of colonial charm, political power, and waterfront energy on this immersive self-guided walking tour. Perfect for history lovers and culture seekers, it lets you explore New Zealand’s lively capital at your own pace. Starting at Wellington Station, your GPS-enabled tour guides you offline through Parliament grounds, Gothic churches, historic pubs, and the bustling shops of Lambton Quay, ending at Oriental Bay’s golden sands. Along the way, see the famous Beehive, the Old Bank Arcade, statues of Katherine Mansfield and Kupe, and New Zealand’s oldest pub. With 14 key highlights and 23 extra stops, you’ll spend 3–4 hours uncovering stories, architecture, and landmarks that bring Wellington’s heritage to life.

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.

The hills around Wellington offer a spectacular backdrop for a cycling tour, but pedaling uphill is tiring. Take the effort out by joining an e-bike tour and focus on enjoying the sights and views. This half-day tour will take you past many of the capital’s highlights, including Te Papa, the Wellington Waterfront, and the Maupuia Walkway. Morning or afternoon departures are available.