Top Wellington Day Trips

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.

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.

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.

The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed all over New Zealand, so it can be tough to know how best to explore the sights local to where you’re staying. On this full-day small-group tour, head to filming locations seen in the movies, explore the Weta Cave mini museum, visit the movie theatre that premiered Return of the King, and much more.

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for native birds. On this private day trip to the island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach and spend your day walking the island, identifying kākā, kōkako, kererū and other native species with the help of your nature guide. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch on the island before you head back to the mainland.

Take a break from the city and spend the day in Martinborough, one of the finest food and drink destinations in the North Island. Enjoy the views as you leave Wellington and cross the Remutaka Ranges into the Wairarapa region. Visit a cheese factory, a chocolatier, and a winery, tasting some of the finest local produce as you go. Spend some free time in Martinborough at the end, sampling more food if you wish.

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.

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.

Discover the charm of Greytown, where heritage meets contemporary flair in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque villages. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping enthusiast, or a food lover, this delightful half-day escape has something for everyone. - Wander through beautifully preserved Victorian streets, browse boutique designer stores, and uncover local treasures at your own pace. - Indulge your senses with tastings of locally made honey, artisan chocolate, and small-batch gin, each offering a true taste of the region. - For a step back in time, explore the fascinating Cobblestones Museum and experience early settler life brought to life. - Visit a local olive grove or cidery for a guided experience, or wander through a fragrant lavender farm in bloom. (These optional experiences are seasonal, at your own expense, and subject to availability. Advance bookings may be required, and your team is happy to assist in arranging these to ensure a seamless visit.)

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” movies will love being immersed in the mythical universe for a day in the Wellington region. You’ll visit a number of places that appeared in the films, including rivers, forests, and a quarry. Spend time at Wētā Workshop, where the special effects for these films, and many others, were created and brought to life. This is a must-do tour for Tolkien enthusiasts.

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.

Sip your way around Martinborough — a once sleepy colonial town that’s now a prominent wine village at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — on this private day trip from Wellington. Following hotel or port pickup and a scenic drive through the Wairarapa, you’ll visit three of Martinborough’s renowned wineries. Enjoy a guided wine tasting at each and a lunch platter with wine at Poppies Martinborough. Then, choose to continue hopping around Martinborough’s wineries or travel to nearby Greytown, whose pretty streets are thronged with cafes and antique stores.

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.

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.

Enjoy a hassle-free end to your time in Wellington with this shared departure transfer to Wellington Airport. You will be picked up from your accommodation’s doorstep and transferred in a comfortable shuttle to the airport. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to the pricey private taxi rides as the fee remains the same, even if there’s traffic.

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.

The amazing region of Wairarapa. We head out of Wellington for the short journey over the Rimutaka Hill to explore Martinborough. Renowned not only for its micro climate but also for the many vineyards producing world class wines. Most notably, the Pinot Noir. We visit some of the best vineyards in Martinborough to experience their incredible hospitality and of course, we'll enjoy some delicious food as part of our time here too. You'll be driven safely to & from the region with a knowledgeable local host. We can't wait to have you!

Our guests enjoy traveling in the comfort and luxury of electric Tesla SUVs. We provide a private tour to you, taking you to scenic locations and vineyards that large tour buses do not. Tours are fully inclusive with no added extra charges. They include morning refreshments, a two-three course gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant, including a glass of wine, and all wine-tasting fees. Complimentary Antipodes artesian mineral water, along with HEPA air conditioning, and if you wish your choice of music on Tesla's Spotify system on the way back to Wellington. Please note vineyards visited may vary as a result of their opening hours.

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

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.

Enjoy the views over the Remutaka Ranges. Savor the taste of award-winning wines at 3 boutique wineries in Martinborough. Enjoy a gourmet lunch platter to complement your wine tasting experience. Learn about the history of the wines and the winemaking process from the experts Visit 3 of the favorite wineries and listen to the wine makers explain with passion the history of their wines and inviting you to taste a variety of them. Your wine tasting will be matched with a delightful gourmet lunch platter that will leave your taste buds tingling.

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.

Get out of Wellington city on a half-day wine and culinary adventure in Martinborough. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup included. Admire the vineyard-covered landscape of the Wairarapa and enjoy a high-end lunch at Coney Vineyard and Winery accompanied by wine tastings and bottled water. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and indulge in a glass or two of wine on this shared tour.