Top Wellington Likely To Sell Out

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you’ve only got a few hours, this is the most rewarding way to see Wellington. Wander through tranquil bush tracks, pass by famous filming locations, and pop out on the summit for unbeatable panoramic views. This short, scenic adventure is ideal for tourist, business travellers, conference attendees, and anyone wanting to feel the magic of Wellington in a short window of time.

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.

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.

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.

Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s "leaning lighthouse" to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.

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.

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.

Taste the bountiful produce of the Wairarapa region on this full-day tour. In a comfortable vehicle, enjoy the scenic ride through the Remutaka Ranges while listening to engaging commentary on the local flora, fauna, and history. Stop for tastings of local wine in Martinborough, award-winning olive oil, cheese, and beer. Top it all off with a lunch at a local vineyard with your small group of just 11 people or fewer.

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.

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.

Kapiti Island is a predator-free nature sanctuary off the Kapiti Coast, but few people get to visit, especially overnight. This 2-day experience offers the rare opportunity to stay on the otherwise uninhabited island, with Department of Conservation permits included. Take a hike and spot native birds in the forest, dine on chef-prepared meals, look out for New Zealand’s endangered, nocturnal kiwi bird, and stay in your choice of accommodation.

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.

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.

Delve into Wellington's culinary scene on this Secret Food Tour, where every bite tells a story. Begin with a perfectly brewed flat white, a symbol of the city’s coffee culture. Discover the unique flavors of artisan chocolate and indulge in traditional New Zealand dishes as you stroll through the vibrant Cuba Street. Enjoy a tasting of locally brewed craft beers, and finish with a scoop of fresh, handmade ice cream. Your local guide enriches the experience with tales of Māori traditions and the city’s diverse culinary influences. - Guided food tour through the heart of Wellington - Taste local favorites including artisan chocolate and a hearty dish - Sample 3 locally brewed beers and a traditional flat white - Enjoy a scoop of handmade ice cream made from local dairy

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.

Escape from Wellington for the day on this private fully-day tour of the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Enjoy a variety of sights and attractions to suit your needs and interests, including the views from Paekakariki Hill, the Nga Manu Wildlife Centre, and the Tuatara Brewery. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time in the Wellington region who want to explore beyond the city.

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.