Top Wellington Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While on the Animals of Aotearoa group tour, you will have the chance to befriend many of Aotearoa’s local legendary animals. During this tour, you will learn about the natural behaviors of these animals and hear how our team of expert Zoo Keepers care for them. This is a fantastic chance to understand the important role these species play in Aotearoa’s ecosystem. Wellington Zoo is a charity caring for animals and people. As the world’s first Toitū carboNZero Zoo, proudly holding the QualMark Gold certification, your visit will be both enjoyable and sustainable. 10% of proceeds from all Animal Experiences help us save wildlife and wild places through the Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund.

See Wellington with ease, thanks to this private half-day adventure. Set off in a luxurious yet eco-friendly vehicle—an electric Tesla SUV, so you can cruise around the city in style. To make the day as hassle-free as possible, the tour includes lunch as well as admission to the sights visited along the way.

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!

The tour will begin at any location between Wellington and Palmerston North, taking you and your camera around the Kapiti Coast and Manawatu Beaches, where you will capture the majestic Te Horo Beach, Waitarere Beach, Foxton Beach and more. On a one-day scenery photography tour, there is an opportunity to observe wildlife, practice macros and long exposure shots, and capture captivating coastal sunsets while exploring the panoramic beaches of Kapiti Coast and the Foxton area. The tour offers a distinctive experience, providing an opportunity to access isolated places and reveal the native wild landscapes to the camera. The tour can be booked as a private tour. The official tour page is https://bit.ly/kapititour/.

Our guests enjoy travelling in the comfort and luxury of electric Tesla SUVs , with zero emissions. We provide a private tour for you, offering flexibility in the itinerary and taking you to scenic locations that large tour buses do not offer. Tours are fully inclusive with no added extra charges. They include morning refreshments , lunch, and all entry fees. Complimentary Antipodes artesian mineral water, along with HEPA air conditioning. Please note venues may vary as a result of their availability.

Step off the boat into New Zealands capital, where your day will start with a venture through the city and up the cable car to Zealandia Te Mara a Tane, a groundbreaking eco wildlife sanctuary that showcases the countrys unique flora and fauna. Enjoy a walk through lush landscapes and spot native species in their natural habitat. From there you will head to Owhiro Bay Beach and stroll along the coast to the Red Rocks Reserve, where you will explore dramatic coastal landscapes and learn about the unique geological formations and wildlife that inhabit this picturesque area. Keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rocks! On the way back to town stop in at Mount Victoria for a classic Welly photo opportunity with a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding bays.

The Kiwi Night Encounter offers one of the best chances in New Zealand to see kiwi up close, an experience many describe as a must-do in New Zealand. Your evening begins in the visitor centre, where experienced guides introduce you to kiwi and the conservation work behind their protection. You’ll then be guided to a purpose-built habitat designed to support natural kiwi behaviour while allowing for quiet, respectful observation. As darkness falls, a resident pair of North Island brown kiwi emerge to forage — probing the ground, moving through the undergrowth, and displaying their natural nocturnal behaviours. Small group sizes ensure a calm, low-impact environment throughout the experience. While kiwi are the focus, Ruru (morepork) are often seen and heard overhead and may be observed flying through the habitat as they feed — offering a glimpse into the wider nocturnal ecosystem. Ngā Manu is a working conservation reserve, and all encounters are shaped around the wellbeing of animals.

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

Journey with us through the breathtaking landscapes of South Wairarapa, where every hill, river, and breeze carries a story. Our guided experience weaves together the rich history of the land, the life-giving waters, and the ancestral stories. Learn about the deep connections between people and environment. Our half day tours (3 hours) invites you to see, feel, and respect Wairarapa in a way that stays with you long after you leave.

Our guests enjoy travelling in the comfort and luxury of modern electric Tesla SUVs , with zero emissions. We provide a private tour for you, offering flexibility in the itinerary and taking you to scenic locations that large tour buses do not offer. Tours are fully inclusive with no added extra charges. They include morning refreshments , lunch, and all entry fees. Complimentary Antipodes artesian mineral water, along with HEPA air conditioning. Please note venues may vary as a result of their availability.

Night sky presentation highlighting stars, constellations, and planets Laser-guided stargazing experience (weather dependent) Family-friendly atmosphere with small group sizes Group discounts and special rates available for schools and private bookings

This accommodation option is inside the nature reserve, meaning you have unlimited access to the reserve during your stay and the whole place to yourself after hours. It is a self-contained wooden lodge with one bedroom and two single beds, and a double pull out couch. It hosts a kitchette, washing machine and dryer, and private bathroom.