Top Wellington Self-guided Tours

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.

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.

Take the scenic route from Wellington to Auckland and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most spectacular train routes. Hop aboard for a dramatic journey through the Tongariro National Park, passing along the Kapiti Coast, through the Waikato countryside, and beneath the towering peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu mountains.

Tick off the top attractions of the Windy City on this private full-day tour of Wellington. Experience the myriad delights of New Zealand’s capital as you take in the views from Mt Victoria, spot seals at Red Rocks, then go behind-the-scenes with a short tour of the Weta Cave, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created. After a scrumptious lunch at the Chocolate Fish Café (included), ride the cable car over Wellington and visit landmarks like the Botanical Gardens, the Parliament Buildings and the Beehive.

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3.5-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in the North Island to the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island. The Wellington to Picton ferry offers a daily 1-way service, with incredible views through the Marlborough Sounds, which are among the world’s most scenic waterways.

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.

Discover Wellington City on an eBike. Convenient pick-up from the East by West office any time from 9:30am, with return by 3:30pm Create your own adventure: Enjoy scenic routes along the waterfront, visit the iconic Te Papa Museum (tickets not included), and take in the views at Oriental Bay, Evans Bay and Scorching Bay (up to 30km return). For those who are keen for a longer ride - discover all the above, plus take in other famous Wellington sites: Mount Victoria Lookout, Breaker Bay & Lyall Bay

Practice riding before heading out in a wide open, car-free zone. We're centrally located on Wellington's beautiful waterfront which is the perfect place to start your riding adventure. Our bikes are well maintained by in-house mechanics and we have a great range of sizes, styles and accessories to make your cycling adventure the best day out. We'll give you the best local knowledge of places to visit, food to try and sights to see! Each bike comes with a lock so you can ride to the Weta Cave, Zealandia, Te Papa, Cuba Street and more with your own easy transport!

Discover Wellington's stunning coastline on the Wellington Harbour eBike Explorer tour. Start your adventure with a scenic ferry ride from Queen's Wharf to Days Bay. Once there, hop on your eBike for a leisurely ride along the picturesque pathways, including the newly completed Tupua Horo Nuku and Te Ara Tupua trails. Enjoy beautiful views as you cycle back to Wellington, explore the waterfront, and for keen cyclists, even opt for a longer ride to Pencarrow Lighthouse. This 6-hour tour is perfect for all cycling enthusiasts looking for an immersive outdoor experience in Wellington. - Includes a round-trip ferry ride and eBike rental - Cycle 23km along flat, scenic trails with optional extended routes - Option to explore local attractions like the Petone Settlers Museum and dine at Seashore Cabaret - Drop off your eBike by 3:30 PM at East by West Ferries Office

From Queens Wharf, follow the cycle way out of the city (you'll be on dedicated cycle paths next to the road) until you reach the start of the newly completed shared pathway, Te Ara Tupua, which follows the harbour from Ngauranga all the way to Petone. Continue along the Petone foreshore (check out the Petone Settlers Museum right on the waterfront, and we highly recommend stopping for a bite to eat at Seashore Cabaret). Follow the trail over the Hutt River, then onto the second shared pathway, Tupua Horo Nuku, as you make your way along the Eastern Bays to Days Bay. - Includes a round-trip eBike rental and ferry ride - Cycle 23km along flat, scenic trails with optional extended routes - Option to explore local attractions like the Petone Settlers Museum and dine at Seashore Cabaret - Drop off your eBike by 4:30 PM at Wildfinder Days Bay

Explore Pencarrow, Wellington’s coastline and more with this four hour electric bike hire! Peddling as much or as little as you like, discover Pencarrow Head’s lighthouses and lakes, travel along with amazing views of Wellington’s coastline, and the Kaikoura ranges. Travel as far as the SS Paiaka Wrek, explore side trails, with time to stop for a picnic lunch by the lake. All bikes are specifically chosen for local trail conditions, with Wildfinder using only modern electric mountain bikes that are complete with comfy gel seats, front suspension, and quality components. All bikes are customised to the rider's height and preferences, with helmet included. Enjoy an incredible day of discovery with this E-bike hire at Pencarrow!

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.

This murder mystery experience is a true whodunit with suspects, alibis and a twist ending. Every clue hides in something real: a plaque, a statue, a facade in central Wellington. You will collect the evidence, piece together the case and accuse a suspect at the finale. We offer 24/7 customer support and built-in hints to guarantee that you never stay stuck. Also, the app will provide real historical facts and local legends about the landmarks you're visiting, making a learning experience as much as it's a fun one. The game can be played anytime, at any hour, and will take you ~90-120 minutes with optional cafe breaks. You can pause and resume whenever you want (even on another day). Total walking distance involved is about 1.5 miles and the game will end in Magyar Millennium Park, making it easy to fit into your day. It has intermediate difficulty and it's perfect for solo adventurers, couples, friends, families with older kids, or team-building events.