Top Wellington Shore Excursions

As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington has a long history filled with stories of both Maori peoples and Western settlers. Explore the city on this half-day tour, riding the steep cable car to the summit to take in stunning views, discovering hidden gems around the city, and passing by some of Wellington’s most popular tourist attractions.

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.

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.

Firstly, a private tour offers a vehicle & driver exclusively for you. As locals, we're well versed on where to take you & can also cater for any specific interests (within the 3.5 hour timeframe) You'll visit locations in Wellington that you couldn't make on foot, accompanied by a local, educated driver in a luxury (BMW) branded vehicle. We'll start in the city but quickly make our way to the best views at Mount Victoria lookout. Then we'll head out to the suburbs cruising through Lyall Bay beach & stopping at the Weta Cave (hop out). After we head back to the city you'll experience a ride on the Cable Car with more stunning views from the other side of the city. Then we'll check out the Lady Norwood Rose Garden & our Parliament grounds as the tour comes to a conclusion. Packing LOADS of wellington in to a short space of time with hosts who care.

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.

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.

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.

There’s so much to see in Wellington that it can be tough to know how to fit it all in, especially if you only have limited time in the city. Instead of worrying about your itinerary, on this full-day small-group tour, join your driver-guide and explore landmarks and attractions across the city, including Weta Cave, Oriental Bay, the New Zealand Parliament, and much more.

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.

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.

This tour is a perfect introduction to the highlights of Wellington from the comfort and luxury of electric Tesla SUVs with panoramic glass windows. We provide a private tour just for you, offering flexibility in the itinerary and taking you to scenic locations around the city and bay area. Tours are fully inclusive with no added extra charges. They include refreshments and any entry fees. Complimentary Antipodes artesian mineral water, along with HEPA air conditioning.

Witness Wellington from a perspective that most travelers miss with this harbour cruise experience. Hop aboard a fully electric passenger ferry and relax as you listen to tales of the city’s rich history, keeping an eye out for local cultural and ecological landmarks as the boat navigates Wellington Harbour (Te Whanganui-a-Tara).

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.

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.

With filming for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy taking place across so much of New Zealand, it can be tough to know how best to see the appropriate sights. On this half-day small-group tour, let your guide handle the itinerary as you visit filming locations, the theatre that hosted the world premiere of Return of the King, Weta Cave, and much more.

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 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!

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.

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.

The highlights of Wellington on a personalized 4.5hour 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.

View the must-see attractions of Wellington on a morning shore excursion that makes the most of your time on land. During your sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s capital, check out architectural landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and Beehive, and visit Old St Paul’s Cathedral. Soak up picturesque views of the city and harbor from the Mt. Victoria lookout and take an optional ride on the Cable Car.