Top Wellington Shore Excursions

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.

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 as well as its less-frequented spots will love this small-group half-day tour. Head up to the Mt. Victoria Lookout for panoramic views, learn more about “The Lord of the Rings” at the Weta Workshop Studios, take a drive around the scenic Miramar Peninsula, and more. Enjoy an optional ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car.

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.

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.

Discover Wellington from a different perspective on a 90-minute commentated harbour cruise aboard Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully electric passenger ferry. This relaxed cruise explores Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington Harbour with commentary covering the city’s maritime history, harbour geology, and key landmarks. The route may vary depending on conditions, allowing the crew to make the most of the harbour on the day. Quiet, low-emissions, and designed for sightseeing, it offers a unique perspective of Wellington.

Visiting Wellington's sights on foot can be challenging as the city is so hilly, and attractions are spread out. This half-day small-group guided van tour takes you to top attractions including Lyall Bay, the Weta Cave, and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Enjoy a ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views, with hotel pickup included for a seamless experience.

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.

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 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.

Explore the breathtaking Wellington landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life in Peter Jackson's iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy. This exclusive tour offers film enthusiasts and fantasy lovers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of Middle-earth, all guided by a passionate Wellington local who knows every hidden gem. Your Adventure Includes: Scenic Film Location Tour - Visit key filming sites around the stunning Wellington region that transformed into the world of hobbits, elves, and wizards Gourmet Lunch Experience - Indulge in a specially prepared meal by Aaron, your French-trained chef, featuring local New Zealand delicacies Weta Workshop Exclusive - Enjoy a 90-minute immersive experience at the legendary Weta Workshop, the creative powerhouse behind the films and home to visionaries Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor Optional Cosplay Experience - Embrace your inner hobbit or wizard! Choose to dress as your favourite character (Gandalf, Frodo, and more)

Discover the rich Māori culture and history of Wellington on this 3.5-hour bus tour, which includes a visit to significant landmarks and an exclusive tour of Te Aro Pā. Engage with fascinating narratives that highlight the spiritual significance of the region while enjoying a light lunch at an award-winning café. This tour offers a seamless blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight, making it a perfect choice for those interested in local heritage and cuisine. - 3.5-hour bus tour showcasing Wellington from a Māori Cultural lens - Includes a light lunch at an award-winning café - Explore key landmarks and the exclusive Te Aro Pā - Experience captivating historical and spiritual narratives

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.

During our tour, we provide opportunities to get out of the vehicle, stretch your legs & get some fresh air. Our friendly guides will even be your photographer for the day! After collecting our guests in the city, we start the day on a high (excuse the pun) by heading up to the Mount Victoria lookout. From there we zip to Lyall Bay beach on the way to the Weta Cave where you'll hop out to visit the Weta store. After a break for lunch you get a ride on the Cable Car & after we collect you at the top, we head downtown to Parliament/Beehive & the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. We may as well visit Old St Pauls church whilst we're there but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Get to know Wellington on a private guided day tour without the stress of driving its hilly terrain, or navigating the public bus system. Take in spectacular views from Mt. Victoria, the Wind Turbine, and the Cable Car top. See Oriental Bay's golden sands and colorful townhouses, explore the Rose Gardens, and visit Peter Jackson’s restored art-deco Roxy Cinema. Enjoy hotel pickup and private transportation for a seamless experience.

Discover Wellington’s top attractions on this full-day guided tour, ideal for first-time visitors or anyone short on time who wants to fit a lot into a day. See outer suburbs and city highlights including the Mt. Victoria lookout, a ride on the Wellington Cable Car, and a visit to Old St. Paul's Cathedral. Choose between a guided tour of Weta Workshop Studios or the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Tahiti on a half-day exploration on the coast of your choice. Depending on your preferences, opt for the wilder, greener East Coast or the West Coast, famous for its beaches and spectacular sunsets. If you choose the East Coast, you will be immersed in a wilderness where the mountains flow into the ocean. You will discover the mythical Point Venus and its historic lighthouse, the impressive cliffs sculpted by wind and waves, and the peaceful waterfalls hidden in the heart of tropical vegetation. If you opt for the West Coast, the journey will take you along white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Stop at the Maraa Caves, mysterious cavities surrounded by greenery, at the Tahiti Museum (optional), then continue to the famous surf spots, where the waves come to embrace the reef with power. And finally, you will end up with the Vahipai Water Garden.

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.

It can be hard to know where to begin if you’re short on time in Wellington. This guided tour is ideal for cruise passengers. Starting with great views from the Mount Victoria lookout, you’ll be driven around Oriental Bay, the Miramar Peninsula, and the winding southern coastline. In between, enjoy stops at Weta Workshop’s Weta Cave shop, a coastal cafe for lunch, and more.

Well if your expectations are high for this tour, we fully expect to meet them! We start in the city but head on up to the beautiful Kapiti Coast. Our guide will provide some running commentary as you go & please feel free to ask all & any questions. Southwards Car Museum is truly world class. Over 2 levels of automotive history all for your viewing pleasure. Now whilst it would be easy to spend hours here, we have other things we can't wait to share with you! We head to the Hutt Valley to Cars Inc to view a private collection of machinery. Exclusive to Ka Rawe tours, grab yourself a coffee & a snack whilst you're here before checking out this totally unique collection. Then we'll take a detour to Petone, the location of the original settlers. Take a leisurely stroll up quaint Jackson Street as you make your way to Gear Street Union. We'll grab a seat & you'll get to sample some of NZ's finest beverages. Of course, alcohol is only for those over 18 years of age. What a day out!