Top Wellington Sightseeing 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lift off above the city of Wellington on a 9-minute helicopter flight that gives a thrilling perspective on New Zealand's capital. You'll get aerial views of the Museum of New Zealand, Parliament House, and the forests and trails that surround the city center. On clear days, watch the Marlborough Sounds and the Southern Alps appear on the horizon, then soar across Wellington's Queens Wharf as you fly back towards the helipad. This helicopter tour of Wellington includes personal headsets so you don't miss a word of the pilot's commentary.

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

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 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.

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.

Baring Head Lighthouse Walk The Baring Head Lighthouse Walk is a must-visit for those interested in the history and natural beauty of Wellington. The 6km round trip walk starts from the Wainuiomata car park and offers panoramic views across the Cook Strait and the distant Kaikoura Ranges. Along the trail, visitors can explore WWII-era bunkers and enjoy the unique geological formations. The lighthouse itself is a significant historical and functional landmark, standing 12.2 meters tall and powered by a solar-powered LED beacon. The area is part of a conservation effort, with ongoing restoration work including the refurbishment of the lighthouse keepers’ cottages and plans to transform the old powerhouse into a visitor center. New trails are also being developed to highlight the site’s rich history and ecological importance. Wellington Live

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.

Experience New Zealand’s bird life in the early evening on a guided 2.5-hour tour of Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary located on Wellington’s outskirts. This after-hours tour takes place during the most active period for many resident animals, when they transition from daytime to nighttime activity. The tour also includes general Zealandia admission on the day of the tour or the following day, for further daytime exploration.

Discover Wellington’s unique blend of colonial charm, political power, and waterfront energy on this immersive self-guided walking tour. Perfect for history lovers and culture seekers, it lets you explore New Zealand’s lively capital at your own pace. Starting at Wellington Station, your GPS-enabled tour guides you offline through Parliament grounds, Gothic churches, historic pubs, and the bustling shops of Lambton Quay, ending at Oriental Bay’s golden sands. Along the way, see the famous Beehive, the Old Bank Arcade, statues of Katherine Mansfield and Kupe, and New Zealand’s oldest pub. With 14 key highlights and 23 extra stops, you’ll spend 3–4 hours uncovering stories, architecture, and landmarks that bring Wellington’s heritage to life.

Lovers of good food and drink will enjoy this private food walking tour of Wellington. The New Zealand capital is known for its excellent cuisine, but you need to know where to look beyond the tourist traps. Sample some of Wellington’s finest cuisine, including local specialties. Your guide shows you the best spots that you might miss touring independently. Whether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor, you’ll try something new.

Food and wine lovers enjoy a private tour from Wellington to Martinborough's renowned wine region. Taste exquisite wines at multiple venues, including exclusive tastings and a gourmet French-style lunch, while traveling comfortably in a private car or van with hotel pickup. This full-day experience offers a deeper look into local vineyards and culinary delights for a memorable day out of the capital.

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.

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.

With innovative brewers, New Zealand’s biggest craft beer festival, and a craft beer bar around every corner, Wellington is an exciting destination for beer lovers. With new breweries always popping up around the city, it can be hard for hop heads to know where to go. On this private tour, check out some of the city’s most successful craft breweries and brewpubs.

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.

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.

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.

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.