Top Wellington Bus 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One tour to rule them all...... You'll get to check out the filming locations of the magical Lord of the Rings trilogy & you also get to wander around the beautiful city. All hosted by expert guides! Including but not limited to the Outer Shire, Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith, Isengard & Rivendell. We'll recreate some iconic scenes & enjoy some stunning scenery whilst we go! Your tour includes the 90-minute Weta Cave experience where you'll be taken behind the scenes of Weta Workshop.

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.

Enjoy the views over the Remutaka Ranges. Savor the taste of award-winning wines at 3 boutique wineries in Martinborough. Enjoy a gourmet lunch platter to complement your wine tasting experience. Learn about the history of the wines and the winemaking process from the experts Visit 3 of the favorite wineries and listen to the wine makers explain with passion the history of their wines and inviting you to taste a variety of them. Your wine tasting will be matched with a delightful gourmet lunch platter that will leave your taste buds tingling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a hassle-free end to your time in Wellington with this shared departure transfer to Wellington Airport. You will be picked up from your accommodation’s doorstep and transferred in a comfortable shuttle to the airport. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to the pricey private taxi rides as the fee remains the same, even if there’s traffic.

Travel in a luxury brand vehicle (BMW) with you fellow guests being your close friends or family. Travelling privately affords a little more flexibility for your tour & further personalization. And we consider ourselves to be Lord of the Rings experts. We squeeze loads of Lord of the Rings magic in to this one. Recreate some of the most iconic scenes from the trilogy as we visit the location for the first day of filming. Hobbits Hideaway & Dunharrow are a couple of the scenes that we'll bring to life for you. The 90 minute Weta cave experience is included in this tour & we check out some of the World Class movie facilities here in Wellywood! This tour is great fun for anyone, not just LOTR fans.

Discover the charm of Greytown, where heritage meets contemporary flair in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque villages. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping enthusiast, or a food lover, this delightful half-day escape has something for everyone. - Wander through beautifully preserved Victorian streets, browse boutique designer stores, and uncover local treasures at your own pace. - Indulge your senses with tastings of locally made honey, artisan chocolate, and small-batch gin, each offering a true taste of the region. - For a step back in time, explore the fascinating Cobblestones Museum and experience early settler life brought to life. - Visit a local olive grove or cidery for a guided experience, or wander through a fragrant lavender farm in bloom. (These optional experiences are seasonal, at your own expense, and subject to availability. Advance bookings may be required, and your team is happy to assist in arranging these to ensure a seamless visit.)

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.

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.

See and do exactly what you want on a private full-day tour of the Kapiti Coast with hotel pickup. Choose your own sights and activities from several suggestions, so every member of your group is satisfied. Spend time on the beaches at Plimmerton and Paraparaumu, enjoy views from Paekakariki Hill Road Lookout, and sample sweet treats at the Kapiti Chocolate Factory. All entry fees and lunch with alcoholic drinks are included.

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 Petone, one of Wellington’s oldest settlements, and uncover its hidden foodie gems on this 4.5-hour half-day tour. Bypass tourist traps and explore the best food spots in Petone. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to a specialty coffee roastery or tea brewing session, sample a New Zealand artisanal dairy platter, indulge in handcrafted chocolates, and wander the vibrant foodie hub of Jackson Street. All tastings are included.