Top Wellington How to Get Around

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get a personal introduction to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, with a guided experience that adds meaning and context to what you see. Explore key highlights from the museum’s interactive exhibits, cultural collections, fine art, and natural history, while a guide shares stories and insight that bring the displays to life. Gain a deeper understanding of Māori heritage and New Zealand’s colonial history, and receive recommendations tailored to your interests so you can continue exploring with a richer perspective.

Immerse yourself in movie history with this tour of Wētā Workshop. Follow your guide as you see props, costumes, and more from blockbusters including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Learn how everything is made and other behind-the-scenes facts as you go. Perfect for movie buffs.

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.

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, led by local guides supporting a family-owned business, 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

Get an insider's look into the behind-the-scenes of blockbuster movies on this tour of Weta Workshop. Including shuttle transfers from Wellington's city center, simply walk to the meeting spot and let your driver and guide sort out the logistics for the day. See props, costumes and more from movies including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. Perfect for movie buffs.

Lots of walking tours help you discover Wellington’s historic streets, but not many turn the trip into a culinary experience. On this half-day small-group food walking tour, sample a range of tasty treats—including chocolate, coffee, and pastries—as you discover local popular spots and hidden gems across the city that most travelers miss.

Kapiti Island is a predator-free nature sanctuary off the Kapiti Coast, but few people get to visit, especially overnight. This 2-day experience offers the rare opportunity to stay on the otherwise uninhabited island, with Department of Conservation permits included. Take a hike and spot native birds in the forest, dine on chef-prepared meals, look out for New Zealand’s endangered, nocturnal kiwi bird, and stay in your choice of accommodation.

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.

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.

A fun and informative introduction to Wellington. Meeting and leaving from the main entrance of the Wellington train station, a quick walk to the Parliament grounds will provide insight into New Zealand and Wellington politics. From here we'll take a walk atop the Wellington seismic fault line to the botanic gardens, these gardens marry the exotic with the native beautifully, and we shall garner an understanding of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna as we walk through some dense New Zealand bush. Reaching the top of the gardens, at the top of the cable car, we'll take in the beautiful view, point out some landmarks and generally orientate ourselves. From here we will walk through suburbs and places most tourists will never see, winding up on Cuba st, the heart of the city, for a quick refreshment. We will finish at the national Museum on the waterfront. Guests are guaranteed to come away from this tour with a better understanding of Wellington and New Zealand.