Wellington Tours

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 Weta Studios and discover why director Peter Jackson selected this region to film the renowned trilogy along with ‘The Hobbit’ movies.

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3-hour cruise across Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city in the North Island to a charming enclave in the South Island. The Wellington-to-Picton ferry offers daily service one way, with jaw-dropping views along one of the world’s most scenic waterways.

The deserted beaches and wildlife reserves of Kapiti Island lie off the southwest coast of New Zealand’s North Island. On this tour, set sail from Paraparaumu Beach, explore the island on a guided walk, and enjoy free time to stroll along the sandy beaches or take a swim. Along the way, look out for wildlife including whales, possums, and a number of rare birds including kaka and takahe.

The hills around Wellington offer a spectacular backdrop for a cycling tour, but you don’t need to worry about biking uphill. This 4-hour electric bike tour takes all the effort out of cycling, so you can concentrate on admiring the sights and enjoying the views.

Get as close as safely possible to Wellington’s rugged seal colony on this small group tour of Wellington’s rocky, wild cost. Here the fur seals fish, play, and sunbathe. On a hot summer’s day, you might be tempted to do the same. This half-day tour offers a quick way to escape the stress and fast-pace of the central city.

Make easy work of Wellington’s hills and devise your own itinerary on this self-guided electric bike tour. Opt for a 1 or 2-day bike rental and zip between sights like the Weta Workshop, Te Papa Museum, or Zealandia Sanctuary; glide along the Wellington Waterfront; or escape the city to cycle the Rimutaka Rail Trail or take in the views from Mt Victoria.

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.

Challenge yourself to take on a series of airborne challenges at the Adrenalin Forest Obstacle Course in Wellington. Then jump, balance, swing, and soar through a ropes course that will take you up to 101 feet (31 meters) above the ground. Work through a series of levels at your own pace, with three hours to conquer as much of the multi-tiered adventure course as you can.

When you ship docks in Wellington, explore New Zealand's vibrant capital city while getting fresh air and exercise on an electric bike tour. Ride along the Wellington Waterfront and Miramar Peninsula, pedaling past beaches, urban landmarks, and residential neighborhoods with a guide and small group. Stop often to snap photos, and use the bike’s battery power to easily scale Mt. Maupuia for stellar views over the city and coast.

Combine award-winning wine and gorgeous scenery on a full-day tour from Wellington to Martinborough that also explores Hutt Valley, the Rimutaka Ranges, the 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. This Martinborough wine tour includes meals and a wine tasting, and it's limited to 11 people to ensure personalized service.

Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this half-day self-guided adventure of Wellington. From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike. You will be provided with riding instructions, a helmet, a lock and a cycle map of the city, including top picks of places to stop on your ride. You can ride the bays to take in the best view points or use your eBike as your transport between the Wellington must see attractions such as Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, you'll love exploring Wellington on these top-quality electric bikes!

Experience the highlights of The Remutaka Cycle Trail! Discover the Remutaka Incline's native bush and rail history, then explore the Wild Coast in all it's rugged beauty. 35km of moderate to challenging riding, across an all-inclusive 9-hour trip. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Reach Summit then embark on a fun descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, before being shuttled through some of NZ's most scenic farmland to the coast for your afternoon ride around the coast to Orongorongo. We've seen orca, dolphins and seals in this area, and the landscapes are rugged but stunning. You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure - transport to and from your accommodation, bikes / eBikes with trunk bags for your personal effects, and all food - so all you need to do is wear appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!

Discover the wine village of Martinborough on a bike tour that visits three wineries and an olive orchard. Includes round-trip transportation from Wellington, a gourmet picnic lunch, and bike rental.

At Otari-Wilton’s Bush, explore New Zealand’s diverse native bush and birdlife in the heart of its capital city. Discover this inner-city escape on this half-day eco trek. Go down to the creek where long-finned eels feed, and up to the city’s oldest tree, a native rimu estimated to be over 800 years old. Walk high above the forest floor on the Canopy Walkway and spot kereru and tui in the trees.

The whole Wellington region is known for its mountain biking, but visitors often stick to the shorter central city trails to avoid hiring a car. On this tour, enjoy a longer ride through bird-filled native forest, over bridges and through rail tunnels. Equipment, transport and food are taken care of - all you need to is to be ready and dressed at your accommodation.

Hire a double kayak and enjoy a relaxing cruise around the beautiful Days Bay. Hireage includes everything you need to get safely out on the water: your kayak, along with paddles and lifejackets (to fit everyone from XXS toddlers to XXL adults). We also have a staff member dedicated to watching over the bay and making sure everyone's safe and sound, and wetsuits available so you can stay toasty warm on the water.

With spectacular countryside to explore and fertile vineyards thriving in the warm New Zealand sunshine, Martinborough is a region best explored on two wheels. On this adventurous bicycle tour, pedal through the Remutaka Ranges’ native bushland and enjoy uninterrupted views over the rugged scenery. Freewheel downhill to Cross Creek, before shuttling onward to Martinborough to sample delicious locally made wines in the region’s wineries.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at nine ‘The Lord of the Rings’ locations around Wellington and learn about the filming of movies based on the popular books. On a tour of the New Zealand countryside, see re-created scenes of Middle-earth including the Hutt Valley and the Greenbelt, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Studios for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to a themed lunch.

Matiu Somes Island, in the center of Wellington Harbor, has been many things: an internment camp during World War Two, an animal quarantine center, and a pā site for Whānganui-a-Tara Māori. Today it is a reserve for some of New Zealand’s most iconic wildlife. Wander around the island looking out for tuatara, Cook Strait Weta, and native birds such as Little Blue Penguins before taking a ferry back to the city. An easy ferry ride from Queens Wharf, a trip to Somes is a local favorite.

Explore on your own by renting a single kayak, and enjoy a relaxing cruise around Days Bay in Lower Hutt. Paddles and lifejackets (up to XXL adult size) are provided along with the kayaks, and you’ll also receive basic instructions on how to use the equipment. And feel comfortable paddling around on your own because the bay is supervised by staff members.

Bundle up for this 3-hour bike tour around “Windy Wellington,” so nicknamed due to the high winds brought in by the Cook Straight. Head out along the waterfront past the Te Papa museum and the beaches of Oriental Bay. Cruise the southern coastline, admiring the colorful Victorian homes and picturesque views. Plenty of stops for photos and sightseeing are included.

Take a half-day bike ride on the Rimutaka Rail Trail when your cruise ship docks in Wellington. The well-maintained bike trail follows the Pakuratahi River through New Zealand's lush green countryside for an exhilarating ride that includes lunch, and the use of a bike and helmet.

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 Weta 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 the top of Mount Victoria.

Combine a tour of Wellington and the Lord of the Rings locations during this half-day excursion from Wellington port. Follow your guide, a LOTR specialist, to locations including the Weta Workshop, the LOTR filming and post-production facilities, and Mt. Victoria. Entrance fees and round-trip transportation from Wellington port provided. This small-group tour, limited to 15 people or fewer, ensures an intimate experience.