Wellington tours, things to do and tickets

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s best-kept nature sanctuaries and a predator-free haven for native birds. On this day trip to the island, take a ferry from Paraparaumu Beach to Waiorua at the northern end of the island. Spend your day walking the island, identifying kākā, kōkako, kererū and more with the help of your nature guide. Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch at the lodge before you head back to the mainland.

Must See and Fun Tour of Wellington

Where your Wellington adventure begins …

Features include:
• Downtown entertainment area of Wellington
• Mt Victoria
• Rugged Coastline
• Weta Cave
• Southern Hemisphere’s largest roundabout
• War Memorial park
• Cable Car
• Lady Norwood Rose Gardens
• Southern Hemisphere’s largest wooden building
• Parliament Grounds
• Old St Paul’s Cathedral

New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Wellington and Auckland.  Experience the extremes of New Zealand's scenery, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast.

Just off the Kapiti Coast is Kapiti Island, a bird and nature sanctuary free of predators and pests. This overnight experience offers the one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay overnight on the otherwise uninhabited island. Try one of the island’s many walking tracks and spot native birds in the canopy. Later, enjoy drinks & nibbles followed by a chef-prepared meal, then head out for a guided night walk to see & hear the island come alive in a different way.

Enjoy the view from the Remutaka Summit at 555m as we cross the Remutaka Ranges into the Wairarapa region.
Enjoy a wine tasting experience at the famous Poppies. Sample a fixed menu of 5-6 of their locally produced wines that are available only at the Cellar Door and online!
Enjoy a range of 4-5 locally produced wines at Moy Hall Wines. Enjoy the view across the vineyard to the hills beyond from outdoor tables amongst the vines (indoor options available when weather dictates).
Enjoy a tasting experience of up to 5 wines of your choice from the excellent Margrain Vineyard.
Specific wineries may vary subject to availability.

For over 6o years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breath-taking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year.

The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country.

The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in.

Our three spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries - Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi - cross the Cook Strait at regular times, 7 days a week, all year round.

Book your tickets now!

Note: This InterIslander option does not allow travel with your vehicle.

Enjoy a full day, all-inclusive adventure in Wellington, the home of middle-Earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the films were created.

We are Wellington's original Lord of the Rings tour and have been operating since 2002. Formerly Rover Rings Tours [before Covid], Welly Rings Tours is proud to show you Wellington as Middle-earth. Our fans-turned-guides will share with you fascinating stories of the making of these movies that you likely won't hear anywhere else - mainly because some of our guides were actually there!

Wellington, New Zealand, is home to an entire community of creative Wētā Workshop artisans who’ve brought life to such films as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Wētā Workshop is your gateway to filmmaking creativity. Join our guided tours and learn about the making of movie effects, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more!

Discover the many sides of Wētā Workshop’s creativity. Find out about how movie effects and props are made on a guided tour of this film industry leader located on Wellington's Miramar Peninsula.

Descend into the forested slopes of the Outer Shire, where our expert guides will entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. Recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy!

Then delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Middle-earth movies.
Learn the secrets of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes tour by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these films to life.
You'll also have chance to take photos with various characters and weapons, as well as treating yourself to a souvenir or two, if desired.

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! Your guide will keep you safe with helmets provided and full riding instruction. The tour is lighthearted, fun and engaging with the focus on riding and finding the best view points. You’ll get a local’s perspective on the culture and history of our vibrant city and surrounding bays.

Experience a slice of Wellington's history and travel on one of New Zealand's only running funicular railways.

Join us for this unique and exciting exploration of Wellington’s natural wonders and rugged south coast. Although only 20km from downtown, this destination will feel like another world. Travelling in exclusive Mercedes 4WD vehicles, we visit an area of pristine native forest with the chance to see many iconic bird species like Tui, Kaka and Kereru before venturing through private farmland with sheep, cattle and goats, while being treated to stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges. Once down to sea-level, we’ll meet some much-loved locals – New Zealand Fur Seals. Observe these amazing animals as they sunbathe, play, and swim while learning about their history, ecology, and conservation from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. The Seal Coast Safari is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure. Book your Seal Coast Safari today and discover one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets!

Your expert local guide will narrate as you take a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, where you will enjoy wine tastings at a selection of Martinborough wineries, on this full day tour. Lunch will be served at a vineyard restaurant before the tour heads to the south Wairarapa coast. Visit the rugged coastal village of Ngawi and the North Island's largest permanent seal colony as well as a drive by of the famed “Paths of the Dead” from Lord of the Rings, the Putangirua Pinnacles. Finally climb the steps to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse for epic sweeping sea views before heading to the Lake Ferry Hotel on the edge of Lake Onoke for dinner. This 10 hour tour takes in a variety of stunning landscapes in the greater Wellington region.

Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this full-day self-guided adventure of Wellington. (Optionally, extend your rental for two days and have it for your entire stay.) 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, these top-quality electric bikes make your mode of transport an experience in itself.

The ultimate way to experience New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour small group tour and witness the native wildlife that lives on the mainland. Soak up the beautiful scenery while learning more about New Zealand’s unique ecological history. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of Zealandia during the daytime with an experienced guide who will lead you on a two hour walking tour. 

A 5 hour guided tour of the Martinborough wine region. Visit three of the regions best wineries and enjoy their Cellar Door experiences as you sample the world class products available.

Take in the sights of Wellington while your cruise ship is in port, and discover one of the world’s most charming capital cities. See where New Zealand’s political leaders rule the country, and visit the Gothic Revival Old St Paul’s Cathedral and other architectural landmarks. Take in views of Wellington from above on a visit to the summit of Mt Victoria, and have the option to take a ride on Wellington’s iconic cable car.

Enjoy all the sights and sounds of Zealandia during the daytime with an experienced guide who will lead you through the sanctuary. Soak up the beautiful scenery while learning more about New Zealand’s unique ecological history.

Beat the crowds and explore this award-winning exhibitions before opening. Explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War with the peace and stillness this subject matter deserves by entering the exhibit half an hour before the public.

Te Papa has joined forces with Weta Workshop to create an exhibition like no other. After a short introduction from a Te Papa Host, you will wander freely at your own pace through this gallery. Garnering international acclaim and various awards, this space is best experienced before the museum's doors are opened for general admission.

* See eight extraordinary New Zealanders captured frozen in time on a monumental scale - 2.4 times human size

* Learn about the battles that took place in this culturally-defining event

* Discover more about the ANZAC story through 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences.