Tours and Trips in Wellington

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.

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 Studios and the historic Old St Paul's Cathedral, ride the cable car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views of Wellington Harbor from the Botanic Gardens and the top of Mount Victoria.

Discover the creative space and minds behind the 'Lord of the Rings' on a four-hour tour of Wellington's Weta Workshop, where you'll learn from crew members who design props, models, and weapons. See behind-the-scenes footage, then enjoy a three-course dinner at CoCo at the Roxy, a creative eatery decked with vintage movie posters. This four-hour Weta Workshop tour includes dinner, as well as round-trip transport from a central location in Wellington.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which translates as 'the place of treasures of this land,' is Wellington's must-visit attraction. Popular with tourists and Kiwis alike, Te Papa "” or Our Place "” is a treasure trove of New Zealand history and art, Māori culture, the Pacific and the natural environment. On this 45-minute express tour, you'll explore the museum in the early evening, when the daytime crowds have thinned. Check off the main highlights on each of the museum's six floors, and gain additional insight into New Zealand's land and history from your guide's commentary.

Experience Zealandia as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special 2 hour guided experience. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests and marvel at the sight of the evening sky and hear the changing sounds of birds from day to night. The fully-fenced, urban eco-sanctuary is located 10-minutes from Wellington central business district.

Keen to have a well-rounded 'taste' of the city with a little time left over to explore on your own? Enjoy learning about history, architecture, street art, culture and more while enjoying delicious tastes from artisan producers? Then this tour could be for you.We commence at 9.30am from the Wellington City iSite, and walk our way around many quarters of the city. There is approximately 90 minutes of walking broken up by delicious eats and drinks! We will finish around 1pm and ensure you're comfortable with navigation around the city for your remaining time, and provide ideas on what is great to see while you're here.

Take an evening tour of the Weta Workshop, a leading special effects and prop studio co-founded by director Peter Jackson, where you'll learn about Wellington's movie-making history. Discover the creative film production process from skilled technicians at the Weta Cave. You may recognize blockbusters such as 'Avatar,' 'The Amazing Spider-Man' and - of course - 'The Lord of the Rings.' Finish with a 3-course dinner at CoCo at the Roxy in the heart of Miramar. Round-trip transport from the Wellington CBD included.

Explore the history, culture and lifestyle of New Zealand's cool capital on this 2-hour central Wellington walking tour. Wander through Te Aro's Courtenay Place district and soak up the boho-chic atmosphere in lively Cuba Street. Discover inner-city sites made famous in the "˜Lord of the Rings' trilogy, and gain insight into the rich heritage of this creative, bustling and vibrant city. Step off the beaten track and discover special gems hidden in plain sight, and finish in the manicured grounds of the city's parliament building.

Discover the Remutaka area's rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand's most scenic farmland.  You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure - transport to and from your cruise ship, comfort mountain bikes 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!Distance 18/25km, riding time 3-4 hours, total duration 6 hours

Receive a cruise terminal pick up and discover the locally made treats and secret foodie spots in Petone, one of the oldest settlements in Wellington. This 5-hour tour gives your taste buds a thrilling journey through the history and produce of local food and beverage artisans and importers. Get an exclusive behind the scenes look at a local specialty coffee roastery, taste freshly made cheeses, sample local craft beers, visit a chocolatier, try Martinborough's fine wines or have a tasting platter at an Italian restaurant and cafe. A different tasting experience at every location. Itinerary varies daily! Return drop off at the cruise ship terminal available at the completion of the tour.

Just a short drive from Wellington lies Martinborough, a country town nestled among some of the country's best wineries. Don't worry about rental cars and petrol prices: on this tour, your guide will pick you up direct from your cruise ship and transport you across the Rimutaka Ranges to three world-class Martinborough wineries. Sample their signature wines and be back in Wellington in time for dinner.

View the must-see attractions of Wellington on a 2.5-hour shore excursion. During your sightseeing tour of New Zealand's capital, observe architectural landmarks such as the New Zealand Parliament Buildings and Beehive, and visit Old St Paul's Cathedral. Soak up picturesque views of the city and harbor from a lookout pt on Mt Victoria, and have the option to take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car. Round-trip port transport by coach is 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.

Get a personal introduction to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's premier museum based in Wellington. This 1-hour guided tour provides an overview of the museum's interactive exhibits, artifacts, fine art and natural history displays so that you can better explore the collection on your own. You'll get a deeper look at Maori cultural heritage and colonial history with an expert guide who share insights and offers suggestions for galleries that might suit your interests.

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.

This tour will give you an in-depth look and taste of Wellington city, including visiting artisan producer businesses, and hearing all about the city's history, architecture, street art, culture and more. You will then conclude with a light two-course wine or craft beer-matched lunch at a top Wellington eatery with more time to chat to your local knowledgeable guide about what it's like living here.We commence at 9.30am from the Wellington City iSite, and walk our way around many quarters of the city. There is approximately 90 minutes of walking broken up by delicious eats and drinks! We will finish around 2.30pm and ensure you're comfortable with navigation around the city for your remaining time with ideas on what is great to see while you're here, or we'll escort you back to the departure point right beside the ship shuttle.

Go behind the scenes of 'The Lord of the Rings' and other blockbusters at Weta Workshop, the world's leading special effects and prop studio. The informative and entertaining Weta Cave Workshop Tour gives you a glimpse into the film production of your favorite movies including the LOTR trilogy, 'Avatar' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2.' Your 2.5-hour tour includes convenient round-trip transport by minivan from central Wellington, eliminating the hassle of driving and parking.

Only a few kilometers west of the busy Wellington CBD, an assortment of Aotearoa's rarest wildlife is thriving behind an 8.6 kilometer predator-proof fence. In this wildlife sanctuary, enjoy a glimpse into New Zealand before human arrival. Hear birdsong that has disappeared from all but the most remote bush on the New Zealand mainland and meet some of the country's native fauna.

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, plus locales like the Embassy Movie Theatre, site of the world premieres. You'll 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.

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.