Top Wellington Sightseeing Tours

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.

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.

Experience the wildlife of New Zealand in the early evening with a guided 2,5-hour tour of Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary located on the outskirts of Wellington. This after-hours tour takes place during the most active period for many resident animals, when they transition from daytime to nighttime activity. You may observe birds returning to their nests, hear nocturnal birds waking up, and learn how the sanctuary restores native habitat.

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.

Tick off the top attractions of the Windy City on this private full-day tour of Wellington. Experience the myriad delights of New Zealand’s capital as you take in the views from Mt Victoria, spot seals at Red Rocks, then go behind-the-scenes with a 45-minute tour of the Weta Cave, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created. After a scrumptious lunch at the Chocolate Fish Café (included), ride the cable car over Wellington and visit landmarks like the Botanical Gardens, the Parliament Buildings and the Beehive.

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.

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.

Book a shared arrival transfer from Wellington Airport to your hotel doorstep, and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip. It’s a simple, cost-effective option that takes all the hassle out of arranging transportation after you land. Transport is by climate-controlled shuttle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have fun with your friends while testing your teamwork skills during this 90-minute problem-solving adventure. Enter a spaceship, where you get the news of an impending alien invasion. Race against the clock to solve the puzzles and stop the invasion. This is an interactive game that’s suitable for almost everyone, including kids.

Wellington’s south coast is both a popular choice and a missed opportunity for visitors; although a visit to Weta Workshop is a popular choice, many visitors pass up the chance to see the rocky beaches and rough surf that Wellington locals have learned to love. From the Weta Cave to the Taputarenga Marine Reserve, this small group tour offers the full south coast experience.

Sip your way around Martinborough — a once sleepy colonial town that’s now a prominent wine village at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — on this private day trip from Wellington. Following hotel or port pickup and a scenic drive through the Wairarapa, you’ll visit three of Martinborough’s renowned wineries. Enjoy a guided wine tasting at each and a lunch platter with wine at Poppies Martinborough. Then, choose to continue hopping around Martinborough’s wineries or travel to nearby Greytown, whose pretty streets are thronged with cafes and antique stores.

Discover the top attractions of Wellington on this all-day guided tour. The itinerary includes a drive up to the top of Mount Victoria for the views, a visit to Weta Studios on the Miramar Peninsula to see where "Lord of the Rings" was filmed (if option selected), a ride on the Wellington Cable Car, plus stops at the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and Old St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Martinborough is known as one of New Zealand's premier wine regions. This private tour takes you to three of the best Martinborough wineries—Palliser Estate, Poppies Martinborough, and Te Kairanga Wines—tastings included. Cellar door experiences let you sample world-class wines. Departure time is flexible, with hotel or port pickup from Wellington.

Let uTours make Wellington easy for you. Your private tour or shore excursion will be totally customised to meet your interests, pace & time requirements. We believe in going the extra mile, being helpful & making your day awesome. Wellington's stories will become a part of your travel story. Visit our funky food lanes, ride the Cable Car, check out the views from the Wind Turbine or Mt Vic Lookout, and explore our rugged beaches. Sample local snacks and refreshments free of charge. You will learn about our history, our people & our earthquakes from a passionate local. Enjoy informed conversation, individual attention & personal space in our comfortable vehicle. Connect with the Wellington that locals love. Why chose uTours: Travel only with your friends (max 10). You will be met on time at an agreed location. We will communicate with you quickly and clearly. You will be driven safely, have fun & be well looked after. uTours – where it's all about Wellington and all about you!

Experience the capital city of New Zealand at your own pace on a customized private tour. Visit the hole in the wall food stores, ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car, take in the view from Mount Victoria Lookout or visit the wind turbines. Learn about the history of the city and enjoy local snacks and refreshments on this tour where it’s all about you!

Get out of Wellington city for the day and enjoy the rural atmosphere of Martinborough and the South Wairarapa wine country on this full-day wineries tour. Over the day you’ll visit four wineries and enjoy tastings at each, plus a delicious lunch at one. The tour is private and customizable so you can request in advance any specific wineries you may want to visit.

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.

Soar over Wellington Harbour in a helicopter during this 15-minute flight. Learn about the history, culture, and environment of the harbor's landscape through your pilot's commentary. Get views and aerial photo ops of the Cook Strait, Matiu Somes Island, and some of Wellington city's landmarks.

Beginner and advanced cyclists alike will enjoy this fun cycling tour through the Remutaka Ranges, on the Remutaka Cycle Trail. The easy-to-moderate trail is suitable for most riders who are up for an adventure, and the standard 11 mile (18 kilometer) route can be lengthened or shortened to suit your needs. Enjoy the forested scenery that you’ll ride through, and learn more about the history of this area from your local guides.

With innovative brewers, New Zealand’s biggest craft beer festival and a craft beer bar around every corner, Wellington is the Southern Hemisphere’s craft beer capital. With new breweries popping up around the city, however, it can be hard for hop heads to know where to go. On this private tour, check out some of the city’s most successful craft breweries and brewpubs.