• Wellington - COLLECTION

The adventure begins by welcoming all guests and boarding the vehicle safely.

For those arriving by cruise ship, collection is directly from the port. There’s no need to take a shuttle or head into the city, as the team is accredited to pick you up right as you disembark.

If you’re being picked up from a hotel, please wait in the reception area or just outside where the friendly guide can easily spot you. Relax, as sometimes traffic or other factors may cause slight delays.

For those meeting at the iSite, head to the tour bus stop just outside or beside the iSite. Look out for the Ka Rawe signage on the vehicle, and see you soon!

• Mount Victoria Lookout - What a fantastic first stop!

Experience the best vantage point in this beautiful city. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the central business district, the harbor, and the ocean to the south. Absolutely stunning!

Legend has it that Wellington harbor, once a land-locked lake, was home to two large and active taniwha (sea monsters). One created a passage to the open sea, forming the harbor entrance. The other, Whataitai, took a different route, became stranded, and perished. Tangi-te keo (Mt Victoria) is believed to be named after Whataitai’s soul.

This is likely the best photo opportunity on the tour, and the guide/host would be thrilled to be your personal photographer for the day.

What a beautiful city!

• Lyall Bay - Heading due south to the stunning coastline, passing through Lyall Bay. Did you know that no matter where you are in Wellington, you’re only 3km (1.8 miles) from a beach? How fortunate!

Lyall Bay is Wellington’s most popular surf beach and even has two surf lifesaving clubs. For royal fans, the tour passes the cafe that Harry and Megan visited in 2018.

With a bit of luck, you might spot one of the ferries traveling between the North and South Islands out in the strait.

What a fantastic place!

• Wahine Memorial - Continuing around the stunning coastline, breathe in the fresh, salty air and marvel at the picturesque views.

As the tour turns the corner, there’s a more somber moment reflecting on Wellington’s worst maritime disaster.

The Wahine faced unprecedented winds, and many lives were lost on April 10, 1968. The guides expertly explain what happened and where, bringing the event to life with imagery.

A sad yet memorable event in New Zealand’s history.

• Wellington - WETA CAVE

Don’t be misled into thinking this is about seeing New Zealand’s native insects up close…

While the Weta is a native New Zealand cricket-like insect, it’s also the name of a world-famous film and special effects company right here in Wellington!

Weta is arguably most famous for its incredible work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but its impact on the industry is much broader. At the Weta Cave, you can purchase memorabilia, view items in the mini-museum, and even have a photo opportunity with the Cave Trolls! At Ka Rawe, the guides are excellent photographers too.

After leaving the Weta Cave, the tour checks out the Wellington sign, the one Hollywood copied!

• Wellington - WELLYWOOD - Driving by some world-class film and movie facilities, Stone Street Studios and Park Road Post Production.
• Oriental Bay - Heading back into the city around the bay, the guide keeps you informed along the way.

Arriving at Oriental Bay, known for being both a popular beach and a center of affluence in the city. It’s a bit pricey here!

You’ll see some amazing architecture, and perhaps this will be the only “man-made” beach you’ll ever see! Check out Carter Fountain too.

Originally named Duppa Bay after its sole resident George Duppa, it was renamed Oriental Bay after one of the first ships to bring settlers to Wellington.

Spectacular!

• Wellington - LUNCH BREAK - A suitable location for lunch will be found as time permits.
• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa - Enjoy a guided tour and see the treasures housed at the National Museum Te Papa.
• Wellington Cable Car - One of Wellington’s most iconic attractions is the Cable Car. Some may refer to it as a funicular. Take a short ride up to the suburb of Kelburn at a leisurely pace, enjoying more spectacular views of Wellington upon arrival.

At the top, you’ll be met by your guide (who will have dropped you off at the bottom), and you’ll also get to explore the Cable Car Museum. Souvenirs are available for purchase there too.

Your ride on the Cable Car is included in the tour price.

• Lady Norwood Rose Garden - Beautiful!

Part of the expansive Wellington Botanical Gardens is the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Did you know that in 2015, it received the Garden of Excellence award from the World Federation of Rose Societies? Now you do!

With over 110 unique varieties of flowers, when in full bloom (November - April), it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Take a short stop, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the visual delights the Rose Garden offers.

Beautiful.

• New Zealand Parliament - Welcome to the Parliament grounds, regularly used for various public gatherings. From the grounds, admire Parliament’s buildings, the flags on numerous flagpoles, the rose and camellia gardens, fine ironwork on the gates and lamp standards, and commemorative statues and plaques.

Two New Zealand flags are flown daily on the forecourt, in front of Parliament House. Other flags may be flown between the New Zealand flags to mark special visits or occasions.

The design of Parliament’s iron gates incorporates the initials of King George V, the monarch when the gates were made.

Several statues and plaques are in Parliament’s grounds.

The most prominent is a bronze statue of Richard John Seddon at the front of the main forecourt. Richard John Seddon was New Zealand’s longest-serving Prime Minister, from 1893 to 1906.

The tour also checks out the Beehive, the name for the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings.

• Old St Paul’s - This place is quite serene…

Old St Paul’s (formerly St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral) is a historic site, a city landmark, and a wedding and event venue in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

Constructed from New Zealand native timbers, it features stunning stained glass windows. The interior has been likened to the upturned hull of an Elizabethan galleon.

A calming and peaceful way to end a day filled with wonderful experiences in Wellington.

• Bottled water
• Includes ticket for Cable Car Ride & cost of guided tour
• 1 hour guided tour of Te Papa

• Lunch

During the tour, guests have the chance to step out of the vehicle, stretch their legs, and enjoy some fresh air. The friendly guides are also happy to act as photographers for the day!

After picking up guests in the city, the day begins with a visit to the Mount Victoria lookout. From there, the tour continues to Lyall Bay beach before heading to the Weta Cave, where guests can explore the Weta store. Following a lunch break, guests enjoy a ride on the Cable Car, and after being collected at the top, the tour proceeds downtown to visit Parliament/Beehive and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.

A visit to Old St Paul’s Church is also included, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.