• 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 accreditation allows collection right as guests disembark.

For hotel pickups, guests should wait in the reception area or just outside where the friendly guide can easily spot them. Patience is appreciated as traffic or other factors may cause slight delays.

For those meeting at the iSite, head to the tour bus stop located just outside or beside the iSite. Look for the Ka Rawe signage on the vehicle, and the journey will begin shortly!

• Mount Victoria Lookout - A fantastic first stop!

Experience the best views in the city with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the central business district, the harbor, and the ocean to the south. Simply stunning!

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

This spot offers perhaps the best photo opportunity on the tour, and the guide/host is happy to serve as a personal photographer for the day.

What a beautiful city!

• Lyall Bay - Heading south to the stunning coastline, passing through Lyall Bay. Did you know that in Wellington, you’re always just 3km (1.8 miles) from a beach? How fortunate!

Lyall Bay is Wellington’s most popular surf beach, boasting two surf lifesaving clubs. For royal enthusiasts, the tour passes the café frequented by Harry and Megan in 2018.

With luck, a glimpse of the ferries traveling between the North and South Islands might be seen in the strait.

What a fantastic place!

• Wahine Memorial - Continuing along the beautiful coastline, guests can breathe in the fresh, salty air and enjoy the picturesque views.

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

The Wahine faced unprecedented winds, leading to many lives lost on April 10, 1968. Guides expertly explain the events and locations, bringing the story to life with imagery.

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

• Wellington - WETA CAVE

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

While the Weta is indeed a native cricket-like insect, it’s also the name of a world-renowned Film & Special Effects company based in Wellington!

Weta is perhaps best known for its incredible work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but its influence extends far beyond that. At the Weta Cave, guests can purchase memorabilia, view items in the mini-museum, and even take photos with the Cave Trolls! The guides at Ka Rawe are excellent photographers too.

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

• Wellington - WELLYWOOD - Driving past world-class film and movie facilities, including Stone Street Studios and Park Road Post Production.

• Oriental Bay - Returning to the city around the bay, with the guide providing insights along the way.

Arriving at Oriental Bay, known for its popular beach and as a luxurious area in the city. It’s a bit pricey here!

Guests can admire the amazing architecture and perhaps see the only “man-made” beach they’ll ever encounter! Don’t miss Carter Fountain.

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 explore the treasures at the National Museum Te Papa.

• Wellington Cable Car - One of Wellington’s most iconic attractions is the Cable Car, also known as a funicular. Enjoy a leisurely ride up to the suburb of Kelburn, where more spectacular views of Wellington await.

At the top, the guide will meet guests (having dropped them off at the bottom), and there’s an opportunity to explore the Cable Car museum. Souvenirs are available for purchase.

The Cable Car ride is included in the tour price.

• Lady Norwood Rose Garden - Lovely!

Part of the expansive Wellington Botanical Gardens, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden received the Garden of Excellence award from the World Federation of Rose Societies in 2015.

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

A short stop allows guests to enjoy the fresh air and the visual delights of the Rose Garden.

Beautiful.

• New Zealand Parliament - Welcome to the Parliament grounds, regularly used for various public gatherings. From here, 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 fly daily on the forecourt in front of Parliament House. Other flags may be displayed between them for special visits or occasions.

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

Several statues and plaques are found in Parliament’s grounds.

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

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

• Old St Paul’s - A serene place…

Old St Paul’s (formerly St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral) is a historic site, city landmark, and venue for weddings and events in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.

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

A calming and peaceful way to conclude 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 proceeds 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 continues downtown to 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.