• Wellington - COLLECTION

The adventure begins with the safe collection of all guests as they board the vehicle.

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 operator is accredited to pick up guests right as they disembark.

For hotel pickups, guests are advised to 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.

Guests being picked up from the iSite should head to the tour bus stop located just outside or beside the iSite. Look out for the Ka Rawe signage on the vehicle, and the journey will begin shortly!

• Mount Victoria Lookout - A fantastic first stop!

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

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

This stop offers perhaps the best photo opportunity on the tour, and the guide/host is more than 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 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 boasts two surf lifesaving clubs. For royal enthusiasts, the tour passes the café frequented by Harry and Megan during their 2018 visit.

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

What a fantastic place!

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

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

The Wahine faced unprecedented winds, leading to many casualties 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 seeing New Zealand’s native insects up close…

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

Weta is perhaps best known for its incredible work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but its impact on the industry is much broader. 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 friends in Hollywood!

• Oriental Bay - Returning to the city around the bay, the guide keeps guests informed along the way.

The tour reaches Oriental Bay, known for being both a popular beach and a center of affluence 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! Be sure to 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 Cable Car - All aboard!

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 (who dropped guests off at the bottom) will be there to greet them, and there’s an opportunity to explore the Cable Car Museum. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the museum.

The Cable Car ride is included in the tour price.

• Lady Norwood Rose Garden - Simply beautiful!

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 varieties of flowers, when in full bloom (November - April), it’s absolutely stunning!

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, guests can 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 displayed 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 located 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, holding office from 1893 to 1906.

The tour also includes a visit to the Beehive, the name for the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings.

• Wellington - DROP OFF

Wow! Hopefully, everyone agrees that the tour packed a lot of Wellington’s charm into the day.

However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Several drop-off locations are offered, and it’s worth noting that Wellington is a small, compact city that’s easy to navigate, ensuring guests are never far from their desired destination.

The recommendation is to be dropped off at Te Papa. Not only is Te Papa New Zealand’s national museum, but it is also centrally located for wherever the final destination may be.

What a day out!

• Gift
• Bottled water
• Includes admission costs on Cable car ride

• Lunch

A private tour provides an exclusive vehicle and driver just for you. As locals, the operators are knowledgeable about the best places to visit and can accommodate any specific interests within the 3.5-hour timeframe.

Participants will explore Wellington locations that are not easily accessible on foot, accompanied by a local, knowledgeable driver in a luxurious BMW vehicle.

The tour begins in the city and quickly moves to the breathtaking views at Mount Victoria Lookout. The journey continues to the suburbs, passing through Lyall Bay Beach and stopping at the Weta Cave for a visit. Upon returning to the city, participants will enjoy a ride on the Cable Car, offering more stunning views from the opposite side of the city. The tour concludes with visits to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and the Parliament grounds.

This tour efficiently showcases Wellington in a short amount of time with hosts who genuinely care.

• We hop out of the vehicle on 3 or 4 occasions throughout the trip for photos & fresh air
• Being a private tour means we can adjust the itinerary if you have any specific interests
• We’ll only ever place 3 passengers or less in a car. Never 3 people squeezed across the back

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