• 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 you up right as you disembark.

If collection is 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 being picked up from 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, offering 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 taniwha created a passage to the open sea, forming the harbor 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 the soul of Whataitai.

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 enthusiasts, the tour passes the café that Harry and Megan visited in 2018.

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 around the stunning coastline, breathe in the fresh, salty air and marvel at the picturesque views.

As the tour turns the corner, a more somber moment arises as it reflects 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, guests can purchase memorabilia, view items in the mini-museum, and even have a photo opportunity with the Cave Trolls! The guides at Ka Rawe are excellent photographers too.

The stop at the Weta Cave allows guests to explore Lord of the Rings memorabilia. Don’t miss the photo opportunity with the cave trolls!

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

• Oriental Bay - Returning to the city around the bay, the guide keeps guests 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!

Guests can admire 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 settlers brought 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 short ride up to the suburb of Kelburn at a leisurely pace, with more spectacular views of Wellington upon arrival.

At the top, the guide (who dropped guests off at the bottom) will be waiting, and there’s also a chance 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 - 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 visual delights of the Rose Garden.

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 fly 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 present 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 explores 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 goodness into the day.

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

Several drop-off locations are offered, and remember, Wellington is a small, compact city that’s easy to navigate, so you’re never far from your desired destination.

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

What a day out!

• Admission costs for Cable car ride

• Bottled water
• Lunch

Your opportunity to visit locations in Wellington that you simply couldn’t make on foot. All accompanied by a local, educated driver who hopes to crack at least one funny joke throughout the journey!

We also stop along the way for photo opportunities all whilst experiencing Wellingtons infamous wind!

We’ll start in the city but quickly make our way to the best views iat Mount Victoria lookout. Then we’ll head out to the suburbs cruising through Lyall Bay beach & stopping at the Weta Cave (hop out). After we head back to the city you’ll experience a ride on the Cable Car with more stunning views from the other side of the city. Then we’ll check out the Lady Norwood Rose Garden & our Parliament grounds as the tour comes to a conclusion.

Packing LOADS of wellington in to a short space of time with hosts who care.

• We hop out of the van on 3 or 4 occasions throughout the trip for photos & fresh air!

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