Wellington tours, things to do and tickets

Must See and Fun Tour of Wellington

Where your Wellington adventure begins …

Features include:
• Downtown entertainment area of Wellington
• Mt Victoria
• Rugged Coastline
• Weta Cave
• Southern Hemisphere’s largest roundabout
• War Memorial park
• Cable Car
• Lady Norwood Rose Gardens
• Southern Hemisphere’s largest wooden building
• Parliament Grounds
• Old St Paul’s Cathedral

Wellington, New Zealand, is home to an entire community of creative Wētā Workshop artisans who’ve brought life to such films as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Wētā Workshop is your gateway to filmmaking creativity. Join our guided tours and learn about the making of movie effects, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more!

New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Wellington and Auckland.  Experience the extremes of New Zealand's scenery, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast.

Enjoy the view from the Remutaka Summit at 555m as we cross the Remutaka Ranges into the Wairarapa region.
Enjoy a wine tasting experience at the famous Poppies. Sample a fixed menu of 5-6 of their locally produced wines that are available only at the Cellar Door and online!
Enjoy a range of 4-5 locally produced wines at Moy Hall Wines. Enjoy the view across the vineyard to the hills beyond from outdoor tables amongst the vines (indoor options available when weather dictates).
Enjoy a tasting experience of up to 5 wines of your choice from the excellent Margrain Vineyard.
Specific wineries may vary subject to availability.

Enjoy a full day, all-inclusive adventure in Wellington, the home of middle-Earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the films were created.

We are Wellington's original Lord of the Rings tour and have been operating since 2002. Formerly Rover Rings Tours [before Covid], Welly Rings Tours is proud to show you Wellington as Middle-earth. Our fans-turned-guides will share with you fascinating stories of the making of these movies that you likely won't hear anywhere else - mainly because some of our guides were actually there!

For over 6o years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breath-taking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year.

The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country.

The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in.

Our three spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries - Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi - cross the Cook Strait at regular times, 7 days a week, all year round.

Book your tickets now!

Note: This InterIslander option does not allow travel with your vehicle.

Descend into the forested slopes of the Outer Shire, where our expert guides will entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. Recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy!

Then delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Middle-earth movies.
Learn the secrets of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes tour by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these films to life.
You'll also have chance to take photos with various characters and weapons, as well as treating yourself to a souvenir or two, if desired.

Choose a Morning or Afternoon Departure.
From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike! Your guide will keep you safe with helmets provided and full riding instruction. The tour is lighthearted, fun and engaging with the focus on riding and finding the best view points. You’ll get a local’s perspective on the culture and history of our vibrant city and surrounding bays. This tour mainly rides around the Wellington's stunning bays, with minimal city riding.

Join us for this unique and exciting exploration of Wellington’s natural wonders and rugged south coast. Although only 20km from downtown, this destination will feel like another world. Travelling in exclusive Mercedes 4WD vehicles, we visit an area of pristine native forest with the chance to see many iconic bird species like Tui, Kaka and Kereru before venturing through private farmland with sheep, cattle and goats, while being treated to stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges. Once down to sea-level, we’ll meet some much-loved locals – New Zealand Fur Seals. Observe these amazing animals as they sunbathe, play, and swim while learning about their history, ecology, and conservation from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. The Seal Coast Safari is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure. Book your Seal Coast Safari today and discover one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets!

Enjoy a full-day adventure in Wellington, home of Middle-Earth. Visit locations from the Lord of the Rings films and the famous Weta Workshop where the films were created, and savor a delicious lunch.

Your expert local guide will narrate as you take a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, where you will enjoy wine tastings at a selection of Martinborough wineries, on this full day tour. Lunch will be served at a vineyard restaurant before the tour heads to the south Wairarapa coast. Visit the rugged coastal village of Ngawi and the North Island's largest permanent seal colony as well as a drive by of the famed “Paths of the Dead” from Lord of the Rings, the Putangirua Pinnacles. Finally climb the steps to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse for epic sweeping sea views before heading to the Lake Ferry Hotel on the edge of Lake Onoke for dinner. This 10 hour tour takes in a variety of stunning landscapes in the greater Wellington region.

The ultimate way to experience New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour small group tour and witness the native wildlife that lives on the mainland. Soak up the beautiful scenery while learning more about New Zealand’s unique ecological history. Experience firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award.

Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this self-guided adventure of Wellington. From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike. You will be provided with riding instructions, a helmet, a lock and a cycle map of the city, including top picks of places to stop on your ride.

You can ride the bays to take in the best view points or use your eBike as your transport between the Wellington must see attractions such as Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, these top-quality electric bikes make your mode of transport an experience in itself.

A 5 hour guided highlights tour of coastal Wellington. Tour highlights include spectacular views at the Mount Victoria Lookout, a scenic coastal drive from Oriental Parade around the Miramar Peninsula as well as a visit to the Weta Workshop Weta Cave with exclusive documentary viewing. Enjoy the views of the rugged south Wellington Coast as far as Te Kopahou Reserve and the Brooklyn Wind Turbine before optional central city stops including the Cable Car, Botanical Gardens and Lady Norwood Rose garden and Old St Paul's Cathedral. Lunch (a main and a drink) at a seaside cafe is included.

A 5 hour guided tour of the Martinborough wine region. Visit three of the regions best wineries and enjoy their Cellar Door experiences as you sample the world class products available.

Take in the sights of Wellington while your cruise ship is in port, and discover one of the world’s most charming capital cities. See where New Zealand’s political leaders rule the country, and visit the Gothic Revival Old St Paul’s Cathedral and other architectural landmarks. Take in views of Wellington from above on a visit to the summit of Mt Victoria, and have the option to take a ride on Wellington’s iconic cable car.

Beat the crowds and explore this award-winning exhibitions before opening. Explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War with the peace and stillness this subject matter deserves by entering the exhibit half an hour before the public.

Te Papa has joined forces with Weta Workshop to create an exhibition like no other. After a short introduction from a Te Papa Host, you will wander freely at your own pace through this gallery. Garnering international acclaim and various awards, this space is best experienced before the museum's doors are opened for general admission.

* See eight extraordinary New Zealanders captured frozen in time on a monumental scale - 2.4 times human size

* Learn about the battles that took place in this culturally-defining event

* Discover more about the ANZAC story through 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences.

First stop, Dry Creek Quarry site of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith.

Then River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen, Gardens of Isengard -Gandalf met Saruman to discuss the Ring, where Saruman’s Orcs destroy the gardens.

Rivendell home of the Elves, adventurous may cross swing bridge.

Lunch stop provided, please be flexible as timings vary. (Cost of lunch not included in tour price).

Weta Workshop seeing how props, weaponry are made, see artists at work and sets from Thunderbirds. Meet Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s Trolls.

Hobbiton Woods where trilogy began. Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; Hobbits hiding from the Black Rider (Get off the Road!); Race to the Buckleberry Ferry King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment.

Mount Victoria Lookout to see views of Wellington. Back in the city Courtenay Place, the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The Return of the King (2003), first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012).

Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Enjoy a night discovering New Zealand’s evolution and natural history at Zealandia, located just minutes from central Wellington. The discovery begins with a guided tour through Zealandia: The Exhibition, a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s natural history and world renowned conservation movement. As darkness falls, your guide will lead you into the Sanctuary Valley, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary in search for little spotted kiwi and the many other nocturnal animals that call the sanctuary home. Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. This is an unforgettable Wellington experience not to be missed!

From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and make riding up hills a breeze. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike! Your guide will keep you and your group safe with helmets provided and full riding instruction. This 3-4 hour tour is lighthearted, fun and engaging with the focus on riding and finding the best view points. You’ll get a local’s perspective on the culture and history of our vibrant capital city and surrounding bays.