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Shore Excursion: Wellington Highlights Small Group Tour
6 h
Small Group
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: New Zealand Parliament, Molesworth Street, Wellington 6160 New Zealand
Welcome to Windy Wellington - the 'Coolest Little Capital' in the world. Enjoy a 6 hour tour of this compact and scenic city.
First stop is the grounds of New Zealand's parliament. Here you'll see the buildings where the government sits, including the aptly named 'Beehive' building - home to the offices of cabinet and the Prime Minister. Across the road is the 2nd largest wooden building in the world - the Old Government Buildings (now home to Victoria University Law School).
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Old St Paul's, 34 Mulgrave St Thorndon, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Built in 1866 from fine native timber, Old St Pauls is one of New Zealand's most important historical buildings. Admire the breathtaking interior of this famous landmark. We cover the donation entry cost.
Please note, the cathedral may be closed until 2020 to undergo earthquake strengthening.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Oriental Bay, Oriental Parade, Wellington 6001 New Zealand
As we travel around the city foreshore we will arrive at one of the city's most popular beaches - Oriental Bay. Look back across the harbour to the city centre, and hopefully spot your cruise ship tied up at the wharf.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mount Victoria, Alexandra Lookout Rd, Wellington 6001 New Zealand
Visit Wellington's best vantage point - Mt Vic. Enjoy 360 degree views of the city and its surrounds atop this 196m high peak. Spot the inter-island ferries travelling across Cook Strait to the South Island (which you can see on a clear day). See the Miramar Peninsula and south coast which is also part of the tour. Wellington city is very picturesque spread across very hilly terrain, and the views commanded from Mt Victoria are exceptional.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Scorching Bay, Karaka Bay Road Seatoun, Wellington 6003 New Zealand
Next it is time to explore the Miramar Peninsula. This unassuming area of the city is home to 'Wellywood' - where Sir Peter Jackson set up the studios that have produced such films as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong and more. We will stop at Point Halswell where again you get sweeping views of the harbour. Next we pass through Scorching Bay on our way to the Wahine Memorial.
Stop At: Wahine Memorial, Dundas Street, Wellington New Zealand
Wellington Harbour was the site of New Zealand's worst maritime disaster - the sinking of the Wahine ferry. We stop briefly at the memorial to hear the story of how the disaster unfolded on the 10th of April 1968.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road Miramar, Wellington 6022 New Zealand
Now it is time to visit 'Wellywood' - home to New Zealand's film industry. The most famous film maker in these parts is Sir Peter Jackson - who used area to set up the studios which have produced the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies (among others). See the Gandalf outside the Roxy Cinema, before we head to the Weta Cave where you can view some of the props used in the films. We also pass by the Stone Street studios where you may be able to catch a glimpse of the green screens used for the films. Please note we don't have time for the Weta Workshop tour.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
For lunch we head back into the city explore the national museum of New Zealand - Te Papa. Opened in 1998, this museum commands prime position on Wellington's waterfront. Enjoy over an hour to explore the many exhibits showcasing New Zealand's unique history and geography. This is also our lunch stop (own cost) where you can grab a quick bite from the on-site cafe, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to one of many local eateries.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Wellington Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
After our visit to Te Papa we then complete the last attraction of the day - a ride on the Wellington Cable Car. For over 100 years this iconic part of Wellington has been used by locals and visitors alike to travel up one of the steepest parts of the city. We drive to the top of the Cable Car where you can enjoy a quick look around the stunning Wellington Botanical Gardens (keep your eyes peeled for many species of endangered birds from the nearby wildlife sanctuary). Then it is on the cable car down to Lambton Quay where the driver will meet you and take you back to the port.
Duration: 30 minutes
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This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: New Zealand Parliament, Molesworth Street, Wellington 6160 New Zealand
Welcome to Windy Wellington - the 'Coolest Little Capital' in the world. Enjoy a 6 hour tour of this compact and scenic city.
First stop is the grounds of New Zealand's parliament. Here you'll see the buildings where the government sits, including the aptly named 'Beehive' building - home to the offices of cabinet and the Prime Minister. Across the road is the 2nd largest wooden building in the world - the Old Government Buildings (now home to Victoria University Law School).
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Old St Paul's, 34 Mulgrave St Thorndon, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Built in 1866 from fine native timber, Old St Pauls is one of New Zealand's most important historical buildings. Admire the breathtaking interior of this famous landmark. We cover the donation entry cost.
Please note, the cathedral may be closed until 2020 to undergo earthquake strengthening.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Oriental Bay, Oriental Parade, Wellington 6001 New Zealand
As we travel around the city foreshore we will arrive at one of the city's most popular beaches - Oriental Bay. Look back across the harbour to the city centre, and hopefully spot your cruise ship tied up at the wharf.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mount Victoria, Alexandra Lookout Rd, Wellington 6001 New Zealand
Visit Wellington's best vantage point - Mt Vic. Enjoy 360 degree views of the city and its surrounds atop this 196m high peak. Spot the inter-island ferries travelling across Cook Strait to the South Island (which you can see on a clear day). See the Miramar Peninsula and south coast which is also part of the tour. Wellington city is very picturesque spread across very hilly terrain, and the views commanded from Mt Victoria are exceptional.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Scorching Bay, Karaka Bay Road Seatoun, Wellington 6003 New Zealand
Next it is time to explore the Miramar Peninsula. This unassuming area of the city is home to 'Wellywood' - where Sir Peter Jackson set up the studios that have produced such films as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, King Kong and more. We will stop at Point Halswell where again you get sweeping views of the harbour. Next we pass through Scorching Bay on our way to the Wahine Memorial.
Stop At: Wahine Memorial, Dundas Street, Wellington New Zealand
Wellington Harbour was the site of New Zealand's worst maritime disaster - the sinking of the Wahine ferry. We stop briefly at the memorial to hear the story of how the disaster unfolded on the 10th of April 1968.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road Miramar, Wellington 6022 New Zealand
Now it is time to visit 'Wellywood' - home to New Zealand's film industry. The most famous film maker in these parts is Sir Peter Jackson - who used area to set up the studios which have produced the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies (among others). See the Gandalf outside the Roxy Cinema, before we head to the Weta Cave where you can view some of the props used in the films. We also pass by the Stone Street studios where you may be able to catch a glimpse of the green screens used for the films. Please note we don't have time for the Weta Workshop tour.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
For lunch we head back into the city explore the national museum of New Zealand - Te Papa. Opened in 1998, this museum commands prime position on Wellington's waterfront. Enjoy over an hour to explore the many exhibits showcasing New Zealand's unique history and geography. This is also our lunch stop (own cost) where you can grab a quick bite from the on-site cafe, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to one of many local eateries.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Wellington Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
After our visit to Te Papa we then complete the last attraction of the day - a ride on the Wellington Cable Car. For over 100 years this iconic part of Wellington has been used by locals and visitors alike to travel up one of the steepest parts of the city. We drive to the top of the Cable Car where you can enjoy a quick look around the stunning Wellington Botanical Gardens (keep your eyes peeled for many species of endangered birds from the nearby wildlife sanctuary). Then it is on the cable car down to Lambton Quay where the driver will meet you and take you back to the port.
Duration: 30 minutes
Included
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Experienced, local driver/guide
- Port pickup and drop-off
- One-way cable car ride
- Visit to the Weta Cave
- Visit to Te Papa - New Zealand's national museum
- Entry/Admission - Old St Paul's
- Entry/Admission - Wellington Cable Car
Not included
- Lunch (available to purchase)
- The cost of any additional option entry fees
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Please note that the order of the tour may vary depending on the weather conditions and traffic issues
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters as there is no storage space on our vehicles. Fold up (collapsible) walkers may be able to be accommodated, please check with us when booking.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Features
Tourism
100%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
30%
Reviews
Enjoyed the tour overall. Was a little rushed at a few spots, but overall would recommend. Easy to get to from ship. Tour guide was knowledgeable.
Had a good day in Wellington. felt a little rushed though in some spots. But all in all a good day. Got to go to a Lord of the rings which my wife loved.
The group size was small and the tour I felt covered the main points of interest in the City. The driver/ guide was friendly and helpful
We were taken in a small group by Michelle who was an excellent guide. She really knows her city well and took care of our group ensuring everyone was happy. Michelle informed us that she was in the job only six months but one would have guessed as she has amazing ability and knowledge. Also would use Shoretrips all over New Zealand as they were reliable in all our other excursions.
There were 2 vehicles/drivers on this tour. The one we got was new- very nice, but not very informative. I rode back to the ship from the museum with the other driver/guide, and learned more on that short trip than I had in the hours with our guide.
Excellent guide Andrew .Loved the trip .Saw so much of Wellington
Great experience with our very knowledgeable guide who was very passionate about his town and extremely helpful!