Full Day Wellington Tour - Including maoritanga

Wellington , New Zealand

Full Day Wellington Tour - Including maoritanga

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

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About this experience

In addition to seeing all the best sights our city has to offer, this tour is also designed to learn & discover a little more about the maori people in addition to enjoying our beautiful city.

You'll be hosted by a local who also speaks maori language.

We'll head to Mount Victoria Lookout, Lyall Bay Beach, the Weta cave, Oriental Bay, the Cable car & parliament grounds are some of the places of interest that we visit.

We also take a guided tour around Te Papa visiting some of the maori taonga (treasures), you'll be welcomed in maori, you'll visit the exhibition of the Treaty of Waitangi & just maybe you'll get to experience a haka or poi throughout the course of the day.

Ka Rawe! (which means thats awesome!)

Available options

Full Day Wellington Tour - Including maoritanga

Pickup included

What's included

Licensed guide / driver

Visit to Treaty of Waitangi Exhibition

Guided tour of Te Papa, costs included

Detailed itinerary

PICK UP - we pick up our guests from a variety of locations in the city or from the port

Head up to the best vantage point in the city, Mount Victoria Lookout. Best views ever & your guide will happily to take some photos for you! We also pause at the maori pou & talk about e rere to keo, the legend of 2 taniwha (sea serpents) who created the Wellington Harbour!

We take a leisurely drive around our spectacular coastline bypassing the airport on the way

We stop & take a short walk to Oruaiti Reserve & relive a little piece of Wellington history here, commemorating the Wahine Disaster from 1968. Yet another spectacular viewing platform in Wellington right alongside the ceremonial waka

WETA CAVE - We take the time to check out the world renowned Weta Cave. Weta are international big hitters when it comes to movie special effects & costumes, they are closely associated with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Check out the mini museum, their retail store & some restrooms if required. We'll be sure to take advantage of the photo opportunities here too!

Wellington's spectacular inner city beach! Did you know that it is "man made"? Check out the architecture of one of Wellingtons most desirable areas to live & hang out

Stop 7

To round out the morning, we’re off to the national museum called Te Papa where you’ll be guided on a 1 hour maori taonga (treasures) tour

LUNCH - we'll find a suitable location to take a break for kai (food)

We take a short walk around the stunning Wellington Waterfront & stop for a chat at the statue of Kupe, the legendary Polynesian explorer who, according to Māori oral history, was the first person to discover New Zealand

Stop 10

Take a trip on the iconic Wellington Cable Car & enjoy another sweeping vista from the other side of the city. Stunning!

Check out the history of our very cool cable car service

Situated on the edge of the Botanical Gardens, Wellington's Lady Norwood Rose Garden has won the 2015 World Federation of Rose Societies Garden of Excellence Award. 3200 roses showcasing 300 different varieties in 110 rose beds.

Stop 13

Take a leisurely stroll around the Parliament grounds & check out the Beehive, where our country is run from!

TREATY OF WAITANGI - we visit an exhibition containing New Zealand's founding document the Treaty of Waitangi. Learn a little about the history of this document, how it came to be & why it still remains topical & relevant to this day. This document is considered tapu (sacred) by the maori people so we're excited to share it with you

What's not included

Guests meet their own costs for lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Those who have nominated the collection point, please go to 217 Wakefield Street & wait at the pick up point. Keep an eye out for Ka Rawe signs on cars or vans!

About Wellington

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, coffee culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled between rolling hills and the harbor, it offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Te Papa Museum

Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, showcasing the country's art, history, and natural environment.

Museum 2-3 hours Free entry, some exhibits may have fees

Wellington Botanic Garden

A beautiful garden with a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and scenic views of the city.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Mount Victoria Lookout

A scenic lookout offering panoramic views of Wellington and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 1 hour Free

Weta Workshop

A special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Cultural 1-2 hours NZD 30-50

Wellington Cable Car

A historic cable car offering scenic views of the city and harbor.

Historical 30 minutes NZD 5-10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

A traditional Māori method of cooking food in an earth oven. The food is wrapped in leaves and cooked underground for several hours.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Contains eggs and dairy, vegan options available.

Fish and Chips

A classic New Zealand dish featuring fresh fish, usually snapper or tarakihi, coated in batter and deep-fried, served with chips (fries).

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and gluten, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Mountain biking Spa treatments Beach lounging Picnicking Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

December to February

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Wellington is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of common safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being cautious in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Wellington Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Wellington Railway Station

By bus

Wellington Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Metlink is the main public transport system in Wellington, offering a network of buses, trains, and ferries.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

CBD (Central Business District) Te Aro Miramar Karangahape Road (K' Road)

Day trips

Red Rocks

30 km from Wellington • Half day

A scenic coastal area known for its rugged cliffs, sea lions, and wildlife.

Matiu/Somes Island

20 km from Wellington • Half day

A small island in Wellington Harbour with a rich history and scenic views.

Kapiti Coast

60 km from Wellington • Full day

A scenic coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Wellington Cup Week • Late February to early March Wellington on a Plate • August Wellington Jazz Festival • Early October

Pro tips

Visit Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's national museum, for a comprehensive overview of the country's art, history, and natural environment.
Explore the vibrant and eclectic Cuba Street, known for its boutique shops, cafes, and street art.
Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for scenic views of the city and harbor.
Visit the Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at the special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Enjoy Wellington's thriving coffee culture by visiting one of the numerous specialty coffee shops and roasteries.