Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join us on this 3hr journey into the story of Wellington, where we share the history, culture, conservation and place in the world of Te-Whanagnui-a-Tara - the coolest little capital. Visit Wellington’s main highlights and some hidden gems, including 4 photo stops a ride on the Cable Car. A perfect overview of our wonderful city for those who want an insight into local life and options on how to write your own Wellington story.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WELLINGTON CABLE CAR WILL BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE BETWEEN 21 JULY - 10 AUG 2025
Available options
Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour
Pickup included
Discover Wellington Alternate
Departure Time<br/>Pickup included
What's included
4 photo stops - Wellington sign, south coast, Mt Victoria, Cable Car lookout
Guaranteed drop off back to the cruise ship
Pick up directly from cruise ships
Cable Car ticket
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Drive past the national museum and learn about current exhibitions that you could visit during the rest of your time in Wellington
2
Soak in the view from Wellington's Golden Sands beach
3
Photo stop by the quirky Wellington sign, a homage to the Hollywood sign, before driving through Miramar and learning how the area became the home of New Zealand's film industry
4
Photo stop at Wahine Memorial Park on Wellington's stunning South Coast. Enjoy majestical views of the entrance to Wellington Harbour, Taputeranga Marine Reserve, Cook Strait, and sometimes Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island
5
Experience the novelty of driving beneath the Wellington Airport runway and watch as local surfers catch waves in the bay
6
Photo stop at the famous Mt Victoria Lookout for spectacular views of the city and harbour
7
Drive through the entertainment area of Courtenay Place before passing by the unique Bucket Fountain, one of Wellington's many unique sculptures. This is located on Cuba Street, which is the heart of Bohemian Wellington. Learn about what makes Wellington such a welcoming place
8
Stop 8
Enjoy a complimentary ride on Wellington's Cable Car - New Zealand's only remaining funicular railway. The 5min ride to the summit will take you through light-filled tunnels to another great view of the city and the chance to pick up some Wellington souvenirs at the Cable Car mini-museum
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Keep your ears open for the sound of once critically endangered native birds that are now commonplace in our city thanks to various conservation efforts
10
Stop 10
Pass by
See the unique Beehive building at NZ Parliament. An example of Brutalist architecture, this structure was voted one of the ugliest buildings in the world once upon a time!
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Drive by the beautiful Old St Paul's Cathedral, arguably one of the finest examples of timber Gothic Revival architecture in the world
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
99 reviews
5★
85
4★
11
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
72 reviews
5★
67
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
3 hour duration includes travel time between photo stops and points of interest
PLEASE NOTE THAT WELLINGTON CABLE CAR WILL BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE BETWEEN 21 JULY - 10 AUG 2025
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
