Wellington , New Zealand

Wellington Heritage Explorer

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Duration: Approx. 6.5 hours
Transport: Comfortable tour van or minibus
Audience: First-time visitors, history & culture enthusiasts

Wellington’s political, cultural, and historical landmarks, complemented by a scenic cable car ride and a historic pub lunch.

Enjoy a scenic ride on the Wellington Cable Car & take in the panoramic city views.

Old St Pauls - discover this 1866 Gothic Revival wooden cathedral with intricate timberwork and stunning stained-glass windows.

Be taken on a tour of the Wellington Museum, which occupies the 1892 Bond Store, a historic building on the waterfront. Voted in 2013 as one of the world's 50 best museums.

Experience a 15 minute tour at The Thistle Inn - learn about its historic significance, including the connection to Māori chief Te Rauparaha. Enjoy a delicious lunch at New Zealand’s oldest surviving pub (est. 1840).

Mount Victoria lookout: Photo opportunities aplenty while we take in the amazing views of Wellington city, and its harbour.

Available options

Wellington Heritage Explorer

Pickup included

What's included

Cable Car

Wellington Museum

Old St Pauls

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

• Scenic ride on the Wellington Cable Car (One way).
Explore the Cable Car Museum and enjoy panoramic city views.
• Collection from the top of the cable-car, from by the museum.
• Drive through the botanical gardens to your next stop

Photo opportunity: View over Wellington’s cityscape and harbour.

Stop 2

• Discover this 1866 Gothic Revival wooden cathedral with its intricate timberwork and stunning stained-glass windows.
• Learn about its history and significance in Wellington’s heritage.

Photo opportunity: Interior and exterior of the cathedral.

Stop 3

NZ’s political system, laws, & history.

• Wellington Museum occupies the 1892 Bond Store, a historic building on the waterfront of Wellington Harbour.
• In 2013, it was voted by The Times as one of the world's 50 best museums.
• Be taken on a tour through the museum and learn about Wellington & NZ history.

Photo opportunity: Interior and exterior of The Bondstore building

Stop 4

Return to your Ship or Pickup/dropoff point via the Mount Victoria lookout, where we will stop for some final photo opportunities while we take in the amazing views of Wellington harbour, and the CBD.

What's not included

Lunch

Alcoholic Beverages

Soda/Pop

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.