12 Top-Rated Wellington Food Tours

Wellington is a top destination for food lovers because of its lively café culture, innovative chefs, and a surprising variety of local specialties. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring through food tours that combine tasting, sightseeing, and storytelling. Whether it’s sampling fresh cheeses, local wines, or authentic Asian dishes, Wellington’s diverse culinary scene offers something for every palate. We especially enjoy the Walking Food Odyssey Wellington for its personalized approach and the Capital Bites tour for a lively walk through the city’s vibrant streets. Each tour offers a chance to see Wellington through its flavors and meet the passionate local producers behind the food scene.

Quick Overview

The list below covers a range of culinary experiences, from intimate private tours (Private Martinborough Foodie Delights) to full-day winery excursions (Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour) and shorter city explorations (Capital Bites). There are also specialized options focusing on Asian cuisine (Asian Walking Odyssey Wellington) and even private Tesla tours (Martinborough Private Food and Wine). Read on for detailed insights into each.

1. Walking Food Odyssey Wellington

This highly-rated tour (5.0/5 from 46 reviews) takes you on a 3.5-hour stroll through Wellington’s lively streets, with a focus on local specialties and hidden spots. For around $155, you’ll visit some of the city’s best eateries, enjoying a variety of snacks that showcase Wellington’s food scene. Your guide, Stella, knows the city inside out and makes sure you sample everything from homemade kombucha to lamb rolls, vegetarian treats, and ice cream.

What sets this tour apart is the small group size (max. 8), allowing for personalized attention. The walking pace is manageable, but wear comfortable shoes—this is a true city exploration with your taste buds as the compass. Past reviews highlight the excellent food, friendly guides, and the chance to discover places you might never find on your own. If you love food and want a relaxed yet thorough taste of Wellington, this tour has a lot to offer.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, personable tour ideal for foodies eager to uncover Wellington’s culinary secrets in a friendly group.

2. Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour with vineyard lunch

This top-rated (5.0/5 from 39 reviews) full-day tour (about 8 hours) combines wine, cheese, beer, and olive oil tastings, all against the backdrop of the scenic Wairarapa countryside. The tour includes visits to award-winning wineries like Palliser Estate, as well as stops at local cheese makers, olive oil producers, and even a chocolate factory. The highlight is a lunch at a vineyard, where you enjoy a delicious meal paired with local wines.

Phil, the tour guide, is known for his engaging commentary and personal touch. The trip offers a comprehensive tasting experience, with opportunities to learn about viticulture and local food artisans. The scenic drive through the Remutaka Ranges adds to the appeal, making this perfect for those interested in both food and scenery. It’s a rich experience for those wanting a full immersion into Wairarapa’s culinary culture.

Bottom Line: Ideal for serious food and wine enthusiasts who want a full day of tastings, scenic views, and insider knowledge.

3. Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour from Wellington

At just over five hours and costing around $112, this tour offers a compact taste of Martinborough’s finest foods. You’ll visit C’est Cheese for fresh local cheeses, Schoc Chocolates for artisan chocolates, and Moy Hall Vineyard for a wine tasting. It’s a perfect option if you’re short on time but still want to experience the region’s top producers.

The tour is praised for its friendly guide and the chance to sample a variety of local delicacies. The cheese and chocolate tastings are highlights, with the vineyard visit providing insight into the region’s renowned pinot noirs. It’s a good choice for travelers who want quality over quantity and enjoy getting a quick but comprehensive snapshot of Wairarapa’s food scene.

Bottom Line: A focused, quality experience perfect for a half-day escape into Wairarapa’s culinary gems.

4. Private Martinborough Foodie Delights Tour from Wellington

For about $346, this private tour lasts around 7 to 8 hours and offers a personalized visit to Martinborough’s best food spots. Your guide will take you to a chocolate factory, olive oil press, honey farm, and top wineries, including a cheese tasting and a gourmet lunch at a vineyard.

Guests consistently praise the flexibility and depth of this experience. Jill, the guide, is known for her enthusiasm and knowledge, making the day both educational and delicious. The tour includes hotel pickup, bottled water, lunch, and wine tastings, making it excellent value for those wanting a tailored, comprehensive day.

If you prefer a private, in-depth experience with full control over the itinerary, this tour is an excellent choice.

Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a bespoke food and wine journey with all logistics taken care of.

5. A Taste of Wellington: Wellington Foodie Delights Tour

This private 7-hour tour (costing around $375) is designed for those who want exclusivity. You’ll explore Wellington’s best bites, including stops at the New Zealand Parliament, a local roastery, and La Bella Italia. The guide customizes the experience, focusing on your interests, with highlights like coffee roasting, Italian cuisine, and iconic landmarks.

Guests appreciate the personal attention and the opportunity to learn about Wellington’s political and culinary scenes simultaneously. It’s suited for travelers who want a flexible, intimate experience with premium tastings.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice if you’re after a personalized, relaxed day exploring Wellington’s food and sights with expert guidance.

6. Martinborough Private Food and Wine Tour in Tesla SUV

This luxury private tour (costs about $341 per person) combines eco-friendly transport with exclusive access to Martinborough’s top wineries and food stops. You get to enjoy scenic drives in a Tesla SUV, with visits to boutique wineries like Palliser Estate and a gourmet lunch at The Runholder.

Guests love the comfort and the tailored experience, including the option to listen to your favorite music via Spotify. The itinerary covers cheese, olive oils, honey, and wine, with all tastings included—making it a seamless, premium day. This is perfect for those who value comfort and a personalized touch.

Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or groups seeking a luxurious, eco-conscious day with top-tier food and wine experiences.

7. Capital Bites, A food tour of Wellington

For just $139 and lasting about 3 hours, this guided city walk offers a lively introduction to Wellington’s culinary scene. You’ll explore Cuba Street, the waterfront, and Lambton Quay, sampling food from local cafes and eateries. The guide shares favorite spots and stories behind the city’s food culture.

Reviewers praise the variety of foods and the engaging guide, making it a solid choice for those who want a quick but authentic taste of Wellington’s best bites. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time but big appetites for local flavor.

Bottom Line: A vibrant, fast-paced city walk that gives a taste of Wellington’s culinary diversity in a short timeframe.

8. A Taste of Kapiti – Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour

This private 7-hour tour (costing roughly $358) explores the Kapiti Coast’s food scene with a personal guide. Highlights include viewing Kapiti Island from Paekakariki Hill, chocolate tasting at the Kapiti Chocolate Factory, coffee roasting, and a Sicilian-style lunch at Passo.

Guests rave about the personalized experience, with a knowledgeable guide and delicious tastings at each stop. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate boutique food experiences, scenic views, and a flexible schedule.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a private, relaxed day exploring local chocolates, coffee, and Sicilian cuisine.

9. Wellington’s Walking Food Odyssey

This 3.5-hour tour (Walking Food Odyssey Wellington) is perfect for those wanting an in-depth city walk with food. It includes visits to iconic Wellington spots and sampling at local eateries, with a focus on authentic local flavors.

Past visitors love the variety of tastings and the personable guide, making it a great way to see the city while tasting its best foods. Ideal for travelers who want to combine a city tour with culinary discovery.

Bottom Line: A detailed, well-paced tour ideal for food lovers wanting a personal touch in Wellington.

10. From Wellington: Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa

This half-day trip (around 5 hours) offers a quick but flavorful immersion into the Wairarapa region’s food scene. It includes stops at a cheese factory, Schoc Chocolates, and a top Martinborough winery. The tour balances scenic drives with tastings of wine, cheese, and chocolate.

Reviewers appreciate the expert guide and relaxed pace, making it accessible and enjoyable. This is a great option if your time in Wellington is limited but you want to explore beyond the city.

Bottom Line: An efficient, flavorful way to experience Wairarapa’s food and scenery in half a day.

11. Wellington: 3 Hour Walking Food Tour

This shorter, 3-hour tour (Wellington: 3 Hour Walking Food Tour) is perfect for a quick introduction. It covers local craft beer, coffee, and bites, taking you through Wellington’s CBD and waterfront.

Reviewers like the variety and the local knowledge, making it suitable for those who want a taste of Wellington’s food scene without a long commitment.

Bottom Line: A quick, tasty overview of Wellington’s most beloved food spots.

12. Asian Walking Odyssey Wellington

This 3-hour culinary walk (Asian Walking Odyssey Wellington) explores Wellington’s vibrant Asian food scene. It includes 5 to 6 tastings of Asian dishes, guided by a local expert sharing cultural stories and history.

While reviews are currently unavailable, the focus on authentic flavors and cultural insights makes it a perfect choice for adventurous eaters eager to explore Wellington’s multicultural culinary landscape.

Bottom Line: A must for lovers of Asian cuisine wanting a guided tour of Wellington’s diverse Asian food offerings.

How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Wellington

When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and your specific interests. For a city experience with a variety of local bites, the Walking Food Odyssey Wellington or Capital Bites are excellent choices. If you’re passionate about wine and regional produce, the Martinborough winery tours or private options are ideal. For those with limited time but a love for authentic local flavors, the half-day Martinborough trip or short Wellington city tour fit the bill.

Remember to book early, especially for private or popular tours, and choose based on your fitness level—some tours involve significant walking, while private options provide more comfort and flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Wellington offers a fantastic variety of food tours that cater to different tastes, schedules, and budgets. For an immersive city experience, the Walking Food Odyssey is hard to beat, especially for first-timers eager to explore the local scene. If you’re after a full-day adventure, the Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour delivers scenic views and delicious tastings. For intimacy and customization, the Private Martinborough Foodie Delights offers a personalized experience.

No matter your choice, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot and get the most out of Wellington’s vibrant culinary landscape. Now, get your taste buds ready and start planning your flavorful journey in New Zealand’s capital.