The 15 Best Tours In Wellington

Wellington’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring through a variety of guided tours. Its accessible city center, dramatic hills, and vibrant arts scene give visitors plenty to see and do without long drives or complex logistics. We especially love the Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour, which offers a personal touch and a chance to spot native birds in a predator-free reserve—something rare and wonderful in New Zealand. For film fans, the Wētā Workshop Guided Tour provides behind-the-scenes insights into movie magic, perfect for families or cinephiles. Whether you’re after a scenic bike ride, a day of wine tasting, or a city overview, Wellington’s diverse tours promise memorable experiences.

Quick Overview

Wellington’s top tours cover nature and wildlife, food and wine, city sights, and film industry insights. You can explore Kapiti Island’s bird sanctuary, visit local vineyards in Martinborough, or take a guided city tour with a cable car. For film lovers, Wētā Workshop and Wētā Experiences offer a behind-the-scenes look at movie effects and props. Budget options like the Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour keep things affordable, while full-day excursions like the Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour combine scenic drives with tastings and coastal walks. Ready to see Wellington through the eyes of locals and experts? Here are our favorite picks.

1. Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour

This private day trip from Paraparaumu Beach takes you to Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand’s most renowned predator-free nature sanctuaries. The tour includes permits, a delicious lunch, and return ferry transport. Your guides will share stories of the island’s past and point out native birds like kakā, kererū, and tui. You’ll walk along scenic trails, spot rare takahē, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, far from the city’s hustle. Most visitors find the personal attention and rich wildlife experience make this trip worth every penny. With a 5.0-star rating based on over 520 reviews, it’s clear this tour resonates with nature lovers. Plus, the chance to see the elusive takahe bird up close is unforgettable.

Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want a guided, intimate experience with native birds in a stunning setting. Price is around $192, and it’s ideal for a full, rewarding day.

2. Overnight Experience Tour on Kapiti Island

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, this 2-day overnight tour offers the rare privilege of staying on the island itself. You’ll choose from cabins, en suites, or luxury tents—whatever fits your budget—and learn about the land’s conservation from local guides. The first day includes a warm welcome, a guided walk, and a leisurely lunch. The night on the island is peaceful, with sounds of native birds replacing city noise. The next morning, you’ll rise early to watch the sunrise and enjoy a hot breakfast. The tour covers pest-free status since 1997, making wildlife encounters especially vibrant. Visitors rave about the magical atmosphere and native bird sightings.

Bottom Line: Best suited for nature travelers eager for a multi-day escape in a pristine environment. Price is $415, but the experience is truly unique.

3. Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington

Just an hour north of Wellington, Martinborough is a premier wine region, and this half-day tour offers a taste of its charm. You’ll visit three top wineries, each offering cellar door tastings or a sit-down experience. Your guide, who knows the region well, will steer you clear of the crowds and reveal secret spots. The tour includes stops at places like Poppies and other boutique vineyards, with tastings of local pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. There’s a quick visit to C’est Cheese for a snack and a chance to pick up local delicacies. Guests praise the “lovely scenery,” “knowledgeable guides,” and the delicious lunch at the second vineyard. For around $115, it’s a well-rounded introduction to Wellington’s wine scene.

Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, informative afternoon with excellent tastings and scenic countryside.

4. Wellington: Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket

Movie fans will find this 1.5-hour guided studio tour at Wētā Workshop fascinating. Located on Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula, this studio has crafted props, costumes, and effects for blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Black Panther. Your guide will show you behind-the-scenes areas, where artists work on creatures, weapons, and costumes. You’ll see props used in famous films and explore how movie magic is created. The experience is very interactive, with opportunities to meet artists at work and marvel at the craftsmanship involved. Rated 4.7/5 from nearly 950 reviews, visitors find it entertaining and inspiring.

Bottom Line: A must-see for film buffs and families interested in special effects and movie props—an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at Wellington’s film industry.

5. Wellington: Guided City Tour with Cable Car Ticket

This 3-hour city tour offers a rundown of Wellington’s highlights, including the Beehive, Old St Paul’s, and Te Papa. The trip features four photo stops, including the iconic Mount Victoria Lookout with panoramic views. The cable car ride is included, taking you from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, where you can explore the Cable Car Museum. Your guide will share stories of the city’s development, the film industry, and local landmarks. Visitors appreciate the friendly guides and the chance to see both hidden spots and well-known sights in a short time.

Bottom Line: Perfect for newcomers wanting a quick, engaging introduction to Wellington’s cultural and scenic highlights. Price includes the cable car ride.

6. Wellington Cave to Coast Highlights Tour (with Lunch)

This private 5-hour tour packs in the best of Wellington with the flexibility to customize your stops. Highlights include the Mount Victoria Lookout, the Weta Cave, and Wellington Wind Turbine, plus a seaside lunch at Shelly Bay. You’ll also visit the Te Kopahou Visitor Centre for local history and scenic views. The tour includes hotel or port transfers, making logistics easy. Tour guide Gary is known for his informative commentary and personalized approach. Reviewers love how it covers both urban sights and coastal beauty, with many saying it’s a full-value, engaging experience.

Bottom Line: Great for first-time visitors who want a customizable, all-in-one day tour with excellent scenery and city highlights.

7. Guided Wellington Tour by Electric Bike

This 3-4 hour electric bike tour takes you past Wellington’s main attractions, including Te Papa, the Kupe Statue, and Oriental Bay. Bikes and helmets are provided, and the e-bike assistance helps you tackle Wellington’s hills without breaking a sweat. The guides share stories of Maori culture and local landmarks along the way, stopping for coffee at a café. Visitors praise the fun, relaxed pace and expert guidance. The tour covers about 23 km and is suitable for most fitness levels, making it ideal for active travelers who want to see the city from a different perspective.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an interactive, active experience with a knowledgeable guide, especially if you prefer to explore on two wheels.

8. Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia

This 2-hour walk through Zealandia offers a close look at native New Zealand birds, including takahē, tui, and bellbirds. Led by an enthusiastic guide, the tour is limited in size for a more personal experience. Zealandia is a fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary dedicated to conservation. Visitors love the chance to see rare and endangered species in their natural habitat, often mentioning the exciting bird sightings. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a popular choice for families.

Bottom Line: An excellent option for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to learn about New Zealand’s unique fauna in an accessible setting.

9. Martinborough Wine and Wild Coast Tour from Wellington

For a full-day adventure, this 10-hour tour combines wine tasting with coastal scenery. You’ll visit Martinborough vineyards, enjoy cellar tours and tastings, and walk the shore of Lake Onoke. The tour also explores mountain and valley landscapes along the way, with stops in Kaitoke Regional Park and Greytown for chocolate and cheese. The lunch at Poppies is a highlight, along with the seaside walk and seal colony. Visitors mention the scenic drives, delicious food, and informative guides as key strengths.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a combination of wine, scenery, and coastal walks in one seamless day.

10. Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour – Wellington

This 1.5-hour tour offers an interactive look at Wellington’s film effects and props. You’ll see costumes, miniatures, and creatures from movies like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. An artist at work might be demonstrating effects techniques, making this tour lively and engaging. Rated 4.8/5 from over 875 reviews, visitors appreciate the hands-on feel and behind-the-scenes storytelling. It’s suitable for all ages, especially those interested in movies or special effects.

Bottom Line: Ideal for cinema fans and families wanting a quick, entertaining peek into film magic.

11. Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour

This 5-hour small-group tour explores Wellington’s hilltop viewpoints, including Mount Victoria and other scenic spots. The tour includes hotel pickup, making it convenient, and offers numerous photo opportunities. Guides share local stories and point out historic houses and city landmarks. Reviewers love how it provides both scenic views and cultural insights in a relaxed style, with many noting the enthusiastic guide and variety of perspectives.

Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a comprehensive, relaxed view of Wellington’s city heights and landmarks.

12. Half Day Tour of Wellington

This 3-hour 20-minute tour is a great quick overview of Wellington’s key sights. It includes the Wētā Cave, where you can see props from movies like The Lord of the Rings, and Mount Victoria for panoramic city views. The tour also visits Wellington’s famous beach and the Parliament Buildings. Many reviewers find it well-organized and informative, with one saying it offers great value for a short visit. It’s a solid choice if you have limited time but want to see a good mix of attractions.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers with limited time wanting a well-rounded introduction to Wellington.

13. Zealandia by Day Tour

Perfect for wildlife lovers, this 2-hour guided walking tour in Zealandia introduces you to endangered birds and native lizards like tuatara. The sanctuary’s ground-breaking conservation work makes it a must-visit. Visitors often mention seeing rare birds and the informative, friendly guides. It’s suitable for all ages and offers a quieter, more intimate experience of New Zealand’s ecological efforts.

Bottom Line: Great for those interested in native wildlife and conservation, seeking a peaceful, educational walk.

14. Discover Wellington 3-hour City Tour

This short but sweet tour hits all the city highlights. You’ll ride the cable car, see the parliament buildings, and visit Wellington’s iconic landmarks like the Wind Turbine and the Hiroshima Peace Flame. The 4 photo stops give plenty of chances for memorable shots. Reviewers comment on the enthusiastic guides and informative narration. It’s perfect for those who want a compact overview of Wellington’s culture and architecture.

Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors who want a condensed, engaging city introduction.

15. Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour

This 3-hour experience includes guided shuttle transfers from Wellington to the Wētā Workshop. It’s perfect for those who prefer comfortable, hassle-free logistics. The tour covers props, creature effects, and model-making, with plenty of interactive elements. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and well-organized tour. It’s well-suited for film fans wanting to combine easy transportation with an inside look at film effects.

Bottom Line: Excellent for film enthusiasts who want a convenient, comprehensive studio experience.

How to Choose the Best Wellington Tour for You

When selecting a tour, consider your interests, time, and budget. Want to experience native wildlife? The Kapiti Island tours and Zealandia wildlife tours excel for their bird watching. Looking for wine and scenic drives? The Martinborough winery tour offers a relaxed taste of local vineyards. Film fans should not miss the Wētā Workshop — it’s a fantasy come true.

If you’re tight on time, the Half Day Wellington provides a quick, satisfying overview. For those with a bit more time and a desire for a fuller experience, the Wellington Cave to Coast Highlights Tour combines scenic views, local history, and a seaside lunch. Booking early is advised, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.

Wellington offers a mix of nature, culture, and cinematic magic, ensuring every traveler finds something memorable. Whether you prefer wildlife encounters, wine tastings, city views, or film magic, these tours help you make the most of your stay. Consider what suits your interests and schedule, and don’t hesitate to book ahead—these popular experiences fill quickly. Enjoy your adventure in Wellington!