Wellington Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui In the Māori language Wellington means ‘the head of Maui's fish’. Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became the North Island. Map of Wellington Accommodation Options
Te Papa - National Museum: Experience all of New Zealand in one building. Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, provides a unique insight into New Zealand, with exhibitions that embrace both Maori and European perspectives on our land, environment and people. But this is no ordinary museum. Te Papa is recognised as a world leader in the new wave of innovative and interactive museum experiences, and has achieved an international reputation for excellence Since opening in 1998, Te Papa has attracted over 11 million visitors and has quickly become a ‘must see’ on every visitor’s itinerary. Te Papa is located on Wellington’s spectacular waterfront and is open every day from 10am to 6pm (9pm on Thursdays). Admission is Free.
Inspiration Tour: Travel around the earthquake-scarred south coast and the distant ranges of the South Island, overlooked by the coasters' houses perched on the steep, rocky hills. See Matiu Sommes Island, a deceptively pretty place where prisoners of war were quarantined during World War II. Enjoy panoramic views of Wellington city and harbour from the top of Mt Victoria. Take a trip on the cable car, a charming and picturesque transport that is one of the few surviving in the world. In New Zealand's oldest suburb, visit the magnificent Parliament buildings and gorgeous Old St Paul's cathedral. See the famous Beehive, our seat of government. Visit the National Museum, Te Papa, where you can explore the interactive displays and extraordinary mix of Maori and European history. The nearby waterfront offers an area that is packed with sculpture, poetry and performers.
Walking Gourmet: Absorb Wellington's story through its food and people. A food tour for people who love culinary tourism, people with an appetite for exploring new places through food and wine. Connect with like-minded local food lovers, meet top food professionals and uncover culinary treasures, people and places hidden from most visitors. A great introduction to Wellingtons lively food scene, we'll show you our favourite food places. Start with great coffee and tastes at one of our favourite boutique coffee roasters. Explore the best fresh food store where real Wellington foodies and chefs shop, here we'll gather a basket of products to taste and discover some indigenous foods. Indulge in a Tasting Lunch at an award winning restaurant, where the owners and/or chefs will introduce their food and regional wine matches. Maximum of six guests per tour.
Lord of the Rings Film Locations Tours: Middle Earth - Filming Locations Quick Tour: A half day tour of locations: the Gardens of Isengard, the felling of the Orc Tree, Anduin River, Helms Deep and Minas Tirith, the Fords of Isen, Dunharrow and Rivendell. Go to the Mount Victoria lookout for 360 degree views of the city and Hobbiton Woods. Middle Earth in Wellington: This full day tour takes in all of the sites listed above at a relaxed pace, lunch and even more exotic locations. Visit the Wellington filming locations of the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helms Deep and Minas Tirith and where the Hobbits raced to the ferry. Be spellbound at the site of Lothlorien; the majestic Fernside Lodge. In 2000 Fernsides lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien and to beside the Gladden fields. Fernsides white bridge lives on as a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien
Middle Earth Deluxe: The wonder of the film locations; the exhilaration of helicopter transport and fine food in a great atmosphere. Experience the filming sites of the Middle Earth Filming Locations in Wellington tour and will be taken by helicopter to lunch at one of the Wairarapa’s leading vineyards. The tour includes helicopter transport from Fernside Lodge (the filming site of Lothlorien in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy) to the amazing and remote Putangirua limestone pinnacles Putangirua is the filming location for Dimholt Road, where it takes little imagination to feel the presence of the Army of the Dead.
Māori Treasures: Experience the art and cultural customs of Māori people that form part of a rich heritage, making Aotearoa (New Zealand) unique in the world. Full Day: Discover a treasured Māori art tradition that spans three centuries. This unique tour will include demonstrations of Māori art and craft, an opportunity to create something special for yourself, and to view work from leading Māori artists. Walk along Wellington’s beautiful waterfront and hear legends of sea monsters, Māori warriors and fearsome storms. Take an extraordinary insight into New Zealand at Te Papa, which highlights our rich arts, culture and natural history. Enjoy elegant lunchtime dining in Bistro style at one of Wellington’s leading locations. Half Day tour includes interaction with Māori artists, and an opportunity to discover treasured traditional and contemporary Māori art. Hear the myths and legends of Wellington Harbour.
Wharekauhau Heli Lunch: This exclusive lunch package is the perfect way to celebrate a special occassion; experience the scenic sights of Wellington and Wairarapa and enjoy a fabulous dining experience in a remote and picturesque location. Your trip begins with a breathtaking 15 minute flight from Wellington to Wharekauhau Country Estate in the Wairarapa. Upon arrival at the Wharekauhau, located on a 5000 acre working sheep station with breathtaking views of Palliser Bay, you will be served with a complimentary pre-lunch aperitif, before enjoying a superb three-course meal. After your 2hr 30min lunch, board your helicopter for another scenic journey back to Wellington.
Marlborough Sounds Heli Safari: Escape Wellington and head across Cook Strait to explore the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. After flying over Ship's Cove where Captain Cook anchored the Endeavour, we travel on to Endeavour Inlet and visit the remote hideaway, Furneaux Lodge. Enjoy a stroll along the secluded beach before boarding your helicopter for the return flight to downtown Wellington taking in aerial views of Te Papa New Zealands National Museum and the unique Beehive before landing. Approx 1hr 45 mins.
Fault Line Adventure: Discover all the Wellington region has to offer - local harbors, coastlines and iconic landmarks. Fly north up the Hutt Valley across to Pauatahanui inlet and Titahi bay before heading south past the closest land to the South Island on the edge of the Cook's Strait, "Ohau Point". View historic gun emplacements and seal colonies. Additional features include New Zealand's political powerhouse, "the Beehive", one of our most famous rugby stadiums, the "Cake Tin", and our national museum, "Te Papa".
Karori Sanctuary: Just five minutes from downtown Wellington, the Sanctuary is a world first conservation attraction where a unique protected natural area is being patiently restored. Some of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered wildlife has been released inside the Sanctuary like the little spotted kiwi, tuatara, saddleback, stitchbird and kaka. Stroll leisurely around natural bush, lakes and historical buildings at your own pace or join a guided tour during the day or night. You can walk across a unique historic dam, see a 19th century goldmine carved deep into the hillside, take a scenic ride on an electric boat or picnic on a grassy lawn by the wetlands.
Inspiration Tour:
