Wellington rewards those who venture beyond the obvious, and on this shared tour, you’ll go further than most visitors ever do. Your guide is a Wellington local.  From panoramic summits and iconic heritage architecture to behind-the-scenes film magic and craft beer straight from the source, this tour reveals the capital’s best-kept secrets alongside its most celebrated landmarks. Whether you’re exploring the colourful Victorian villas of Mt Victoria, riding the famous Cable Car through the Botanic Gardens, or standing in the halls of Parliament, every stop tells a story, and your local guide knows them all.

Shared tour (5 hours). Entry fees included. Lunch stop included, but meals are at your own expense.

A prominent feature of the Wellington landscape, the summit offers spectacular panoramic 360-degree views of the city, the harbour, and the hills to the west. A perfect way to get your bearings and take in the full sweep of the capital.

Wellington’s iconic, colourful 19th-century Victorian and Edwardian villas are a photographer’s dream. Visit a famous, historic, family-owned example on the slopes of Mt Victoria and see the prominent row known as the “Seven Sisters” on Oriental Parade.

Positioned on a hillside in Miramar, this landmark offers a picturesque backdrop for photos and panoramic views of the surrounding area. A popular stop that captures the vibrant spirit of the capital.

Step behind the scenes at the creative home of Weta in Wellington. Take an exclusive glimpse through the windows of the Weta Cave and learn about the making of movie effects — from armour to aliens, creatures to costumes, and makeup to miniatures.

A Wellington institution known for its high-quality, handmade pies featuring flaky pastry and rich fillings. Founded by Jamie Williams, Puku Pies offers unique flavours like jalapeno steak, pavlova-inspired pies, and paua. A true taste of Wellington. Meals at your own expense.

A cosy, industrial-style taproom and bottle shop in a former petrol station in Aro Valley. Try from 8 or more rotating taps featuring experimental brews, including their Monthly Hazy IPA, Pickle Beer and the popular Hapi Daze. Pick up a roadie to take home. This stop is at your guide’s discretion but a very popular one with our cruise ship visitors. Tastings and purchases at your own expense.

The highlight of any visit to Wellington. In just five minutes, you’ll reach the top of the Botanic Garden where panoramic views of the city and harbour await. Visit the Cable Car Museum to see the original cars and winding machinery and explore the Space Place Observatory.

Your tour concludes at the Wellington Cable Car. Your guide will then drop you back at your designated pickup points or at the cruise ship.

Additional Stops (Guide's Discretion)

Just a short walk from the Cable Car, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden features 110 beds arranged in a formal geometric design, with colonnades on three sides and the Begonia House as a backdrop. The flowering season runs from November through to the end of April.

Visit Parliament House on Lambton Quay, home to the debating chamber, Speaker’s office, and committee rooms. Built between 1914 and 1922, it replaced an earlier building lost to fire in 1907. Next door stands The Beehive, the iconic Executive Wing whose distinctive shape is reminiscent of a traditional woven skep. A Category I heritage building, it has housed the offices of government ministers since 1979 — including the Prime Minister’s office on the famous 9th floor.

Wellington is famously unpredictable, so your guide has an excellent indoor alternative ready to swap in if the weather turns.

Marvel at the Gothic Revival grandeur of Old St Paul’s, renowned for its exquisite wooden interiors and vibrant stained-glass windows.  Your guide will share captivating stories about the church’s construction and its enduring significance within Wellington’s cultural fabric.