Wellington is the beautiful capital of the Commonwealth Realm of New Zealand and is also where Peter Jackson, one of its famous sons, shot his epic Lord of the Rings saga. As a result, New Zealand has become a well-known place, since its beautiful landscape served as the setting for Bag’s End, Mordor, and many other places dear to the hearts of the Lord of the Rings fandom. As a Commonwealth Realm, it was shaped by its history as a British Crown Colony, Dominion, and eventually, an independent kingdom sharing a monarch with the UK, so it has many beautiful heritage sites. Here are the best things to do in Wellington, New Zealand. So, don’t wait any longer, book your trip today and immerse yourself in its beauty!
1. Watch the ducks swim by in Wellington Botanic Garden
This stunning garden is set on 25 hectares (61.78 acres) and has an impressive collection of native and exotic plants. With over 150 years of history, this garden has been recognized as one of the important heritage sites by the Historic Places Trust.
Visitors can enjoy their time amidst the lush rose beds designed in a geometric pattern with the exquisite Begonia House as a backdrop. The garden also has a duck pond which is a massive visitor favorite. You can sit on a bench surrounded by bountiful nature and watch the ducks swim by.
Wellington Botanic Garden
Address: 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Website: Wellington Botanic Garden
Opening hours: open 24 hours
2. Spot rare birds on this tour of Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary (from USD 36.0)
If wildlife fascinates you, you can sign up for this two-hour tour of the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary. Recognized as the first in the world to have a fully fenced eco-sanctuary, it is home to some of the rarest bird species, such as the takahē, tui, and kākā.
You can explore the great and vast wetlands with an expert guide accompanying you as he immerses you in exciting stories about the diverse wildlife. Some unique reptiles, such as green geckos and tuatara, can be seen on tour.
Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia
Duration: 2 hours
3. Journey through the movie-magic world of Wētā Workshop (from USD 34.0)
Have you ever wanted to meet the creative artists who have worked behind the scenes in iconic films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Avatar? Here is your chance to do so as you get to explore props, costumes, and so much more in this fun workshop.
You can witness filmmaking techniques through miniature effects and discover how the armor, weapons, and costumes are created for these legendary films. Catch an artist deep in his work on the stage and chat with him about the intriguing facets of filmmaking.
90-Minute Guided Tour of Wellington’s Weta Workshop
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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4. Indulge your palate with the best cheese and wine in Martinborough on this food tour (from USD 103.0)
Hailed as one of the finest food and drink destinations in North Island, Martinborough spoils you with this indulgent food tour.
On this half-day tour of the city, you will have the chance to sample some of the best cheese, chocolate, and wine. A delectable assortment of savory and sweet treats awaits you at the local chocolatier Murray Langham’s shop. Guests can go ahead with a visit to the vineyard or to the sweet shop to sample more food after they reach the endpoint at Martinborough Memorial Square.
Half-Day Foodie and Winery Tour to Martinborough
Duration: 5 hours
5. Go biking along the Wellington Waterfront (from USD 78.0)
In this amazing four-hour guided tour, you get to see the entire Wellington Waterfront, including the famous Miramar Peninsula. Also, the bikes are electric, so the hassle of biking is reduced, as you can decide whether to pedal for yourself or let the electric motor do the work. As a result, all you have to worry about is balancing yourself, since the motor takes the hassle of biking away. Thus, you can focus on the sight-seeing, and less on the pedaling. Due to this, this biking tour is best for everyone, whether a novice or a master of bicycling.
Guided Wellington Sightseeing Tour by Electric Bike
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
6. Discover the stunning landmarks in Wellington (from USD 241.0)
This tour is for those who love adventure, as it is a helicopter tour, which is something you don’t experience every day. The pilot also serves as a tour guide, so your safety is assured as you learn about the history and culture of Wellington. The speed of a chopper allows you to cover the entire city in a very short time. As a result, you get to see the amazing New Zealand coastline and learn a lot in a very short period. Also, riding a helicopter is a unique experience, so you end up having fun while learning a lot.
Wellington South Coast Helicopter Flight Tour
Duration: 40 minutes
7. Enjoy 360-degree views from the Mount Victoria summit (from USD 86.0)
This six-hour shore excursion will allow you to enjoy the city of Wellington, including the famous cathedrals, Mount Victoria, and many other sites. This tour is a personalized experience since it is only done in groups of fifteen. Also, you get to ride the Wellington Cable Car and see a birds-eye view of the city from Mount Victoria. As a result, this activity is the best way to start your vacation. It enables you to decide where in the city you want to go!
Shore Excursion: Wellington Highlights Small Group Tour
Duration: 6 hours
8. Marvel at the lavish locations of the Lord of the Rings (from USD 80.0)
Since Wellington was chosen by its famous child, Peter Jackson, as the location to shoot his famous Lord of the Rings saga, it has become a pilgrimage spot for the Lord of the Rings fans. As a result, you can visit this amazing place to see Mordor, Bag’s End, and all other shooting spots. You will indeed be able to see these sights for yourself and find out if they are as beautiful as they are on the big screen. This tour is for all those who are members of the LOTR fandom, but if you are not, then you might just become a part of that amazing fandom!
Wellington's Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour (including Weta Tour)
Duration: 4 hours
9. Checkout the popular movie characters at the Weta Cave workshop (from USD 45.0)
In this amazing Weta Cave workshop tour, you will be able to see the props used in shooting the Lord of the Rings films and all other Peter Jackson films. You will be able to see models of Gollum, King Kong, and many other characters created or reimagined by Peter Jackson. Also, you get to meet the amazing people who worked on these films, so you get to learn more about your favorite Peter Jackson films. This tour is best taken on the same day as the LOTR tour, so you can be able to dedicate a day to your favorite fandoms. The tour also includes a shuttle service from the hotel, so it is very convenient.
Official Weta Cave Workshop Tour Guided Including Transport
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
10. Enjoy a Wellington Shore excursion (from USD 115.0)
This amazing Wellington shore excursion is best for those on a cruise, as it starts and ends at the cruise ship terminal. The tour will take you to all the amazing places Wellington has to offer, including those already mentioned above. If you want to stop at any site, then the bus can stop at any place you want. As a result, you get to take your time in exploring this amazing city. Due to this, this excursion is not only for those on a cruise but also for those who want to take their sweet time exploring Wellington. It is a tour is very similar to hop-on-hop-off bus tours in other localities.
Scenic Shore Excursion of Wellington Highlights Tour
Duration: 5 hours
11. Walk the city like a localite (from USD 17.0)
This amazing Wellington central walking tour is best for those who would really love to see this amazing city up close because it is done on foot. As a result, you can spend your sweet time exploring the city. Also, a local will serve as your friendly neighborhood tour guide. You really get to immerse in the local culture while taking this tour. Unlike other tours, this one will lead you into the side streets of the city, so you can see the entire city, not just the tourist sites. As a result, you get to smell the scents of the city, and see what restaurants are frequented by the locals, not just the mainstream restaurants, but also the hidden gems found only in the secret corners of the city. If you want to see more of Wellington, then this tour is for you!
Wellington Central City Walking Tour
Wellington: a city of beauty and amazement
Wellington is normally associated with Peter Jackson films because the Lord of the Rings saga and King Kong were shot here. However, Wellington is more than just the home of Peter Jackson, as there are many sights and sounds to experience. Here are the best things to do in Wellington, New Zealand. All you have to do now is to book your ticket and accommodations, and you are ready to jump into these amazing activities! Don’t wait any longer, arrange your trip now!
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