Hafen
Wellington

OVERVIEW

Behold the stunning natural beauty of the Kapiti Coast and see a few unexpected sights, all of which will leave you with an indelible impression of the area north of Wellington. The view will be especially gorgeous from the observation deck overlooking the rugged shore of Pukerua Bay and the Tasman Bay beyond. A walk through Nga Manu Natural Reserve will present another side of the natural world as you may encounter endemic birds such as the multi-colored tui and the more well-known kiwi, a fuzzy little flightless bird that lives in burrows rather than nests. The fecundity of the Kapiti Coast landscape makes it ideal for growing lavender as you will discover at a farm where this aromatic shrub blankets the fields. The lavender is used for essential oils, natural cosmetics and medicinal purposes. A bit inland, you will browse a collection of vintage vehicles at the Southward Car Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive along the picturesque coast north of Wellington and admire the natural beauty.
• Pause for photos at a scenic lookout and observe wildlife at a natural reserve.
• Visit a farm that grows lavender for a variety of natural purposes, many of them medicinal.
• See an impressive collection of vintage vehicles at the Southward Car Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

The historic sites of Wellington are yours to discover during this scenic orientation tour of New Zealand's Capital City. Depart the pier for the drive along picturesque Oriental Bay en route to the summit of Mt. Victoria. Upon arrival, you will take in panoramic views and photo opportunities overlooking the city and harbor. You will then continue on through Lambton Quay, Wellington's bustling business and shopping district, before boarding a charming red cable car for the ride up the hill to Kelburn. From here, you will take in more sweeping views of the city below. Afterward, you will re-board your coach for the short drive down through the historic suburb of Thorndon, and a visit to the Wellington Botanical Gardens.

Upon arrival at the Wellington Botanical Gardens, you will take a self-guided stroll around the Lady Norwood Garden and Begonia House. Next, you will continue on to Old St. Paul's Church, one of New Zealand's finest examples of Colonial Gothic architecture. Designed by the Reverend Frederick Thatcher and completed in 1866, it is constructed entirely of native timber. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to explore the church's interior, which is noted for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Your tour will conclude with a photo stop outside Wellington's interesting Parliament buildings, including the tier-shaped Beehive building housing the executive offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers. Following your visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the ship. If you wish, you may remain in the city for more sightseeing, then return via shuttle bus to the ship.

Explore Wellington Harbour, one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world, during this scenic half-day tour of its eastern shoreline. Depart the pier for the drive to Petone, where Wellington's first settlers arrived in 1840. Along the way, you will pass through some delightful bays, including Lowry and Days Bay, en route to the pretty seaside suburb of Eastbourne. From Eastbourne, you will proceed along the spectacular unpaved coastal road through Pencarrow Station, one of the first sheep and cattle stations in the Wellington area. Comprised of 2,000 acres, Pencarrow Station is home to hidden lakes, New Zealand's oldest lighthouse and several sacred Maori sites.

Your driver will relate entertaining and informative stories of the shipwrecks hidden just off the coast as you make your way to Pencarrow Lodge. From this vantage-point, you will take in expansive views and photo opportunities across Cook Strait and on South Island. As you sip your morning tea and admire the incredible vistas, lodge owners Don McCreary and his team will be happy to discuss life in such a remote and dramatic location. They will also provide you with a short sheep dog demonstration where his highly trained sheep dogs will muster a small flock of sheep.

Gain great insight into the M?ori culture at Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, where many of the most significant M?ori treasures are displayed. Depart from the pier and enjoy a short drive to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, a landmark national museum constructed in an architectural style that reflects New Zealand's history and evolving identity. Symbolism is abundant throughout the museum and includes entrance boulders that reflect Mother Earth and the local M?ori heritage, and elaborate "waharoa" gateways that serve as thresholds to the country's natural and cultural heritage. The museum holds more than 30,000 cultural treasures known as "taongas" in its Taonga Maori Collection, the focus of your visit. While browsing the exhibits, you'll learn the history of the most highly prized tribal artifacts, which include ancestral carvings, garments, shells and weapons. There are also fine examples of M?ori weaving that beautifully express the different techniques used for baskets, cordage and house panels. Following your exploration of Te Papa, you'll be treated to Kapu Ti, a sampling of traditional dishes and a hot drink. Then, you'll drive back to the pier.

Explore Wellington's connection with the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy during this memorable excursion to the locations and settings where many of the scenes were filmed. Your guide with knowledge of Wellington and the movies and their production will provide behind-the-scenes insight to where the filming first began.

Mt. Victoria Lookout

Depart the pier for the short drive to Mt. Victoria Lookout. This is Wellington's best vantage point with 360° views of the city and harbour.

Film Locations

Next proceed to the film locations located on Mt Victoria. Take a gentle stroll through the picturesque forest of the 'Outer Shire' where Frodo and the Hobbits began their journey. Many scenes were filmed here including the 'Race to the Ferry' and the famous 'Get off the Road' scene. Learn how the films were made while visiting scenes and locations right in the heart of Wellington City.

Weta Workshop

Travelling to Miramar you will have the exclusive opportunity to visit "Weta Studios - The Weta Workshop". This experience offers a peek into the magic of Weta and the many films they have worked on. You will be given an insight into the movies Weta is best known for as well as given an introduction to processes and creative and innovative thinking that goes on within the walls of this custom built facility. This movie based visitor experience provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Weta Workshop. The story of the creative process is told and guided by a member of the talented Weta Workshop crew from the workshop floor using the props, models and weapons they have helped make for the movies. They may even reveal some of the secrets behind the movie magic. You will enjoy a private screening of a 25-minute behind-the-scenes film, which tells the story and history of the film industry in Wellington and features interviews with Weta Workshop co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk.

Return to the cruise terminal, approximately 30-minute drive, via Evans Bay and Oriental Bay for stunning views of Wellington city and harbour.

See Te Whanganui a Tara, the Maori name for Wellington Harbour, from the perspective of the mana whenua – the indigenous people who claim ancient historical rights over the land.

This fascinating two-hour walk begins with a shuttle ride from Wellington’s modern cruise port to a different waterfront district with deep roots in the Maori culture. The area known as Te Aro Pa was one of the city’s largest Maori communities until the 1880s, and your walk begins at Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Po¯neke, a landmark building located on what was once its harbor frontage. With your local guide providing the narration, take a walk through and learn about the various design elements of the Te Raukura building and its connection to the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe, original discoverer of New Zealand per Maori oral history.

A standout among the many intriguing takeaways from this amble into another culture’s stories is the one depicting the two taniwha (supernatural dragon-like beings) who shaped Wellington’s harbor eons ago. Another highlight is your exclusive access to the excavations underway at a 200-year-old whare ponga archaeological site.

By the tour’s end, you’ll be well-informed about the environmental and cultural influence the ancient Ma¯ori culture still has on modern Wellington’s urban landscape.

Get acquainted with the essential features of New Zealand's lively capital during this half-day excursion.

Downtown Wellington

Begin with the drive through Lambton Quay, Wellington's main business and shopping district. Here, board the cable car for a short ride up to Kelburn. The coach waits at the top to take you next to the Lady Norwood Garden.

Lady Norwood Garden

Lady Norwood Rose Garden boasts over 100 kinds of roses at the height of the season. Continue the sightseeing drive past New Zealand's parliamentary complex, easily recognized by the distinct edifice of The Beehive, which has become the architectural symbol of the country. On the opposite side stands the old government building, one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Your last stop will be at Te Papa, New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognized world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. New Zealand's geology and natural environment, and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions. Enjoy a guided tour through this wonderful museum with some free time to explore afterwards.

This tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover Wellington's beautiful native plants during this scenic, off the beaten track half-day excursion on-foot. Join your nature guide to walk you through Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve.

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve

Start your journey with an approximately 15-minute drive to Botanic Gardens. Upon arrival, join your experienced nature guide for an approximately 2-hour walk as he lead you through this magnificent, immaculately maintained botanic garden. Otari is the only Botanic Garden in New Zealand that is solely dedicated to New Zealand Native plants. This unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 100 hectares of native forest, and five hectares of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old Rimu. Otari-Wilton's Bush is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. It is also one of the Founding Gardens of the Trust. Otari occupies the same valley as Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary and as such it hosts a rich variety of New Zealand native birds which follow you throughout the trek. Some of the native birds you may see (and hear) on your walk include Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Kaka, Kakariki, Karearea, Tui and Fantails.

Finally, stop at the Stellin Memorial Lookout for some spectacular views over Wellington City, before continuing your 30-minute drive back to the pier.

This half-day excursion offers access to Wellington's rugged, untouched and hidden southern coastline, offering fantastic views, and the chance to see some of New Zealand's marine wildlife including Zealand fur seals.

Wellington, Farmland, Cook Strait, Red Rocks, Tongue Point, Fur Seals

Enjoy a 4WD adventure into some of Wellington's most beautiful scenery over farmland with fabulous views of Cook Strait and the famous Red Rocks. Created over 210 million years ago by an undersea volcano, these twisted iron oxide rocks are steeped in Mâori myths. Depart the pier and drive by the city and through coastal farmland, until you reach Tongue Point, home to 600 native fur seals.

Leaning Lighthouse of Wellington

As your guide leads you to the best spot for pictures he'll share stories of these heart-warming mammals. Nearby, see the Leaning Lighthouse of Wellington. Built in 1915, the decommissioned 65-foot tall tower was one of New Zealand's first automated lighthouses and, yes, it does lean a little.

Morning/Afternoon Tea, Farmland, Makara Village

After refreshments, you'll board your 4WD once again for the ride back to the ship. En route you will cross farmland and fault lines before passing through the quaint village of Makara.

Explore Wellington at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Wellington at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Wellington at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Wellington at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the maritime beauty and dramatic views of Wellington's wreck-strewn Storm Coast during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to Pencarrow Station.

Wellington, Storm Coast, Petone, Hidden Lakes, Lighthouse, Maori Sites, Pencarrow Station

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Pencarrow Station and beautiful Wellington Harbour's easternmost point. En route, your drive along the panoramic route of the Storm Coast which follows the harbour shoreline and passes Petone, where Wellington's first settlers landed. As you drive along this dramatic coastline, see quaint coastal villages and bays, New Zealand's oldest lighthouse and hear tales of shipwrecks.

Morning/Afternoon Tea, Farm Dog Demonstration, Cook Strait, South Island's Kaikoura Ranges

Upon arrival at Pencarrow Station, one of the earliest settled sheep and cattle stations in the Wellington area, head to the Pencarrow Lodge, one of Wellington's best-kept secrets. Situated near the entrance to Wellington Harbour, the lodge offers spectacular vistas across Cook Strait to the South Island's Kaikoura Ranges. During a stop at the Pencarrow Lodge, you will enjoy a farm dog demonstration and savour the panoramic views whilst enjoying morning/afternoon tea, coffee and snacks.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the stunning natural beauty, history and conservation efforts of New Zealand during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Wellington, Lambton Quay, Wellington Harbour and Cable Car, Funicular Ride, Panoramic Views

Depart the pier for the short drive to Lambton Quay, located in the central business district and home to the 111-year-old Wellington Cable Car. Upon arrival, board the funicular for a vertical climb of over 390 feet (about 119 metres), and travel a length of approximately 2,000 feet (about 610 metres). Three minutes later, arrive at the top. From this commanding location, marvel at the breath-taking panoramic views over the city's rolling hills, downtown area, Wellington Harbour and beyond.

Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Forested Valley

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to Zealandia. Located just minutes from downtown Wellington, this approximately 550-acre (about 222-hectare) eco-sanctuary is tucked in a forested valley and protected by a unique, five-mile (about eight-kilometre), predator-proof fence.

Interactive Museum Tour, Conservation Area, Rare Bird Species

Upon arrival, take a guided, approximately two-hour walking tour. Along the way, discover the story of New Zealand's natural history and conservation movement in a world-class interactive museum. From here, your guide leads you through this extraordinary conservation area and shows you some of New Zealand's rarest species, including the saddleback and hihi birds, which were brought back from the brink of extinction. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach, and commence the short drive through the heart of the city and back to the pier.