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Nature & wildlife · Wellington

Top 9 nature & wildlife things to do in Wellington

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Wellington that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast, Wellington1

    1. Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

    4.9· 345 reviews· 3.5 hours

    A unique and exciting exploration to Wellington’s secret coast. With exclusive access through private farmland, we'll take you on a journey to discover Wellington's natural wonders in an area unknown even to many locals. Only 20km from the city, this area will feel like another world. Travelling in new 4WD Mercedes vehicles, you'll see a working farm with sheep, cows and goats, while enjoying stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges. Once down to sea-level, we’ll meet some much-loved locals – New Zealand Fur Seals. Enjoy morning/afternoon tea while observing these amazing animals as they sunbathe, play, and swim while learning about their history, ecology, and conservation from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. The Seal Coast Safari is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure. Join us and discover one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets! Route is along rough terrain requiring 4WD. Not suitable for people with neck or back injuries.

  2. Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour, Wellington2

    2. Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour

    4.9· 249 reviews· 5 hours

    Discover Wellington's breath-taking vistas through our expertly curated City Heights Tour for small groups not exceeding 11 people. This signature experience showcases New Zealand's capital from its three most spectacular viewing points, offering unparalleled panoramas that capture the city's unique harbour setting between mountains and sea. Your knowledgeable Kiwi guide will reveal why Wellington has earned its reputation as New Zealand's most progressive and culturally vibrant city. Wellywood Experience: Explore Wellington's thriving film industry hub with coastal scenic drives and a fascinating walk through the Weta Cave, where movie magic happens under the direction of acclaimed Sir Richard Taylor. Wellington Cable Car Ride this iconic Wellington landmark for magnificent harbour views and access to the exquisite Lady Norwood Rose Garden and Botanical Gardens.

  3. 1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses), Wellington3

    3. 1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses)

    4.9· 180 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Your opportunity to visit locations in Wellington that you simply couldn't make on foot. All accompanied by a local, educated driver who hopes to crack at least one funny joke throughout the journey! We also stop along the way for photo opportunities all whilst experiencing Wellingtons infamous wind! We'll start in the city but quickly make our way to the best views iat Mount Victoria lookout. Then we'll head out to the suburbs cruising through Lyall Bay beach & stopping at the Weta Cave (hop out). After we head back to the city you'll experience a ride on the Cable Car with more stunning views from the other side of the city. Then we'll check out the Lady Norwood Rose Garden & our Parliament grounds as the tour comes to a conclusion. Packing LOADS of wellington in to a short space of time with hosts who care.

  1. Wellington City to Coast Highlights Tour (with Lunch), Wellington4

    4. Wellington City to Coast Highlights Tour (with Lunch)

    4.8· 269 reviews· 5 hours

    A 5 hour guided highlights tour of coastal Wellington. Tour highlights include spectacular views at the Mount Victoria Lookout, a scenic coastal drive from Oriental Parade around the Miramar Peninsula as well as a visit to the Weta Workshop Weta Cave with exclusive documentary viewing. Enjoy the views of the rugged south Wellington Coast as far as Te Kopahou Reserve and the Brooklyn Wind Turbine before optional central city stops including the Cable Car, Botanical Gardens and Lady Norwood Rose garden and Old St Paul's Cathedral. Lunch (a main and a drink) at a seaside cafe is included.

  2. Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour, Wellington5

    5. Zealandia Small Group Eco Wildlife Night Tour

    4.8· 140 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Enjoy a night discovering New Zealand’s evolution and natural history at Zealandia, located just minutes from central Wellington. The discovery begins with a guided tour through Zealandia: The Exhibition, a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s natural history and world renowned conservation movement. As darkness falls, your guide will lead you into the Sanctuary Valley, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary in search for little spotted kiwi and the many other nocturnal animals that call the sanctuary home. Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. This is an unforgettable Wellington experience not to be missed!

  3. Zealandia - Twilight Guided Eco Wildlife Tour, Wellington6

    6. Zealandia - Twilight Guided Eco Wildlife Tour

    4.8· 72 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Experience Zealandia as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special 2.5 hour guided experience. You will have an opportunity to experience the dusk chorus sung by a cacophony of native New Zealand birds. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests and marvel at the sight of the evening sky and hear the changing sounds of birds from day to night. The fully-fenced, urban eco-sanctuary is located 10-minutes from Wellington central business district, a not to be missed experience! Witness firsthand why Zealandia has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023, winning the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award.

  4. Guided Small Group Walking Tour in Wellington, Wellington7

    7. Guided Small Group Walking Tour in Wellington

    4.6· 31 reviews· 2.5 hours

    A fun and informative introduction to Wellington. Meeting and leaving from the main entrance of the Wellington train station, a quick walk to the Parliament grounds will provide insight into New Zealand and Wellington politics. From here we'll take a walk atop the Wellington seismic fault line to the botanic gardens, these gardens marry the exotic with the native beautifully, and we shall garner an understanding of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna as we walk through some dense New Zealand bush. Reaching the top of the gardens, at the top of the cable car, we'll take in the beautiful view, point out some landmarks and generally orientate ourselves. From here we will walk through suburbs and places most tourists will never see, winding up on Cuba st, the heart of the city, for a quick refreshment. We will finish at the national Museum on the waterfront. Guests are guaranteed to come away from this tour with a better understanding of Wellington and New Zealand.

  5. Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour, Wellington8

    8. Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

    4.6· 330 reviews

    Descend into the forested slopes of the Outer Shire, where our expert guides will entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. Recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy! Then delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Middle-earth movies. Learn the secrets of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes tour by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these films to life. You'll also have chance to take photos with various characters and weapons, as well as treating yourself to a souvenir or two, if desired.

  6. Tahiti: East OR West Coast Tour (Half Day), Wellington9

    9. Tahiti: East OR West Coast Tour (Half Day)

    4.5· 31 reviews

    Explore Tahiti on a half-day exploration on the coast of your choice. Depending on your preferences, opt for the wilder, greener East Coast or the West Coast, famous for its beaches and spectacular sunsets. If you choose the East Coast, you will be immersed in a wilderness where the mountains flow into the ocean. You will discover the mythical Point Venus and its historic lighthouse, the impressive cliffs sculpted by wind and waves, and the peaceful waterfalls hidden in the heart of tropical vegetation. If you opt for the West Coast, the journey will take you along white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Stop at the Maraa Caves, mysterious cavities surrounded by greenery, at the Tahiti Museum (optional), then continue to the famous surf spots, where the waves come to embrace the reef with power. And finally, you will end up with the Vahipai Water Garden.

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