Wellington

Photo taken by: Hamish Johnson (Flying Kiwi Traveller)

tours in wellington

Wellington - Tour Highlights

Many of our trips pass through the Wellington region and enjoy the nations capital. For those joining a tour passing through Wellington heres a taste of what you will be up to. 

Wellington (Māori: Te Whanganui-a-Tara) is much more than just the capital city of New Zealand. It is regarded as the cultural epicentre of the country, a crowded, fun, living city. The streets are full of activity, especially those that join the main hubs. There is something about Wellington and its local population (approximately 350,000) that illuminates a funky or quirky vibe. Shopping is endless with high end department stores, boutique retailers, recycled clothing and local kiwi designers.

If you’re someone that would rather be hiking than spending a day in the city then please keep reading as we’re sure you will enjoy your time in Wellington regardless!

Aside from Wellington being our Capital of New Zealand as well as our Parliament building being oddly shaped like a beehive, it’s one very cool and colourful city. Oh and if you haven’t already done your research, Wellington is pretty notorious for being windy (highest recording was gusts up to 248 km per hour!), however, don’t let that put you off as most likely you’ll end up with a beautiful day in summer or, you won’t need to brush your hair as the wind will do that for you!

Wellington is a very compact and accessible city by foot. Actually we recommend a full day of leisurely strolling around points of interests as this is very good for the muscles after Tongariro Crossing the day before! If you’re feeling hungry or in need of some energy, the choice is yours as there are more cafes than New York (per population). The cafe scene in Wellington is second to none. Coffee is awesome and the food is gourmet and delicious - There is something for everyone! Cuba Street is a must!

Time spent here while on a Flying Kiwi tour:

Most tours that pass through Wellington spend the night giving you time to explore the capital city the following day. 

Tours that take you here:

BOTH ISLAND TOURS:    NORTH ISLAND TOURS:
Ultimate Explorer - 27 or 28 days      Northern Wanderer  - 8 days 
Total Aotearoa - 24 days Northern Light - 5 days
Grand Traverse - 15 days Hot Rocks - 9 or 10 days 
Reverse Traverse - 14 or 15 days  

Where we stay: 

Hotel Waterloo – An Art Deco heritage hotel, short walk distance from city’s retail shops and major touristic attractions. 

- WIFI by vochuer ($1.00 per 10MB)
- 24 hour reception and secure lockers
- Downtown House Bar and pool table area
- Café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
- TV lounge and dining room
- Non-smoking rooms
- Linen supplied in bunkrooms as well
- Sky TV channels (for hotel rooms)
- 24h fully equipped guest kitchen
- Laundry facilities

Things not to miss:

Head around to Cuba Street. The restaurants, cafes, and hipster atmosphere here are an iconic symbol of the city.

Things to do:

The city is well known for its craft beer and flavourful coffee. There are countless pubs and cafes for you to try. CNN even named Wellington one of the top 8 international coffee destinations in the world!

 

te papa

Free Things to Do:

 - Te Papa is New Zealand’s National Museum and is simply incredible. Its collections span five areas: Art, History, Pacific, Māori and Natural Environment. Discover the great treasures and stories of the country.

- Enjoy the Botanical Gardens, 26 hectares of pleasure with the exotic forest, native bush or colourful and great smelling flowers.

- Go for a free tour to see the Parliament Building. Learn how it works and have an insight in New Zealand’s political history.

- Take the opportunity to step inside New Zealand’s largest and grandest wooden building, the Old Government Building! Constructed from Kauri timber, this is a very impressive building.

Insiders Tip:

The Wellington Cable Car is the best way to reach to the Botanical Gardens and at only $7 it is an affordable way to immerse yourself in some of Wellingtons cultural history.

 

Zealandia

Hiking Options:

Enjoy the views from the top of Mt Victoria. It is definitely worth the climb to the lookout of this little mountain, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the bay. Don’t forget your camera!

Stroll round the bars, cafes and shops of Wellington, or amble through the Botanical Gardens which are found at the top of the cable car in the city centre. For the more active Flying Kiwis, grab a walking map and head up to Mt Victoria which overlooks Wellington Harbour!

Our pick of Top Wellington Activities:

 weta workshop

The Weta Cave Tour

The guided tour in the famous Weta Cave provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the work being done inside one of the world’s leading concept design and physical effects manufacturing operations. They may even reveal some of the secrets behind the movie magic...


zealandia 2

Zealandia

Zealandia is the first facility of its kind, fully dedicated to telling New Zealand’s unique conservation story. Presenting 80 million years of natural history, you can choose from various fascinating guided tours and talks (all free with admission), or simply roam at your leisure to find the valley’s remarkable native wildlife living free among the 225ha sanctuary. You can see such primitive animals as the Tuatara, the only surviving member of its order.

 
cuba street

Wellington City Miramar Movie Tour

An immersion in NZ movie industry to know more about the behind-the scenes of our favourite productions.