Wellington: 3hr City Tour, Cable Car Ride & Mt Victoria Views

Summary

Wellington city tour with cable car ride, harbour views and local stories

You’ll step into Wellington life with four photo stops, a classic cable car ride through city tunnels, sweeping views from Mt Victoria Lookout, and stories from a local guide. Feel salt air on your skin at Wahine Memorial Park and end up seeing more than just landmarks — you’ll catch little moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a parliament shaped like a beehive?" That’s how our guide, Matt, kicked things off as we rolled past the New Zealand Parliament building — and honestly, I hadn’t. The morning felt sharp and salty from the sea breeze as we left CentrePort Wellington behind. There was this quick moment where the light hit the water just right and you could see surfers bobbing out by Lyall Bay. We’d barely started and already I felt like I was in someone else’s daily routine, not just ticking off attractions.

We made a bunch of stops for photos — that big quirky Wellington sign (the one that looks like it’s about to blow away), then Wahine Memorial Park where Matt told us about the storm that changed the city forever. I’m not sure if it was the wind or just hearing that story, but I got goosebumps there. Driving under the airport runway was a weird thrill; everyone in the van craned their necks at once when a plane rumbled overhead. And then Mt Victoria Lookout — wow, you can see all of Te-Whanganui-a-Tara laid out below you. It’s hard to explain but it made me feel both tiny and kind of lucky to be here.

Cuba Street was loud in its own way — buskers, students laughing near that wild Bucket Fountain (Matt said locals secretly hope tourists get splashed). The cable car ride up through those tunnels was short but sweet; there’s something oddly soothing about old wooden benches and that clackety sound. At the top, we wandered through bits of the Botanic Garden while Matt pointed out birds he said you’d never have heard here twenty years ago. He seemed genuinely proud of that, which made me notice more too.

I didn’t expect to care much about Old St Paul’s but stepping inside — all timber arches and soft dust-light — I felt this hush settle over everyone. Three hours flew by. If you’re after a day trip from your cruise or just want to get what makes Wellington tick (with someone who actually lives here), this city tour is it. Still thinking about that view from Mt Vic…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wellington city highlights and views

• Drive past national museum
• View Wellington's Golden Sands beach
• Photo stop at Wellington sign
• Drive through Miramar film area
• Photo stop at Wahine Memorial Park
• Drive beneath Wellington Airport runway
• Photo stop at Mt Victoria Lookout
• Drive through Courtenay Place and Cuba Street
• Ride Wellington Cable Car to summit
• Listen for native birds in Botanic Garden
• Drive by Beehive building at Parliament
• Drive by Old St Paul's Cathedral

Top questions

How long is the Wellington city tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours including travel time between stops.

Is pickup included for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, pickup is provided directly from cruise ships with guaranteed drop-off back at your ship.

What attractions are visited on this Wellington tour?

You’ll visit Old St Paul’s, New Zealand Parliament (Beehive), Wellington Botanic Garden, Mt Victoria Lookout, Cuba Street’s Bucket Fountain, and more.

Is the Wellington Cable Car ticket included?

Yes, your ticket for the cable car ride is included in the tour price.

Are there photo stops during the city tour?

There are four main photo stops: Wellington sign, South Coast/Wahine Memorial Park, Mt Victoria Lookout, and Cable Car lookout.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes, infants can use prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available on request.

Will I hear about local history or culture on this tour?

Your guide shares stories about Wellington’s history, film industry roots in Miramar, conservation efforts, and daily life in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara.

When is the Wellington Cable Car closed for maintenance?

The cable car will be closed between 21 July - 10 August 2025 for maintenance.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup directly from your cruise ship (or central location), four scenic photo stops around Wellington including Mt Victoria Lookout and Wahine Memorial Park, entry ticket for New Zealand’s only remaining funicular railway — the iconic cable car — plus local stories along every stretch before you’re dropped back at your starting point.