Wellington: Cave to Coast Highlights Tour with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Mount Victoria views, Weta Cave stories, coastal drive and city icons

You’ll catch wild city views from Mount Victoria, peek inside Weta Cave’s movie magic, taste fresh fish at a seaside café, and roll through Wellington’s coastal corners—all with stories from a local guide. There are moments of wind-in-your-face freedom and quiet time among old timber beams or rose gardens if you want them.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wind to hit quite so hard up on Mount Victoria — it felt like Wellington was trying to wake us up. Our guide, James, grinned and pointed out where the harbor met the hills, and honestly, I just stood there for a minute letting my hair get properly tangled. The city looked small from up there but somehow more alive. He told us about how locals come up here for sunrise runs (couldn’t be me) and pointed out where Peter Jackson filmed some Lord of the Rings stuff — I think I’ll rewatch those scenes now that I’ve seen it for myself.

We wound down Oriental Parade with the sea on one side and these old wooden houses stacked above us. The air smelled salty but also kind of sweet — maybe from someone’s garden? At the Weta Cave, I geeked out over movie props while a staffer named Li explained how they made orc armor from actual rubber. Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Mandarin — probably butchered it. There was this little behind-the-scenes documentary playing in a corner; I only caught half of it because I got distracted by a wall of tiny Gremlins. So yeah, if you’re into movies or just like weird stuff, don’t skip that stop.

Lunch was at some seaside spot I’d never find again without James — fish so fresh it almost felt rude to eat it. The coffee was strong enough to make me blink twice. After that we followed the coast all the way to Te Kopahou Reserve and then up to see the Brooklyn Wind Turbine spinning slow against low clouds. James kept tossing out facts about local birds and plants — I remember none of them except something about penguins nesting under people’s porches. That stuck with me for some reason.

The last stretch was quieter — we had options: ride the Wellington Cable Car (I did), wander through the Botanical Gardens if you wanted (my knees said no), or check out Old St Paul’s Cathedral with its creaky wood floors and stained glass that glowed even on a grey afternoon. By then my head was full but in a good way. It’s funny how five hours can feel both quick and oddly deep at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wellington coastal highlights and lunch

• Enjoy views from Mount Victoria Lookout
• Visit Weta Cave and museum
• Have lunch at seaside cafe
• View Cook Strait and South Island
• See Brooklyn Wind Turbine history
• Optional ride on Wellington Cable Car
• Optional walk through Botanical Gardens
• Optional visit to Old St. Paul's Cathedral

Top questions

How long is the Wellington Cave to Coast Highlights Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours including all stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this Wellington highlights tour?

Yes, hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off are included.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch (a main dish and drink) at a seaside café is included.

Can children join the Wellington Cave to Coast tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible; collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance.

What attractions are visited during this Wellington tour?

You’ll visit Mount Victoria Lookout, Weta Cave, Wellington Cable Car (optional), Botanical Gardens (optional walk), Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Te Kopahou Reserve, Brooklyn Wind Turbine, and Old St Paul’s Cathedral (optional entry).

Are public transportation options nearby after the tour?

Yes, public transportation is available near most stops in central Wellington.

Is entry to Old St Paul’s Cathedral included?

No, entry is optional at guests’ own expense ($5 NZD per person).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off in Wellington, live commentary from your local driver-guide throughout scenic drives and city stops, entrance to Weta Cave with an optional behind-the-scenes documentary viewing if time allows, plus lunch at a seaside café featuring a main dish and drink before returning comfortably after exploring city icons like Mount Victoria Lookout and more.