Wellington: City Heights Tour with Weta Cave & Cable Car

Summary

Wellington’s best views weta cave trolls cable car rose gardens

You’ll ride Wellington’s cable car for sweeping harbor views, climb Mount Victoria Lookout with a local guide’s stories swirling in your head, meet movie trolls at Weta Cave, and stroll through fragrant rose gardens—all in a small group where there’s always time for questions or just soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We piled into the van just outside the Band Rotunda—our guide, Matt, had a grin that made you feel like you were about to be let in on a local secret. The city was already humming, coffee smells drifting from somewhere nearby. We zigzagged past painted wooden houses clinging to the hills (Matt called them “painted ladies,” which made me smile), and he pointed out the ones in that old Streamline Moderne style. I tried to snap a photo through the window but caught mostly my own reflection. Oh well.

The climb up Mount Victoria Lookout was steeper than I expected—thirty steps isn’t much until you’re actually doing it. At the top, wind whipped my hair everywhere and I could see all of Wellington laid out below: harbor shining, ferries inching along like toys. Matt told us stories about early settlers and whales (didn’t expect blubber to come up before lunch). The air tasted salty and sharp. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home staring at my laptop screen.

Afterwards we met some cave trolls—well, their movie versions—at Weta Cave. There’s something funny about posing for photos with a troll while tourists giggle behind you. The staff there seemed genuinely proud of their work; one guy explained how they made fake chainmail for Lord of the Rings. I tried to say “thank you” in Māori and probably butchered it because he laughed, but in a nice way.

We wound along the south coast where waves crashed right up against black rocks at Red Rocks Reserve. The wind turbines on the hills looked almost delicate from far away—Matt said Wellington gets 90% of its electricity from these things. Then came the Wellington Cable Car (no line, thankfully). The ride was quick but sort of magical—the city flickered past in red and green blurs before we stepped out into sunlight near Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Roses everywhere, all colors, with this sweet smell that made me slow down for once.

The last stop was New Zealand Parliament—Matt insisted we take a photo with “King Dick.” I didn’t know who that was until he pointed at the statue (Richard Seddon). We wandered around snapping pictures before heading back to base. It wasn’t rushed; more like being shown around by someone who really loves their city. Honestly, I’d do it again just for those odd little stories and that feeling of being let in on something real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wellington city highlights and views

• Meet 10 minutes before tour
• Visit the Band Rotunda landmark
• See the Carter Fountain memorial
• View painted ladies and historic houses
• Climb 30 steps to Mount Victoria Lookout
• Explore Weta Cave and photo trolls
• Drive coastal route for city views
• Visit Te Kopahou visitor centre
• See wind turbines from west viewpoint
• Ride Wellington Cable Car to top
• Visit Cable Car museum
• Walk through Lady Norwood Rose Garden
• See New Zealand Parliament and King Dick
• Return to base

Top questions

How long is the Wellington City Heights tour?

The tour lasts approximately half a day, covering several key sights around Wellington by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is pickup included for this sightseeing tour?

No hotel pickup is specified; meeting point details are provided after booking.

Does the tour include entry to Weta Cave?

The tour includes a 15-minute review at Weta Cave with photo opportunities; paid tours inside are available separately at reception.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this Wellington sightseeing tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though there is a gentle climb of 30 steps at Mount Victoria Lookout.

What are some highlights included on this day trip?

You’ll visit Mount Victoria Lookout, Red Rocks Reserve, Weta Cave, ride the Wellington Cable Car, explore Lady Norwood Rose Garden and see New Zealand Parliament.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, complimentary 500ml water bottles are included for each guest.

Are service animals allowed on this Wellington city heights shared sightseeing tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a small group (never more than 11 people), complimentary bottled water along the way, skip-the-line access for your one-way ride up on the Wellington Cable Car plus time inside its museum, and a fun stop at Weta Cave for photos with their famous trolls before returning to base together.