Wellington Electric Bike Tour: Self-Guided Bays & Lookouts

Summary

Discover Wellington’s Waterfront and Hidden Gems by eBike

See Wellington like a local—ride an electric bike at your own pace, visit Parliament, take in city views from Mt. Victoria, grab coffee by the bay, and dive into film history at Weta Workshop. It’s flexible, fun, and you’ll find plenty of surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Picked up my eBike right on the Wellington Waterfront—couldn’t have been easier. The shop staff handed me a helmet, a lock, and a city map with all the best stops marked. I’d never ridden an electric bike before, but after a quick rundown, I felt pretty confident. The morning air had that salty tang from the harbor, and the city was just waking up—felt like the perfect time to start exploring.

First stop: Parliament grounds. Only a few minutes’ ride from the shop, mostly on dedicated cycle lanes, so I didn’t have to worry about traffic. The Beehive building really does look odd in person, and there’s this peaceful vibe in the gardens out front. I locked up my bike and wandered around, even joined a free tour inside. The guide, a local named Dave, shared stories about the old Parliamentary Library that you just wouldn’t find in a brochure.

Back on the bike, I cruised along Oriental Bay. Locals were out walking their dogs, and there was this faint smell of coffee drifting from a nearby kiosk. The water was so clear I could see stingrays gliding near the rocks. When I hit a hill, I just flicked the eBike into TURBO mode—honestly, it made the climb up to Mt. Victoria Lookout feel like nothing. At the top, the city spread out below, ferries coming and going, and you could hear tui birds calling from the trees.

On the way to Shelly Bay, I stopped at Chocolate Fish Café. It’s a bit quirky—old school chairs outside, and everyone seemed to know each other. Their flat white was spot on, and I grabbed a cheese scone for the road. Further along, Lyall Bay was buzzing with surfers and kids chasing dogs on the sand. Planes took off right overhead, which was kind of wild to watch while eating ice cream from one of the beachside spots.

If you’re into movies, Weta Workshop is a must. I parked my bike outside and joined a quick tour—learned how they made props for Lord of the Rings and saw some of the original models. There’s a little shop called Weta Cave where you can pick up souvenirs or just geek out over movie memorabilia.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wellington Electric Bike Tour

• Pick up bikes at Waterfront
• Visit New Zealand Parliament grounds
• Cruise Oriental Bay waterfront
• Ride to Mt. Victoria Lookout
• Coffee break at Chocolate Fish Cafe
• Relax at local beach with cafes
• Swim and picnic at white sand beach
• Tour Weta Workshop and Weta Cave

Top questions

Do I need to be super fit to do this electric bike tour?

Nope! As long as you can ride a regular bike, you’ll be fine. The eBikes make hills easy, and you can go at your own pace.

Can I bring my kids on this self-guided tour?

Yes, kids aged 13-17 can join if an adult comes along. There are also infant seats available for younger children.

What if I want to stop for lunch or sightseeing?

Absolutely—stop wherever you like! The map highlights great cafes and attractions, and there’s plenty of time to explore.

Is public transport nearby if I get tired?

Yes, Wellington has good public transport options close to most stops on the route.

What’s included

Your eBike hire includes a helmet, lock, and a detailed cycle map with local tips. You’ll also get riding instructions and friendly advice from staff before you set off. Hi-vis vests are available if you want one, and all local taxes are covered too.