Wellington Jewish Heritage Tour: 6 hours with kosher lunch

Aaron's guide to the families who called New Zealand "The Great Jewish Hospital"

A 6-hour guided tour of Wellington's Jewish heritage sites with Aaron, a local historian and award-winning cook, covering the arrival of Belarusian families in the 1930s, early settler burial grounds, and the community centre. Includes one main course with a beverage and bottled water; pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle are provided.

The Experience

Aaron leads you through Wellington's Jewish history as someone who lives it—his own family, the Arons and Beders, journeyed from Belarus in the 1930s and were part of the wave of immigrants who found refuge here. The tour moves through heritage sites across the Wellington region: the burial grounds of Lipman Levy and Solomon Levy, the first settlers; the Jewish community centre; and historical buildings tied to Hebrew leadership. He explains why those early arrivals called New Zealand "The Great Jewish Hospital"—a phrase that carries the weight of what they were escaping and what they found.

The day runs six hours with pickup included, so you don't arrange transport yourself. You'll move through the region in an air-conditioned vehicle, stopping at each site long enough to understand its place in the story. Aaron speaks as a historian and as someone whose family lived through it, which changes how the dates and the decisions land.

Lunch happens at a hand-picked kosher restaurant with a set menu—either gyros with halloumi and whipped tahini, or a chicken salad with sweet potato, vegan chicken, kale and candied walnuts. One main comes with your choice of beer, wine or a non-alcoholic drink, plus bottled water for the road. The brasserie-style setting is part of the experience; Aaron has chosen places that match the day's pace.

What’s included

• One main course with a choice of beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverage.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your accommodation.
• six hours with Aaron as your guide and historian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kosher Tours & Travel NZ

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to understand Wellington's immigration history through the people who lived it, not just the dates—Aaron's family story and his role as both guide and cook make this personal in a way a standard heritage tour is not.

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Top questions

What exactly are the burial sites I'll visit on this tour?

The tour includes the burial grounds of Lipman Levy and Solomon Levy, the first Jewish settlers in the Wellington region. These sites are part of the heritage landscape Aaron walks you through to show how the earliest community took root here.

Is this tour only for people with Jewish heritage?

No. The tour is open to anyone interested in Wellington's Jewish history and the story of immigration to New Zealand. Aaron's background as a historian means the tour works for people exploring the region's multicultural past, not just those with family connections.

How much walking is involved during the six hours?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and moves between sites by air-conditioned vehicle. Wheelchair accessibility is available, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller, so the pace is built around visiting rather than hiking.

What if I have dietary restrictions beyond kosher?

The set menu at lunch offers two main options: a gyros with halloumi and vegetables, or a chicken salad. If you have specific dietary needs beyond what's listed, contact the operator before booking to confirm what the restaurant can arrange.

Does the tour cover both Wellington and Wairarapa?

Yes. The tour moves through heritage sites across the Wellington region, including areas in Wairarapa. Aaron's knowledge of the local landscape means you see how the Jewish community settled and integrated across the wider area, not just the city centre.