Wellington Region Full Day Private Tour: Kaitoke & Kapiti Coast

Tailor your own day around Wellington's rainforest, beaches and local finds

A private full-day tour of Wellington region with local guides Jo & Suzee, customized to your interests and time. You choose between the Kaitoke rainforest (filmed as Rivendell), Kapiti Coast beaches, city highlights or the Southward Car Museum's 400-vehicle collection. Pickup from your port, airport or accommodation is included, along with light refreshments and an English-speaking guide who knows where the locals actually go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Southward Car Museum1h · entry included
2. Wellington Botanic Garden30m

Explore Wellington and Kapiti Coast

• Drive around Porirua Harbour
• Visit Pātaka Art Museum
• Drive to Paekākāriki village and beach
• Visit QEII Park museum
• Optional visit to Southward Car Museum
• Walk on Kapiti Coast beach
• Lunch with fresh Fish and Chips
• Drive over Paekākāriki Hill to Hutt Valley
• Stop at Battle Hill Farm and Pāuatahanui wetlands
• Drive along Harbour’s edge
• Visit Thorndon village and Botanic Gardens
• Drop off at preferred location

The experience

What makes this tour different is that you build it with Jo & Suzee after you book. You're not following a fixed itinerary. You tell them what you want to see, how much time you have, and what the weather looks like, and they shape the day around it. If you've already seen Wellington's city center, head north to Kaitoke Regional Park, the rainforest location used for Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings films. Or drive the Centennial Highway to the Kapiti Coast, where you walk on the beach with views of Kapiti Island and grab fresh fish and chips from local spots. The route itself becomes part of the experience: you'll cross the Paekākāriki Hill with views across the Kāpiti Coast, stop at Battle Hill Farm to see the eels, and pass through the wetlands of Pāuatahanui.

The day includes stops tailored to what interests you. Car enthusiasts can visit the Southward Car Museum at Paraparaumu, home to over 400 vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere's largest privately owned collection. If visual arts draw you, there's the Pātaka Art Museum near Porirua Harbour. History buffs can see QEII Park, where 15,000 US troops were stationed during World War II. Lunch happens when hunger strikes, at a place Jo & Suzee recommend based on where you are and what you're craving. You cover the cost, but they know the good spots. Light refreshments and locally made treats travel with you in the cooler.

You travel only with your group in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup happens at the port if you're arriving by cruise ship, at the airport, or at your accommodation in the city center. The guides get you back to your ship on time if that's your deadline. If you have mobility needs, let them know when you book. They're set up to help. The tour runs 4 to 6 hours depending on what you choose and how the day unfolds.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off at the port, airport or your accommodation.
• light refreshments and locally made treats from the cooler.
• English-speaking local guides Jo & Suzee.
• customized itinerary based on your interests and time available.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by uTours Wellington

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you travel only with your group and shape the day around what you want to see: ideal if you've been to Wellington before or want to skip the standard city loop. The 4 to 6 hour timeframe works for cruise passengers with a fixed departure time and for travelers staying in the region who want a deeper look at what locals actually do.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Kaitoke Regional Park like, and why do Lord of the Rings fans visit?

Kaitoke is a rainforest reserve north of Wellington that was used as a filming location for Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings films. You walk through native forest on the day tour if that's what you choose to see.

Can we visit the Southward Car Museum, and what's actually there?

Yes, the Southward Car Museum at Paraparaumu is an optional stop on the tour. It holds over 400 vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere's largest privately owned automotive collection, so it's worth a visit if you're interested in cars.

How does lunch work on this tour?

Lunch is at your own cost, but Jo & Suzee will recommend excellent local spots based on where you are that day and what you're in the mood for. On the Kapiti Coast, fresh fish and chips are a local favorite.

What happens if we're arriving by cruise ship? Will you get us back on time?

Yes. When you book, let them know your ship's departure time, and they'll plan the route and stops to get you back to the port with time to spare.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes private transportation, pickup and drop-off at your chosen location, light refreshments and locally made treats in the cooler, and an English-speaking guide. Lunch and entry to any paid attractions (like the Southward Car Museum) are at your own cost on the day.