Wellington Shore Excursion: Weta Cave, Mount Victoria & Coast

Five hours hitting Wellington's landmarks without the crowds or the planning

A half-day private tour of Wellington with a local driver-guide covers Mount Victoria Lookout, Weta Cave, the South Coast, Botanic Gardens, and Old St. Paul's Cathedral. The group stays under 11 guests, and lunch with a drink is included. You travel in one vehicle with live commentary, stopping at each site long enough to take in the views and stories before moving on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mount Victoria Lookout15m
2. Wellington Cable Car30m
3. Old St. Paul's15m

Explore Wellington's highlights and coast

• Enjoy views from Mount Victoria Lookout
• Drive along Oriental and Evans Bay Parades
• Visit Weta Cave museum and retail space
• Have classic Kiwi lunch at local café
• Gaze across Cook Strait to Kaikoura Ranges
• Enjoy sights from a city viewpoint
• Optional ride on Wellington Cable Car
• Optional walk through Botanical Gardens
• Visit Old St. Paul's Cathedral
• Take in view of Wellington Harbour entrance

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your cruise terminal or hotel and heads straight to Mount Victoria Lookout, where the city and harbour spread out below you. From there the route traces Oriental and Evans Bay Parades, passing the private cable cars that climb to houses along the ridge. The Weta Cave comes next: the retail and museum space where you can see the movie magic behind the Weta group's work, with an optional behind-the-scenes documentary if time allows. A classic Kiwi lunch at a local café follows, with a main course and drink included. The menu handles all dietary preferences and leans on freshly caught seafood.

The second half of the tour moves through Wellington's quieter corners. You'll stand at a viewpoint high above the city gazing across the Cook Strait to the Kaikoura Ranges, learning the local geography and history as you look. The Wellington Cable Car ride up from Lambton Quay to Kelburn is optional. If you take it, you see the valley spread below and visit the Cable Car Museum. A walk through the Botanical Gardens to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden is also optional, where 108 rose varieties grow. The final stop is Old St. Paul's Cathedral, a native hardwood timber cathedral built in 1866 with stained glass windows. Entry costs $5 NZD per person if you choose to go inside. The tour ends with a view across the white sand beach to Wellington Harbour.

Your guide is a local driver who shares film trivia, authentic stories, and personal insights throughout the five hours. The vehicle is private to your group only, no other bookings share it, and stays under 11 guests, so the pace is relaxed and flexible. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the route is designed to show Wellington's range in a single morning or afternoon: city views, wild coastline, coffee culture, and creative history all in one loop.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your cruise terminal or hotel.
• private vehicle with a local driver-guide providing live commentary throughout.
• lunch with a main course and drink at a local café.
• access to Weta Cave museum and optional behind-the-scenes documentary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 11.50

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Zozo Travel - Tours of Wellington. Scenic, Winery, Brewery and Foodie Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking in Wellington and want a local driver who knows the film stories and hidden corners alongside the main sights: the small group of maximum 11 means you'll actually hear them and ask questions, not just tick boxes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years).

What is Weta Cave and what will I see there?

Weta Cave is the retail and museum space run by the Weta group of companies, known for their movie special effects and design work. You'll see examples of their movie magic on display, and an optional behind-the-scenes documentary about the company's history plays if time and availability allow.

Is the Wellington Cable Car ride included in the tour price?

The Wellington Cable Car ride up from Lambton Quay to Kelburn is optional and not included in the tour price. If you choose to take it, you'll see views across the valley and visit the Cable Car Museum before the tour continues.

What kind of lunch is provided, and does it cater to dietary restrictions?

Lunch is a classic Kiwi meal at a local café known for freshly prepared, locally caught seafood. The menu caters to all dietary preferences, and your meal includes a main course and a drink.

Can I enter Old St. Paul's Cathedral during the tour?

Old St. Paul's Cathedral is the final stop, and entry is optional at your own expense, costing $5 NZD per person. The cathedral is a native hardwood timber building from 1866 with stained glass windows you can view inside.

How many people will be on the tour with me?

The tour is private to your group only, with a maximum of 11 guests per vehicle. No other bookings share the same vehicle or guide.