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WellingtonNature & adventure

Our most recommended Wellington Nature & adventure

Zealandia by Day Tour

1. Zealandia by Day Tour

Discover New Zealand’s native wildlife on an immersive 2-hour guided walking tour at Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Located 10-minutes from Wellington CBD, the fully-fenced, predator-free ecosanctuary is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary and vulnerable animals.  Zealandia can be easily reached by car, free shuttle, or cable car from Wellington CBD. Check in at the vistor center ticket desk where you will meet your guide. Begin with introduction in the ecosanctuary’s exhibition. You will complete a short bio-security bag check before you can enter the sanctuary. This is to prevent any predators from entering the sanctuary with you. Then, venture out into the sanctuary to discovery the riches of our native flora and fauna at its very best.  Make the most of your visit with your expert guide, who will share with you the history, sights and sounds of the forest and its secrets. Witness the highly intelligent kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī and bellbirds at feeding stations positioned along the sanctuary’s walkways. After 2 hours exploring the vast parklands, you will return to the visitor center. Relax after your tour with a coffee or meal at Cafe Rata. 

Wellington: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Electric Bike

2. Wellington: Guided Sightseeing Tour by Electric Bike

Get to know Wellington like a local on this electric bike tour. Your guide will take you off the beaten path and show you the best places to snack and shop. Glide along the beach and enjoy panoramic views from a lookout point. Meet your guide at Queens Wharf in Central Wellington for a morning departure. After listening to the safety briefing, learn how to operate your electric bike and enjoy time practicing in a safe area before heading out. Once you’re feeling comfortable, saddle up for a fun bike tour of Wellington, and follow your guide along the Wellington Waterfront. Glide along the seafront, passing the lively port and harbor, and the beaches of Oriental Bay. Continue along the Miramar Peninsula and leave the bustle of the city behind as you cycle along the scenic coast. Pause along the way at a local café, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee, and purchase sandwiches and cakes at your own expense. Afterward, loop back towards the city. Finally, climb up to the lookout point for an unforgettable view over Wellington, the Miramar Peninsula, and the ocean. Your tour ends in the early afternoon back in central Wellington.

Zealandia Twilight Ecosanctuary Tour

3. Zealandia Twilight Ecosanctuary Tour

Experience Zealandia as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special guided experience. The fully-fenced, urban eco-sanctuary is located 10-minutes from Wellington central business district.   Begin your tour with the highlights of Zealandia's interactive exhibition. Your guide will then lead you through the sanctuary valley. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests and marvel at the sight of the evening sky and hear the changing sounds of birds from day to night.  Encounter unique species such as wētā, takahē, tuatara and more. You may even experience the first sounds of the nocturnal birds, such as kiwi and ruru (morepork) as they wake.

Wellington: 9-Minute Scenic Flight Ride

4. Wellington: 9-Minute Scenic Flight Ride

Soar high and get a birds-eye perspective with land and ocean views from all angles. Enjoy a scenic flight over Wellington and discover the city from a unique aerial perspective. Moments after boarding your helicopter, ascend from the heart of New Zealand's capital city on a short 9-minute exhilarating flight. In an instant, the Wellington landscape will be brought into perspective before your eyes. Marvel at the unique birds-eye views of the skyline below you, dotted with iconic buildings such as Te Papa, the Beehive, and the Cake Tin. You may even get to see the Marlborough Sounds and upper South Island on clear days.

Zealandia by Night Tour

5. Zealandia by Night Tour

Experience Zealandia by night on a guided tour by torchlight. The fully-fenced, urban eco-sanctuary is located 10-minutes from Wellington central business district.   Your guide will lead you in search of the distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species. See those that only come out at night. Observe unique species such as wētā, glow worms, tuatara, and takahē.  Sightings of kiwi are common on these tours (around 80% of the time), though are not guaranteed. Gain insights into New Zealand’s natural history. Learn about the significance of unique species within Māori culture. Your tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa (bushman’s tea) in the Visitors Centre.

Wellington: Scenic Harbour Helicopter Flight

6. Wellington: Scenic Harbour Helicopter Flight

Start your scenic flight adventure in the heart of New Zealand's capital city. Get a safety briefing before taking off to explore the boundaries of Wellington Harbour. Hear about the city's highlights as you fly over them, and discover suburbs perched in the surrounding hills and the tectonic landscape that encompasses the city. Wellington was shaped by a massive earthquake in 1855 and you can see the full extent of these changes from above. Take in aerial views of Zealandia, Matiu/Somes Island, and Cook Strait, the highway for the ferries that shuttle between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. See houses growing more sparse as you fly along the Pencarrow coastline with its famous lighthouse marking the entrance to the harbor. On return to the city, glimpse famous landmarks such as the parliament buildings and Te Papa, the national museum, before landing back on the waterfront helipad.

Wellington: Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight

7. Wellington: Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight

Explore what lies beyond the city with a spectacular 22-minute helicopter flight over Wellington's pristine southern coastline. After making your way to the meeting point, take to the skies and pass closely by the majestic Makara Wind Farm. Admire a fantastic view of the giant windmills, remarkable examples of modern engineering and sustainable energy. Next, head south to the wild, dramatic coastline where numerous seal colonies hug the rugged shores as waves batter into the towering cliffs. See Karori Rock Lighthouse, an enduring testament to the shipping dangers of the Cook Strait, one of the world's most notorious stretches of water. On a clear day, you may be treated to views of the Marlborough Sounds, the top of the South Island. On returning to Wellington Harbour, enjoy a great overview of the capital city, its impressive landmark buildings, and the surrounding landscape.

Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour

8. Martinborough Winery and South Wairarapa Wild Coast Tour

Enjoy a 10-hour guided tour heading north from Wellington around the western edge of the beautiful Wellington Harbor and up the Hutt Valley following the Hutt River. A scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges includes a sightseeing stop at the summit before you arrive in the rural Wairarapa where you will enjoy a wine tasting and tapas lunch at a Martinborough vineyard and winery. Visit award winning wineries and enjoy their cellar door experiences and sample their world renowned wines before a sumptuous lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Next you head to the rugged south Wairarapa coast where you will experience epic sweeping views of Palliser Bay as you descend to the coast. Visit the rural fishing village of Ngawi, the North Island's largest permanent seal colony and the Cape Palliser Lighthouse at the most southern point of the North Island. For dinner, head to the Lake Ferry hotel before heading back over the Remutaka Ranges to Wellington. Book optional extra activities available throughout the tour including: a visit to Putangirua Pinnacles, a craft beer tasting, an olive oil tasting or a visit to the quaint town of Greytown and their famous chocolatier.

Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer

9. Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer

Ride through the Remutaka Mountains and discover the history of the railway on this mountain bike cycle tour from Wellington. We'll pick you up from Wellington Train Station at 9.30am. Drive to Kaitoke for an easier ride (18-28 km) or go up to Te Marua for a more challenging tour (27-37 km). Ride up a gradual incline and admire the natural scenery. Turn on the provided headlights and pass through the rail tunnels and across bridges. Stop at the information boards to learn about the rich history of railway construction in the area. Enjoy a picnic or cold drink at the summit. Feel the wind in your hair on your controlled descent down the mountain and take in views of the scenic farmland around Cross Creek. Take a shuttle back to Wellington from Cross Creek or catch it 10 km down the road at Featherston for a longer ride.

Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Duckie Tour

10. Te Awa Kairangi Grade 2 Scenic Duckie Tour

The Te Awa Kairangi/ Hutt River Grade 2 Scenic float is a great choice for family outings! We allow kids as young as 4 years old all the way up to adults of 90 years old. This nice and relax trip offers the opportunity for many exhilarating activities, but still available to all ages and experience levels great for first time rafters. Meet at our Base of operation (pick up option available for extra charge), Get suited up in our clean and well-maintained gear to help keep you warm on the river, 15-minute Shuttle to starting point, Enjoy the calm but exciting scenic float down the Te Awa Kairangi, Oppurtunites for Professional Photos (not included in price), Experience a rope swing and 2 different rock jumping spots, Live the thrill of going over white-water rapids, Get transported back to base (drop off option available for extra charge)

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What people are saying about Wellington

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 116 reviews

We went on the twilight tour on Jan 1st 2023. A very knowledgeable guide walked us through the forest pointing out every type of bird, weta and tuatara. The scenery is reminiscent of something out of Jurassic Park. I found the tour a very gentle activity. We were told that quite often on the night tour they see kiwis!

Definitely opt for the guided walk if you want to get the most out of your Zealandia visit! My guide, Claire, was friendly and knowledgeable and her passion for Zealandia and its inhabitants was quite infectious. I would’ve missed a lot of amazing birds and reptiles if I had just ventured on my own.

What an experience! A must for anyone looking to explore Wellington's coast.

Excellent tour. Ryan was super helpful and even shared his jacket w me .

Day tour is so recommended. Educational and fun. An amazing 2 hours!!