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1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses)

198 Reviews 4.87 out of 5 stars Based on 198 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Wellington, New Zealand
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from $72.42 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Checkout the view from Mt Victoria!
Hop out stops & photo ops during the tour
Pop in to the World Famous WETA Cave
Your tour includes a ride on the Cable Car. All aboard!
Visit the Beehive & Parliament grounds
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Spend time with local guides supporting our family owned business!

Your opportunity to visit locations in Wellington that you simply couldn't make on foot. All accompanied by a local, educated driver who hopes to crack at least one funny joke throughout the journey!

We also stop along the way for photo opportunities all whilst experiencing Wellingtons infamous wind!

We'll start in the city but quickly make our way to the best views iat Mount Victoria lookout. Then we'll head out to the suburbs cruising through Lyall Bay beach & stopping at the Weta Cave (hop out). After we head back to the city you'll experience a ride on the Cable Car with more stunning views from the other side of the city. Then we'll check out the Lady Norwood Rose Garden & our Parliament grounds as the tour comes to a conclusion.

Packing LOADS of wellington in to a short space of time with hosts who care.

What's Included

  • Includes admission costs on Cable car ride
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
See 2 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

** CRUISE SHIP GUESTS PLEASE READ**From season 26/27 we are no longer collecting directly at the port. You will need to make your way to the port exit & then take the short 3 - 5 min walk to the collection point.Please search "Cruise Ship Independent Tour Car Park, 94 Waterloo Quay" when booking.HOTEL GUESTS Hotel pick ups, please be patient with collection & make yourself visible to the driver.ISITE PICK UP GUESTS iSite pick ups are at 217 Wakefield Street

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Wellington

COLLECTOur journey starts by safely collecting all of our guests & getting onboard our vehicle.If you are coming in by cruise ship, we will collect you directly from the port. You do not need to get on a shuttle bus or head to the city as we are accredited to collect you as you walk off the ship.If you are being collected from your hotel then please wait in reception or just outside where you can been seen by your friendly guide. Sit tight, sometimes traffic (or people) can delay our arrival.If you are being collected from the iSite then pop out to the tour bus stop just outside/beside the iSite. Keep an eye out for Ka Rawe signage on the vehicle & we'll see you soon!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mount Victoria Lookout

What about this for a first stop!Check out the best vantage point in our beautiful city. Breathtaking 360 degree views of the central business district, the harbour & the ocean to the south. Stunnnnning!Legend has it that Wellington harbour, originally a land-locked lake, was home to two large and very active taniwha (sea monsters). One taniwha forged a passage to the open sea creating the entrance to the harbour. The second, named Whataitai, tried a different route, became stranded and died. It is believed that Tangi-te keo (Mt Victoria) was named after the soul of Whataitai.Probably the best photo opportunity on the tour, our guide/host would be delighted to be your personal photographer for the day.What a beautiful city!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lyall Bay

We head due south to our stunning coastline, passing through Lyall Bay as we go. Did you know that no matter where you are in Wellington, you are 3km (1.8 miles) from a beach? How lucky are we!?Lyall Bay is Wellingtons most popular surf beach & even has 2 surf live saving clubs. For those of you that might be fans of the royals, we'll even pass the cafe that Harry & Megan frequented when they were here in 2018.If we're lucky, we might even see one of the Ferries that travel from North Island to South Island, out in the strait.What a ripper of a place!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wahine Memorial

We continue around our stunning coastline where you can breathe the fresh, salt air & marvel in the picturesque views. As we turn the corner & in a more sombre moment on the tour, we reflect on Wellingtons worst ever maritime disaster.The Wahine was battling unprecedented winds & many perished on this day the 10th April 1968. Our guides expertly point out what happened & where then bring this to life with some imagery of this event.A sad yet memorable event in New Zealand history.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wellington

WETA CAVEDon't be fooled in to thinking we're here to see some New Zealand native insects up close......Whilst the Weta is a native new zealand cricket like insect, its also the name of a World famous Film & Special Effects company right here in little old Wellington!Arguably Weta is most famous for the incredible work of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, however their impact on the greater industry is much broader than that. Here at the Weta cave, you'll get to purchase some memorabilia, check out some of the items on show in the mini museum & you'll even have a photo opportunity with the Cave Trolls! At Ka Rawe, our guides make great photographers too.e stop at the Weta Cave where you can pop on in & check out some Lord of the Rings memorabilia. Don't forget to take up the photo opportunity with the cave trolls!Once we leave the Weta Cave, we check out the Wellington sign on our travels, this is the one our friends from Hollywood copied!!
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Oriental Bay (pass by)

We make our way back in to the city around the bay & your guide will keep you informed as we go.We make it around to Oriental Bay known for being both a popular beach and an opulent centre of affluence in the city. Its a little bit pricey around here!.You'll get to see some amazing architecture & perhaps this will be the only "man made" beach you'll ever see in your lives!!? Check out Carter Fountain too.Originally named Duppa Bay after its original sole resident George Duppa, it was renamed to Oriental Bay after one of the first to bring settlers here to Wellington.Spectacular!
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Wellington Cable Car

All abooooard!One of the most iconic attractions in Wellington is our Cable car. Some of you might refer to it as a funicular. Take a short ride up to the suburb of Kelburn at a leisurely pace where you'll get to enjoy more spectacular views of Wellington on arrival.At the top of ride you'll be met by your guide (who will have dropped you off at t the bottom) & you'll also get to check out the Cable car museum whilst there. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the museum too.Your ride on the Cable Car is included in your tour price.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Lady Norwood Rose Garden

Pretty!Part of the sweeping Wellington Botanical Gardens is the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Did you know that in 2015, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden received the Garden of Excellence award from the World Federation of Rose Societies? Well you do now!Over 110 unique varieties of flowers reside here & when they are in full bloom (November - April), she's bloody pretty!We take a short stop, grab some fresh air & enjoy the visual delights that the Rose Garden offers.Beautiful.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

New Zealand Parliament

Welcome to the Parliament’s grounds, which are used regularly for many kinds of public gatherings. From the grounds you can admire Parliament’s buildings, the flags on the many flagpoles, the rose and camellia gardens, fine ironwork on the gates and lamp standards, and commemorative statues and plaques.Two New Zealand flags are flown every day on the forecourt, in front of Parliament House. Other flags may be flown between the New Zealand flags to mark special visits or occasions.The design of Parliament’s iron gates incorporates the initials of King George V, who was the monarch when the gates were made.There are several statues and plaques in Parliament’s grounds.The most prominent is a bronze statue of Richard John Seddon at the front of the main forecourt. Richard John Seddon was New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister. He was Prime Minister from 1893 to 1906.We also check out the Beehive, the name for the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wellington

DROP OFFWow! Hopefully you'll agree that we've packed loads of Wellington goodness in to your time spent with us today.However as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end.We offer a few different locations for you to get dropped off & don't forget that Wellington is a very small, compact city that is easy to get around & you're never too far from where you want to be.Our recommendation is that we drop you to Te Papa. Not only is Te Papa New Zealand's national museum but it is also centrally located for wherever your final destination may be.What a day out!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • We hop out of the van on 3 or 4 occasions throughout the trip for photos & fresh air!

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses)?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5494494P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.87
198 reviews

Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 198 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
179
4 stars
14
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses)?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Includes admission costs on Cable car ride.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Bottled water.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 1. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the 1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses) is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 1/2 Day Guided Wellington Tour incl. Cable Car (Vans not buses) will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Includes admission costs on Cable car ride
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • We hop out of the van on 3 or 4 occasions throughout the trip for photos & fresh air!
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name