Wellington City And Coastal Highlights Full Day Tour

Wellington City And Coastal Highlights Full Day Tour Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

All the highlights of Wellington, including a tour of Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop.

All admissions and lunch are included in this tour. What a delightful surprise.

Our local guide is an expert on Wellington and will acquaint us with its history and culture as we make our way up to Mt. Victoria for some spectacular views of the city.

Following the coastal road with its lovely scenery, we'll soon arrive at the Weta Workshop. As any Lord of the Rings Fan knows, many of the movies' Middle Earth exterior scenes were filmed in New Zealand, while many interior shots and much of the CGI and miniatures magic took place at the Weta Workshop, the showpiece of Peter Jackson's film empire. You'll get a behind the scenes tour of one specific area of the workshop, providing an in-depth look at some of the techniques (or was it Gandalf's magic?) used to produce the stunning effects found in the LOTR movies. Take your photo with an orc and find the perfect LOTR souvenir for someone back home (or yourself).

It's time for lunch at the quirky, much-loved Chocolate Fish Cafe. You'll have your choice of an entree and beverage off the extensive menu, where you're sure to find something delicious.

Refreshed and ready to continue the tour, we'll take the rugged South Coast road to Red Rock to take in the stunning views of New Zealand's South Island, located just across Cook Straight. We'll visit the open air museum to discover stories of a former quarry and learn about shipwrecks have occurred here.

From there it's a quick trip back to town where a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car is next on our itinerary. This funicular has been running strong for more than 100 years and although it's a short ride, it's a blast (heck, just saying the word "funicular" is fun). Admire the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn en route to the lookout, providing amazing views of the cityscape below.

Close-by are the Botanical Gardens where we'll take a stroll and admire the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Enjoy the peace and tranquility provided by its greenery and flowers.

Although you won't find any bees here, our next stop is the Beehive, the local nickname for the distinctive executive wing of Parliament. The Beehive, along with the other Parliament buildings are one of the best-known landmarks in the city.

A beautiful surprise awaits at one of Wellington's most special heritage sites, Old St. Paul's. Its soaring arches constructed of local timbers lend the appearance of an upturned galleon. Spectacular lighting gives the interior a rosy glow, enriching the appearance of the intricate stained glass windows. And although Old St. Paul's is no longer used for religious services (having been replaced by New St. Paul's just a block away), its splendid acoustics along with its beautiful interior, have contributed to Old St. Paul's becoming a favorite venue for concerts, weddings and other special events.

Lastly, we stop at historical Wrights Hill Fortress, built in the 1940’s as a long range coastal battery to protect Wellington from possible enemy attack during World War II. Your guide will provide insight into New Zealand's perspective on the war.

- There is some walking on this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes.
- All entry fees are included in the cost of the tour.
- One entree and one beverage are included in the lunch. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase.

- This tour is available for those with limited mobility or a collapsible wheelchair, provided the guest can transfer in and out of the vehicle with assistance.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:30 AM, duration: 7 hours