Wellington

Enjoy a guided tour of Otari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only botanical gardens and forest reserve dedicated solely to native plants and animals, it was also once a Maori hunting site. Absorb the sights as you walk through the lush New Zealand forest composed of original and regenerating conifers, to the main attraction, the Canopy Walkway. This tree-top walk enables you to stroll across a 65 foot deep ravine on a stable footbridge to reach the main plant collections area, whilst providing the unique opportunity to see the life from the top of the forest.

After your forest walk, board the bright-red funicular cable-car for the short ride to Kelburn where your coach will be waiting to take you to Wellington’s 54-acre Botanic Gardens. The gardens encompass both native bush and exotic gardens and the centrepiece is the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. This formal garden boasts over 1,200 varieties of roses. There are approximately 300 modern varieties, 78 climbing roses, and 700 patio species as well as begonias, ferns, bougainvillea, hibiscus, frangipani and gardenias.

The return route affords dramatic views of the city, the harbour and your ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach, cable car and on foot. There is approximately 1 hour of total walking over flat and sloping gravel paths, therefore comfortable, flat and enclosed shoes are recommended.

Enjoy the rugged panorama of Wellington’s craggy coastline as your 4x4 vehicle passes the ancient Red Rocks, and on to the Leaning Lighthouse at Tongue Point. On the beach at Tongue Point, you will be able to see the colony of fur seals and resident bird life.

A professional guide from the Department of Conservation will be available to explain the seals’ life-cycles and mating habits. You will be surprised at just how close you can get to these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat. During your visit to the colony, refreshments will be served.

Your journey takes you back over the hills of Wellington via the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. Enjoy spectacular views over the capital, as well as the distant mountains of the South Island, the sparkling Tasman Sea and the azure Pacific Ocean.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by 4x4 vehicle and on foot. This excursion is not suitable for passengers with injuries or conditions which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women are unable to participate. The route involves narrow, winding roads. It is necessary to walk over rocks on the beach to access the seal colony therefore comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. There are no public conveniences en route.

ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience, winner of the 2008 ‘Tourism Industry Award for Conservation in Action’, is a unique eco-attraction and the ultimate urban nature experience. It is the most accessible of New Zealand’s celebrated mainland conservation islands and is a safe haven for some of New Zealand’s most iconic and endangered native animals, including Tuatara, Little Spotted Kiwi, Saddleback, Hihi and Giant Weta.

The Sanctuary comprises 1 square mile of regenerating lowland forest and wetlands protected by a unique 5 mile predator-proof fence, specially designed to exclude non-native mammals ranging from hedgehogs to possums.

You’ll have around 2½ hours’ free time to explore this interesting conservation area at your own leisure.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Sanctuary is wheelchair accessible. There is a café and extensive gift shop on site.

This spectacular drive takes you all the way to Pencarrow Station and beautiful Wellington Harbour’s easternmost point. The Storm Coast scenic route follows the harbour shoreline passing Petone, where Wellington’s first settlers landed. As you drive along this dramatic coastline, you will see quaint coastal villages, bays and hear tales of shipwrecks. View Pencarrow Station, one of the earliest settled sheep and cattle stations in the Wellington area before continuing on to Wellington’s hidden lakes, New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse and historic Maori sites.

One of Wellington’s best kept secrets is Pencarrow Lodge. The Lodge sits near the entrance to Wellington Harbour and offers spectacular vistas across Cook Strait to the South Island’s Kaikoura Ranges. Savour these panoramic views whilst enjoying refreshments of tea, coffee and snacks.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 30 minutes of total walking over flat paths. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Embark on a leisurely drive to the summit of Mount Victoria, which stands at 643 feet above sea level. Have your cameras ready to capture the sweeping panoramic views of the city and harbour. Your journey will continue into the heart of the city past the Parliament Complex, New Wellington Cathedral and the central business district to the Botanical Gardens.

Wellington’s 54 acre Botanic Gardens encompass both native bush and exotic gardens with the centrepiece being the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and Begonia House. Lady Norwood boasts over 1,200 varieties of roses as well as begonias, ferns, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, frangipani and gardenias.

Following your Botanical Garden visit, there will be a tour of Old St Paul’s Cathedral which was completed in 1866 and represents a fusion of European architectural style and local material. The neo-Gothic façade and interior are built entirely of native timber and the stained-glass windows inside the Cathedral are magnificent.

Your drive will take you along Wellington’s waterfront to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum, dedicated to New Zealand’s past, present, and future. Join your Te Papa host for an informative guided tour of this fascinating museum. The Museums extensive collections include artefacts, cultural treasures, a Maori meeting house, and ornate carvings. Whilst the exhibitions celebrate New Zealand's geology, history and unique natural environment and feature stories of the Maori, New Zealand's indigenous people.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 45 minutes of total walking over level paths, therefore comfortable, flat and enclosed shoes are recommended.