Explore Wellington and Marlborough Tour

Wellington City is New Zealand's capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and if you arrive early enough New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.

You will be met on arrival at Wellington airport and transferred to your accommodation.

Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native animals, Zealandia is home to many remarkable species of birds, reptiles and insects living wild within a beautiful 225 hectare (one square mile) valley, just 10 minutes from the central city.

Enjoy a 7 hour private guided tour where you savour the best tastes Wellington has to offer. From Coffee, Chocolate, Peanut butter, a Craft beer brewery, Gin Distillery, lunch, and a scenic drive to Mt Victoria, Eastern and Southern Bays.

The Weta Cave mini-museum brings you face-to-face with some of the characters, props, and displays from your favorite movies, including The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. Visit Weta Cave Workshop and get up close to the props, weapons, and costumes created for The Lord of the Rings, Power Rangers, The Great Wall, Avatar, District 9, and more. See artists at work on the tour stage and peek through windows that look directly into the Workshop. Hear stories from the Weta Workshop crew. Many have worked on the films themselves!
Weta Workshop is also known for its extraordinary miniatures and bigatures created for films like The Lord of the Rings, Furious 7, The Legend of Zorro, and Master and Commander. On the Miniatures Stage Tour, you'll visit the authentic Thunderbirds Are Go shooting stage and discover Weta Workshop's latest jaw-dropping creations.

The 92 km ferry journey between Wellington and Picton, taking around 3 hours, is hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful ferry rides. Departing Wellington Harbour, you’ll pass landmarks like Pencarrow Head with New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse, Red Rocks’ seal colony, and Oterangi Bay, famous for its record wind speed. From the Cook Strait, marvel at views of the Kaikōura Ranges and spot dolphins and seabirds. An hour of the trip winds through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, featuring bush-clad mountains, tranquil bays, and crystal-clear waters—a photographer’s dream. The journey concludes in the charming town of Picton at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound. When not soaking up the views from the deck, relax in the Premium Plus lounge, offering complimentary drinks, snacks, internet, and luxurious seating for the most comfortable way to cross the Cook Strait.

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range. From compact economy, hatchbacks to prestige SUVs. See the most popular range here.

First time driving in New Zealand? Check out our hot tips for a safe and successful self drive experience on our roads.

It is a short 30 minute drive, as you’ll follow the valley south to arrive in Blenheim, located in the heart of Marlborough - New Zealand’s largest wine producing region. Go through acres of leafy green vines and marvel at the magnificent ‘dry hills’ of Marlborough in the distance.

Marlborough has become world famous for two iconic areas, the Marlborough wine region and the Marlborough Sounds. Enjoy the perfect combo tour through both areas on the Marlborough Icons Tour. This tour starts in the heart of the Marlborough wine region with two fine wine experiences including Cloudy Bay winery, then in the afternoon enjoy a unique Seafood Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Learn about seafood farming, take in the stunning scenery and enjoy fresh local seafood with a glass of award-winning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre houses a display like no other and you don't have to be an aviation buff to enjoy it! Human stories from the Great War come to life in a theatrical treatment, which is innovative and visually stunning. Assisted by mannequins from Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop, captivating scenes depict the aircraft in context, some recreating actual incidents. The rare memorabilia is worthy of any national collection and ranges from beautifully crafted 'trench art' to personal items belonging to the famous Red Baron himself.

This private biking wine tour will allow you taste incredible local wine while enjoying Marlborough's stunning scenery. Ride past country roads, river stop-banks and through vineyards as your guide provides historical and geographical commentary throughout. The premium Marlborough wine tour experience is tailored to your individual tastes, with a personalised tour of at least five of Marlborough’s boutique and iconic wineries. Wine experiences may include a private tasting, blind tasting, winery tour or food and wine match. Lunch is a delicious a la carte lunch at a beautiful vineyard restaurant (at your own cost).

The Centennial Rose Gardens are located in Pollard Park in Blenheim and were developed for the centenary of the Marlborough in 1957. Around 800 roses are featured of all types in 27 beds.

Explore more of Blenheim today before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.