SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

OVERVIEW

Behold the stunning natural beauty of the Kapiti Coast and see a few unexpected sights, all of which will leave you with an indelible impression of the area north of Wellington. The view will be especially gorgeous from the observation deck overlooking the rugged shore of Pukerua Bay and the Tasman Bay beyond. A walk through Nga Manu Natural Reserve will present another side of the natural world as you may encounter endemic birds such as the multi-colored tūī and the more well-known kiwi, a fuzzy little flightless bird that lives in burrows rather than nests. The fecundity of the Kapiti Coast landscape makes it ideal for growing lavender as you will discover at a farm where this aromatic shrub blankets the fields. The lavender is used for essential oils, natural cosmetics and medicinal purposes. A bit inland, you will browse a collection of vintage vehicles at the Southward Car Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive along the picturesque coast north of Wellington and admire the natural beauty.
• Pause for photos at a scenic lookout and observe wildlife at a natural reserve.
• Visit a farm that grows lavender for a variety of natural purposes, many of them medicinal.
• See an impressive collection of vintage vehicles at the Southward Car Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Gain great insight into the Maori culture as your expert guide takes you through Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, where many of the most significant Maori treasures are displayed. From historic, artistic, and contemporary perspectives, this tour will enrich your understanding of what makes New Zealand’s Maori culture unique.

Depart from the pier and enjoy a short drive to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, a landmark national museum constructed in an architectural style that reflects New Zealand's history and evolving identity. Symbolism is abundant throughout and includes entrance boulders that reflect Mother Earth and the indigenous people, and elaborate waharoa gateways that serve as thresholds to the country's natural and cultural heritage.

The museum holds more than 30,000 cultural treasures known as taongas in its Taonga Maori Collection, the focus of your visit. While browsing the exhibits, you'll learn the history of the most highly prized tribal artifacts, which include ancestral carvings, garments, shells and weapons. There are also fine examples of Maori weaving that beautifully express the different techniques used for baskets, cordage and house panels.

You'll also explore Te Papa's verdant Bush City, an outdoor exhibition of approximately 1,400 plants that naturally thrive in the rainforests, wetlands and mountains surrounding Wellington. Pepper trees, giant pig ferns and towering edible ferns are but a few of the usual plants.

Following your exploration of Te Papa, you'll be treated to Kapu Ti, a hot drink and traditionally inspired food. This hospitality is an important part of Maori culture and is a great opportunity for you to have a more relaxed talk with your Host.

From here your tour takes you along Marine Parade, one of Wellington’s holiday hotspots. Then, head up Mt Victoria for impressive views of the city and photo opportunities. Enjoy more of the city highlights on your way back to the port.

Discover the historical and scenic highlights of New Zealand's center of government and culture, known as the "Capital of Cool”. A picturesque drive along lovely Oriental Bay toward Mount Victoria offers a spectacular 360 view of Wellington and its well-protected harbor. Visit the Wellington Botanical Garden, established in the 1860s. Strolling through this wonderland of exotic and indigenous plants, you'll see rare specimens of begonias, heritage roses, and aromatic herbs. The lily pond is also worth noting because of its enormous water lilies and the carnivorous plants nearby.

History takes center stage as you drive down Bowen Street, home to New Zealand's Parliament, which has been meeting here since 1865. The most iconic building within this sprawling government complex is the Executive Wing, known as "The Beehive" for its distinctive shape. It provides quite an architectural contrast to the Parliament House, an Edwardian neo-classical building. You'll visit the War Memorial Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. This is the national place for New Zealanders to remember and reflect on their country’s experience of war, military conflict and peacekeeping, and how that experience shapes their ideals and sense of national identity. You'll pass the contemporary Wellington Cathedral before arriving at Old Paul's, the city's former cathedral. Constructed entirely of native timbers, the interior is absolutely stunning, especially the wooden rafters and stained-glass windows. Although no longer a parish church, the cathedral remains a place of great spiritual significance.

You will also drive toward Mount Victoria, which offers a spectacular 360 view of Wellington and its well-protected harbor for a quick photo stop.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy when visiting director Peter Jackson's special-effects studio, Weta Cave. Join a trilogy expert guide and visit the suburb of Miramar, now also known as “Wellywood”, the heart of the New Zealand film industry.

Take a stroll through the picturesque forest of the ‘Outer Shire’ where Frodo and the Hobbits began their journey. Learn how the films were made while visiting scenes and locations right in the heart of Wellington City. You’ll have the exclusive opportunity to visit “Weta Studios - The Weta Workshop”. Get a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Weta Workshop and learn about the processes and creative thinking that goes on within the walls of this custom-built facility. They may even reveal some of the secrets behind the movie magic!

Exclusive video clips are displayed throughout the tour, as well as descriptive boards describing the processes used. The exhibition space reveals the history of Weta Workshop and what they have been busy with over the past 20 years. Enjoy a private screening of a 25-minute behind-the-scenes film depicting the history of the film industry in Wellington which features interviews with Weta Workshop co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. Your return drive takes you via Evans Bay & Oriental Bay for stunning views of Wellington city and harbor.

Follow the harbor past Petone where Wellington's first settlers landed, and then travel along a coastline dotted with shipwrecks, quaint villages and quiet bays. As you sit back and enjoy the passing scenery, a narrative will be provided that relates the many stories that are now etched into the folklore of this dramatic piece of New Zealand coast.

Arriving at Pencarrow Station, a nearly 2,000-acre sheep and cattle farm which is also home to New Zealand's oldest lighthouse, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Wellington's best kept secrets, Pencarrow Lodge. This remote, isolated cottage originally housed a farm worker and was built during a period of local cattle rustling as a security measure to protect against cattle thieves. The view from this location, which stretches across the Cook Strait to the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island, is simply spectacular. Here, enjoy a refreshment of tea and cakes.

Take off on a 4-wheel-drive vehicle specifically designed for traversing rugged terrain. The landscape surrounding Wellington is wonderfully wild, so you can expect an incredible scenic ride. At Tongue Point, you’ll drive onto the beach to observe a thriving colony of fur seals in their natural habitat.

Once pushed to the brink of extinction, fur seals have made a steady comeback since being protected by law in 1978. While their thick layers of fat and fur allow them to endure long periods of time in the water, fur seals can overheat while on land, so they often head back to the sea. A typical dive may last between one to two minutes, although fur seals can remain underwater for as long as eleven minutes. Being carnivorous, they feed on fish, squid and octopus. You’ll spend some time watching the quite social animals at play by the beach and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a muffin.