Wellington Lord of the Rings Private Shore Tour (3.5 Hours)
Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into Middle-earth on this immersive private tour designed for true Tolkien fans and curious travelers alike. Explore iconic filming locations, discover behind-the-scenes secrets, and relive legendary moments from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Starting and ending at Wellington Cruise Port, this 3.5-hour experience blends scenic views, storytelling, and exclusive access to the world-famous Weta Workshop.
Let expert local guides bring the magic to life as you retrace the journeys of Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, and the Fellowship across real filming landscapes.
Available options
Private Tour for 3 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 2 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 6 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 1 passenger
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 5 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 7 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 4 passengers
Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from the Wellington Cruise Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Driver-Only Tour
No guide, fixed 7:30 AM pickup: Private transportation only. No guide, no entry tickets. Available on Tuesdays with a fixed 7:30 AM pick-up.
<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Pick up and dropp off at your cruise ship terminal
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide at the terminal and begin your journey into Middle-earth in a private vehicle.
2
See the restored Embassy Theatre, host of world premieres for The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey, and learn its importance to LOTR history.
3
Stop 3
Capture sweeping views of Wellington’s harbour and hills. Your guide shares stories from filming and explains why the area was chosen for key scenes.
4
Stop 4
Walk through forest paths where legendary scenes were filmed: Shortcut to Mushrooms, Second Breakfast, Black Rider encounter, Race to Buckleberry Ferry, and Théoden’s Encampment. A must-see for every fan.
5
Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Learn how props, costumes and weapons were created and see real artists at work.
6
Browse unique LOTR souvenirs and strike fun poses with Gollum, Lurtz, Bilbo’s Trolls and other film characters during a mini photoshoot.
7
Drive around Miramar’s bays and pass the Embassy once more, reflecting on its role in New Zealand’s cinematic legacy.
8
Return to the port with unforgettable memories of Middle-earth.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Wellington
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, coffee culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled between rolling hills and the harbor, it offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventures.
Top Attractions
Te Papa Museum
Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, showcasing the country's art, history, and natural environment.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free entry, some exhibits may have fees
Wellington Botanic Garden
A beautiful garden with a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and scenic views of the city.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Mount Victoria Lookout
A scenic lookout offering panoramic views of Wellington and the surrounding coastline.
Nature
1 hour
Free
Weta Workshop
A special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Cultural
1-2 hours
NZD 30-50
Wellington Cable Car
A historic cable car offering scenic views of the city and harbor.
Historical
30 minutes
NZD 5-10
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hangi
A traditional Māori method of cooking food in an earth oven. The food is wrapped in leaves and cooked underground for several hours.
Dinner
Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Pavlova
A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy, vegan options available.
Fish and Chips
A classic New Zealand dish featuring fresh fish, usually snapper or tarakihi, coated in batter and deep-fried, served with chips (fries).
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish and gluten, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Beach lounging
Picnicking
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
December to February
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
15°C to 22°C
59°F to 72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Wellington is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of common safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being cautious in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Wellington Airport • 6 km from city center
By train
Wellington Railway Station
By bus
Wellington Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Metlink is the main public transport system in Wellington, offering a network of buses, trains, and ferries.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Te Aro
Miramar
Karangahape Road (K' Road)
Day trips
Red Rocks
30 km from Wellington • Half day
A scenic coastal area known for its rugged cliffs, sea lions, and wildlife.
Matiu/Somes Island
20 km from Wellington • Half day
A small island in Wellington Harbour with a rich history and scenic views.
Kapiti Coast
60 km from Wellington • Full day
A scenic coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Festivals
Wellington Cup Week • Late February to early March
Wellington on a Plate • August
Wellington Jazz Festival • Early October
Pro tips
- Visit Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's national museum, for a comprehensive overview of the country's art, history, and natural environment.
- Explore the vibrant and eclectic Cuba Street, known for its boutique shops, cafes, and street art.
- Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for scenic views of the city and harbor.
- Visit the Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at the special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
- Enjoy Wellington's thriving coffee culture by visiting one of the numerous specialty coffee shops and roasteries.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
