Wellington Rover Tours

Wellington Rover Tours, who bill themselves as ‘the best little sightseeing tour company in Wellington’ cover several themes – offering the ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘Seal Colony’ and Farm’ and ‘City’ tour options. These small group tours are intended to ditch the old-hat format of boring commentary and replace it with interactive conversation so you get to learn about whatever you are most interested in.

The Lord of the Rings Tour – which, with an usual and game-winning strategy, only uses LOTR fans as guides – takes in many of the filming locations from Peter Jackson’s epic trilogies the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This means the fantasy genre passionate can view Isengard, the River Anduin, Rivendell and much more besides. A visit to the Weta Workshop is included – the special effects and prop company who created much of the on-screen magic you’ll be very familiar with as a fan. There’s even a LOTR themed menu at your inclusive lunch.

The seal tour allows some close encounters with New Zealand fur seals at a dramatic coastal permanent colony but also includes a long list of sights which promise a day of diversity and interest. These include the country’s largest wind farm, gold-field remnants, an historic lighthouse and an insight into Maori history. This is a great tour for those who like to be out and about in the fresh air and who’d like to see what’s on offer conveniently close to, but totally removed from, the city itself.

Wellington Rover Tours ‘City Tour’ is 3 ½ hours of packed highlights which take in city, seaside and hilltop. Check out the spectacular 360 degree views from Mt Victoria, ride the historic cable car, meander quirky Cuba Street and even visit a Lord of the Rings filming location. You’ll head around the Basin Reserve (the forth oldest cricket ground in the world & the largest roundabout in the southern hemisphere), past the National War Memorial, along quirky Cuba Street and through the City to the bottom of the famous Wellington Cable Car. A ride on the Cable Car is included in your tour and that’s just a sample of what to expect.

Their vehicles are small, fully air-conditioned mini-vans which give you the opportunity to interact with your local, knowledgeable guide.