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 tui 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 Māori culture at Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, where many of the most significant Māori treasures are displayed. 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 the museum and includes entrance boulders that reflect Mother Earth and the local Māori heritage, 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 Māori weaving that beautifully express the different techniques used for baskets, cordage and house panels. Following your exploration of Te Papa, you'll be treated to Kapu Ti, a sampling of traditional dishes and a hot drink. Then, you'll drive back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Head off-road into the unspoiled wilds along Wellington’s southern coastline to observe a thriving colony of fur seals in their natural habitat. Expect an immensely scenic trip as your driver transports you in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle specifically designed for traversing rugged terrain. The landscape around here certainly qualifies; it’s craggy, hilly, and lots of it is inaccessible to anything short of the kind of rig you’re riding in. You’ll travel southwest along a fault line that runs the length of the North Island, treated to jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains and even those of the South Island across Cook Strait. Your destination: Tongue Point, a rocky spit of land jutting into the sea, where you’ll drive onto the beach and into a seal bonanza. Once on the brink of extinction, now-protected fur seals have made a steady comeback. Their hallmarks are visible external ears, pointy whiskered snouts, and delightfully social and animated behavior. You’ll have more than two hours to watch them interact here on the rocky shore and regularly head into the sea to cool down. Able to dive underwater for as long as 11 minutes at a time, they are spectacularly nimble in the water.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Head out from the pier by specially equipped 4WD, bound for the very southern tip of the North Island.
• Revel in spectacular views, including all the way across windy Cook Strait, as your driver follows a fault line out to wild Tongue Point.
• Now down on the rocky beach, spend over two hours observing a thriving colony of fur seals in their natural habitat.
• Watch in fascination as these plush-furred, highly social marine mammals interact on land and dive into the sea to hunt for fish, squid and octopus.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing; include a light jacket or raincoat.
• Flat, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, and sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

The historic sites of Wellington are yours to discover during this scenic orientation tour of New Zealand's Capital City. Depart the pier for the drive along picturesque Oriental Bay en route to the summit of Mt. Victoria. Upon arrival, you will take in panoramic views and photo opportunities overlooking the city and harbor. You will then continue on through Lambton Quay, Wellington's bustling business and shopping district, before boarding a charming red cable car for the ride up the hill to Kelburn. From here, you will take in more sweeping views of the city below. Afterward, you will re-board your coach for the short drive down through the historic suburb of Thorndon, and a visit to the Wellington Botanical Gardens.

Upon arrival at the Wellington Botanical Gardens, you will take a self-guided stroll around the Lady Norwood Garden and Begonia House. Next, you will continue on to Old St. Paul's Church, one of New Zealand's finest examples of Colonial Gothic architecture. Designed by the Reverend Frederick Thatcher and completed in 1866, it is constructed entirely of native timber. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to explore the church's interior, which is noted for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Your tour will conclude with a photo stop outside Wellington's interesting Parliament buildings, including the tier-shaped Beehive building housing the executive offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers. Following your visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the ship. If you wish, you may remain in the city for more sightseeing, then return via shuttle bus to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy on a tour of director Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop special effects studio. A picturesque drive along sandy Oriental Bay toward Mount Victoria brings you to wondrous Wellington Harbor views and a stop to stroll the dense forest that served as the Outer Shire where Frodo and company began their epic journey. But the feature attraction of this journey is further ahead in Miramar, where a LOTR expert guide will lead you on an exclusive peek into the movie magic lurking inside the Weta Workshop and Weta Cave. Insights into the production process will be revealed as you tour these custom-built facilities full of props, models, costumes and Middle Earth weaponry. Interactive exhibits go into deeper detail as you learn about over 20 years of blockbuster effects work that’s been brought to life here. And a 25-minute film screening provides commentary from Peter Jackson himself along with the other Weta founders. Even if you don’t know an Orc from a Dwarf, this will be a fascinating glimpse behind the screen. At tour’s end, ride back to the pier or request an optional drop-off in the city.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Wellington studio where local-hero Peter Jackson brought The Lord of the Rings and other film legends masterfully to life.
• En route, stop for epic views over Wellington and stroll the same woods the Hobbits did at the start of their long film journey.
• Tour the Weta Workshop complex with a crewmember as they share fascinating secrets and show off props, models, and weapons made for the LOTR films.
• See director Peter Jackson interviewed in an exclusive behind-the-scenes film that lays out 20+ years of moviemaking magic here in what’s become known as Wellywood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Explore Wellington Harbour, one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world, during this scenic half-day tour of its eastern shoreline. Depart the pier for the drive to Petone, where Wellington's first settlers arrived in 1840. Along the way, you will pass through some delightful bays, including Lowry and Days Bay, en route to the pretty seaside suburb of Eastbourne. From Eastbourne, you will proceed along the spectacular unpaved coastal road through Pencarrow Station, one of the first sheep and cattle stations in the Wellington area. Comprised of 2,000 acres, Pencarrow Station is home to hidden lakes, New Zealand's oldest lighthouse and several sacred Maori sites.

Your driver will relate entertaining and informative stories of the shipwrecks hidden just off the coast as you make your way to Pencarrow Lodge. From this vantage-point, you will take in expansive views and photo opportunities across Cook Strait and on South Island. As you sip your morning tea and admire the incredible vistas, lodge owners Don McCreary and his team will be happy to discuss life in such a remote and dramatic location. They will also provide you with a short sheep dog demonstration where his highly trained sheep dogs will muster a small flock of sheep.