One of the world's most scenic train journeys, this two-day Kaikoura Whale Discovery rail journey takes you from New Zealand's capital, Wellington, across Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, where you board the train for Kaikoura.
Experience a whale watch boat tour, where you may see whales and other marine life, before continuing to Christchurch, the 'Garden City'.
Your two-day Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Journey begins with a 3-hour stunning ferry ride across the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail on the Interislander ferry from Wellington in the North Island, across to Picton, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island.
Connect with the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Kaikoura and overnight at the White Morph Motor Inn. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other.
Day Two - You will experience a whale watch boat tour, where you have the opportunity to see whales at close range and encounter a wide range of other marine life including the worlds rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin.
The Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Escape concludes with the last leg of the journey from Kaikoura to Christchurch.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand is also the capital of Middle Earth. You have seen the magnificent Lord of the Rings Trilogy, now come along and experience the real Middle Earth. The ultimate way to see the remote filming location is by helicopter! It will add even more exhilaration to your day as you are flown over the amazing limestone formations that formed the Dimholt Road.
Your Lord of the Rings tour includes a helicopter trip to a winery where you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch by the vines before being whisked away to one of the filming sites for Lothlorien, the white bridge is located here and offers great photo opportunities as well as Beside the Gladden Fields where Seagol fought with Deagol. Both locations are situated at the elegant and beautiful Fernside Lodge in the Wairarapa. The deluxe tour has exclusive access to these sites and you will be served a gourmet picnic at the White Bridge of Lothlorien - one of the few remaining structures used in the filming.
Continuel by road and visit the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the Anduin River where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs; the Gardens of Isengard, the site of the Orcs Felling the Trees and where Gandalf rode to see Saruman; go to the Mount Victoria lookout and Hobbiton Woods where you can race to the Ferry and get off the Road; Buckland Forest where the Hobbits hid from the Nazgul/Black Riders and where they found the mushrooms on the Road; Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment; visit the quarry for the filming of Helms Deep the fortified ravine in Rohan and Minas Tirith; the location of Bree.
The last stop on this tour is at Miramar, the production central and the home of Peter Jackson and many of the cast and crew. The tour includes your journey back to your Wellington city hotel.
Welcome to Middle Earth. Your full day tour visits 9 different locations (including 20+ scenes) explores Mount Victoria Greenbelt, Wellywood suburbs, Hobbits surfing coastline and the gorgeous native forest park of Rivendell. The picnic lunch is world famous and you will go home with fantastic photos of Lord of the Rings scenes.
Your guide will take you into the heart of the Lord of the Rings, with the wealth of their knowledge, this brings the following locations to life: Hobbiton Woods, Isengard, Fords of Isen, Village of Bree, Rivendell, River Anduin, Helms Deep, Minas Tirith and Dunharrow.
The day starts with a journey through the outer shire, spending an hour walking through Wellington's greenbelt tracking the many scenes filmed there (including 'get off the road' and 'race to the ferry'). Take a drive through the South Coast to Wellywood, home to the actors whilst filming and the studios. After morning tea at the legendary Chocolate Fish Cafe (not included), drive north of Wellington to spend time amongst forests, mountains and rivers. The famous picnic lunch will be in Rivendell before you cross the swingbridge for a short native bush walk.
The tour includes a free souvenir map, elf ears for photos and a hobbit like storytelling guide for the day. Come explore Middle Earth for yourself.
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Your day starts with a drive over the historic Rimutaka Ranges, one of New Zealand's wildest hill roads, and into the Wairarapa countryside. First stop is Patuna Farm Adventures where you choose a morning activity: 2-hour Horse Trekking, High Ropes, or a guided walk through the Patuna Chasm.
The Horse Trekkers explore different areas of this high country farm on horses to suit your skill level. The High Ropes include the big swing, trapeze and the beam and is a real challenge. The Patuna Chasm is a spectacular limestone wonderland. You can experience the wonder of its fossils, ferns, stalactites, waterfalls, eels, wildlife, wild pigeons and native birds. After your morning activity you will return to the family house for a relaxing homestead lunch.
After lunch we head down the road to the Ruakokoputuna Glow-worm caves (gumboots and torch supplied). A short walk up the creek bed and into the caves has us discovering the worlds only true glow-worms. Then it's time to relax as we follow one of Wairarapa's most beautiful river valleys to Martinborough, where we visit a local vineyard before stopping in at the Martinborough Wine Centre for a tasting or afternoon tea.
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Your Lord of the Rings location tour brings the best 7 locations in both the North and South of Wellington. This is the best way to see Wellington's Lord of the Rings locations in half a day with the experience of knowledgeable guides.
Your guide will take you into the heart of the Lord of the Rings, with the wealth of their knowledge this brings the following locations to life: Outskirts of the Shire (get off the road), Race to the Ferry, Rivendell, Fords of Isen, Gardens of Isengard, River Anduin, Minas Tirith and Helms Deep.
The first location visited is Mount Victoria and the 'recreation greenbelt' where the Hobbits hid and were chased by Ringwraiths. From Mount Victoria, drive north to explore the Hutt Valley as well as the Hutt River (Anduin) and Harcourt Park (Isengard). In Kaitoke Regional Park, included is morning/afternoon tea under the elevish trees of the Rivendell location. You will also spend time at Minas Tirith and Helms Deep and old quarry closed to general visitors. If you have an interest in the Lord of the Rings, and want a unique Wellington experience in only 4 hours, then this is the tour for you.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:125:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2964/SITours/wellington-s-lord-of-the-rings-half-day-tour-in-wellington-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:116:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Wellington/Wellington-s-Lord-of-the-Rings-Half-Day-Tour/d399-2964RRTHALF";}i:5;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"184";s:11:"ProductCode";s:9:"3280KWDWW";s:11:"ProductName";s:59:"3-Day Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Escape from Wellington";s:12:"Introduction";s:841:"Your journey across Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world.
Sail on the Interislander ferry from the capital city, Wellington, in the North Island, across to Picton, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island. Connect with theTranzCoastal train from to Kaikoura and spend two nights at the White Morph Motor Inn. The next day you will experience a whale watch boat tour, where you have the opportunity to see whales at close range and encounter a wide range of sea life. In addition you will see the worlds rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin. After two nights in Kaikoura with ample time to explore the natural beauty of this area, you will return by rail and ferry to Wellington.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:140:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3280/SITours/3-day-kaikoura-whale-discovery-train-escape-from-wellington-in-wellington-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:129:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Wellington/3-Day-Kaikoura-Whale-Discovery-Train-Escape-from-Wellington/d399-3280KWDWW";}i:6;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"184";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2964002WET";s:11:"ProductName";s:24:"Wellington Explorer Tour";s:12:"Introduction";s:1177:"The perfect way to fit Wellington into one day! In 2.5 hours you will explore the city center, see great views from Mount Victoria, drive through historic suburbs and along South Coast beaches. For the Lord of the Rings fans onboard, the 'get off the road' scene can be included. The sightseeing tour concludes with a stop at Botanical Gardens and a visit to the Wellington Cable Car.
Your small group tours ensure you receive personalized commentary from your enthusiastic guide. You can use the tour as an all day hop on hop off option to visit Te Papa Museum, Red Rocks Seal Walk, Wellington Zoo, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chocolate Fish Cafe. The Red Rocks walk (2 hours return) gets you to within meters of the seal colony of over 200 seals during winter. The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a world first inner city sanctuary for rare and endangered birds. Home to 70 odd kiwi and tuatara this is a gem of a place.
The Chocolate Fish Cafe has become famous for star spotting. Nestled on beautiful piece of Wellington coastline this is the perfect post walk relaxing place. You will receive a free map, timetable and discount card at start of tour.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:105:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2964/SITours/wellington-explorer-tour-in-wellington-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:95:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Wellington/Wellington-Explorer-Tour/d399-2964002WET";}i:7;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"184";s:11:"ProductCode";s:9:"3280TS200";s:11:"ProductName";s:59:"The Overlander Rail Service between Wellington and Auckland";s:12:"Introduction";s:980:"See it all in one day with The Overlander.
The Overlander is a journey through the heart of the North Island travelling between Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and home of the Sky Tower, to Wellington, New Zealand's arts and culture capital.
Along the way you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, popular with young and old alike. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges all from our panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.
All carriages feature large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. The Observation Carriage includes a mix of seating including lounge style seating. The lounge style seating is arranged at the very rear of this glass backed carriage enabling you to enjoy a totally unique Overlander experience.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:140:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/3280/SITours/the-overlander-rail-service-between-wellington-and-auckland-in-wellington-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:129:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Wellington/The-Overlander-Rail-Service-between-Wellington-and-Auckland/d399-3280TS200";}i:8;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"184";s:11:"ProductCode";s:10:"2964005MBH";s:11:"ProductName";s:58:"Wellington Mountain Bike and Hike Day Tour including Lunch";s:12:"Introduction";s:1422:"Experience some great downhill mountain biking without to much uphill. About an hour north of Wellington you enter the Rimutaka Forest Park, home to disused Rimutaka Rail Trail. Climb to the top of the hill with a 600m tunnel. From here it is all downhill for 8 kilometers. No roads, no people, no interruptions you will come away exhilarated!
After a quick brief on the day's program and a check on the gear provided, you will head north. A 50 minute drive northbound following the Hutt River brings you to the start of the Rimutaka Incline. The ride is graded beginner to intermediate.
The ride focus is a little bit of uphill (to ensure you feel like you are doing something) to begin with, then a lot of downhill to finish. You can do this with the help of the support vehicle driving ahead to wait for you. Once you have conquered the climb you have an adrenaline pumping journey 8 kilometers downhill.
You will be met at the other side with a picnic lunch ready. Then there are a few options for the afternoon. You can walk up to the Punatangarua Pinnacles (as featured in Peter Jackson's the Lord of the Rings as The Paths of the Dead) Or you could enjoy wine-tasting at Martinborough's famed vineyards, drive out to the seal colony at Cape Palliser, visit a ciderbarn, the locomotive museum or just head back to Wellington with a downhill mountain bike from the Rimutaka summit to Kaitoke.
";s:15:"ProductImageURL";s:139:"http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/2964/SITours/wellington-mountain-bike-and-hike-day-tour-including-lunch-in-wellington-1.jpg";s:10:"ProductURL";s:129:"http://www.partner.viator.com/en/7606/tours/Wellington/Wellington-Mountain-Bike-and-Hike-Day-Tour-including-Lunch/d399-2964005MBH";}i:9;a:6:{s:9:"region_id";s:3:"184";s:11:"ProductCode";s:7:"3653WW5";s:11:"ProductName";s:53:"Wellington South Coast Seals 4WD Tour including Lunch";s:12:"Introduction";s:1983:"Enjoy a full-day 4WD tour of Wellington's stunning natural features. Learn about the myths and legends of Wellington as you travel to the South Coast. See the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean and relax as you enjoy a delicious bistro lunch in a local cafe.
Myths and Legends
Your guide will escort you on a pleasant stroll along Wellington's beautiful waterfront to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, you will be entertained with fabulous tales and Maori legends of sea monsters, or Taniwha, who once lived under the harbour's mysterious waters and of the legendary warrior who landed his canoe on the Wellington shore.
Exciting 4WD
Enjoy an exhilarating four-wheel drive journey to Red Rocks on the dramatic Seal Coast at the south of the city. We will drive you across a live active fault line, over rock beachfront and around headlands to visit a captivating colony of fur seals, sprawled over the rust-coloured rocks that give the destination its name. The views here are exceptional - you'll see the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean, the tumultuous waters of Cook Strait separating the North and South Islands, and the distant mountain ranges of the South.
You will have time to relax and enjoy a delicious bistro lunch in one of Wellington's cafe society venues with brilliant panoramic views over the harbour capital.
After lunch your guide will take you along to an invigorating bush walk in New Zealand's only botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. On the fringes of the city, yet seeming a world away, you will venture through safe native bush trails and plant collections, including several 400-year old trees. This botanic garden is a haven for native birds where you may see the Tui, Kereru, Silver Eye, Kingfisher, Grey Warbler, Bell Birds and Morepork amongst the giants of the forest, our guide will entertain you with fascinating stories of New Zealand bush lore.