Seal Coast Safaris - Short Description

Seal Cost Safari is a true example of the journey being as good as the destination. Travel in one of our brand new 4WD Mercedes vehicles, as we utilise our exclusive private access through a working farm to marvel at spectacular views of the South Island and Cook Strait.

We share stories of world-leading conservation on our way to Wellington’s secret coast and enjoy morning/afternoon tea watching NZ Fur Seals in their natural habitat. A genuinely unique experience like no other in Wellington, in an area even many locals don’t know about!

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Seal Coast Safaris - Medium Description

Join us aboard our exclusive 4WD Mercedes vehicles that offer the best in safety and comfort, as we make our way out of the city past some of the city’s landmarks. You will learn some of the history of New Zealand’s capital city and tales of the conservation efforts that are aiding a resurgence in native bird species that may be seen as you make your way through the suburbs. Turning off the main road, we utilise our private access through one of the oldest and largest stations in New Zealand. Still a working farm, we’ll likely see sheep, cows, and goats on the drive up the hill, before being treated to stunning views across the Cook Strait, Kaikoura Ranges, and the South Island once we reach the top. You then follow the ridgeline road and stop to admire the scenery along the way. Photos really don’t do this place justice.

Once we begin the descent towards the coast, you will see the Karori rock lighthouse, which is more commonly known as the ‘leaning lighthouse’. Built in 1915, the decommissioned 19m tower was one of New Zealand's first automated lighthouses and, yes, it does lean a little! Once we arrive at sea-level, we traverse the rocky, sandy track towards Tongue Point and the colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals. We’ll exit the vehicle and wander the stony beach to observe these cute creatures in their natural habitat as they sunbathe, play and swim. Staying at a safe distance [for their safety and ours], your guide will talk about the history, ecology and conservation which has allowed their numbers to flourish once again. We’ll also treat you to some morning or afternoon tea as you take photos and soak in your surroundings.

We make the return journey via the same route as we came. More stories will abound as you traverse farm land and fault lines while learning how this area is now being used as part of the Capital Kiwi project, which has recently reintroduced wild Kiwi into the area a full 100-years since they were last seen and heard in the hills. This tour is a great chance to get off the beaten track and experience an area that even many locals don’t know about.

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Seal Coast Safaris - Detailed Description

Starting in central Wellington, we will pick you up in   We begin our journey at Otari-Wilton’s Bush - one hundred hectares of ancient and regenerating forest and New Zealand’s only botanical garden dedicated solely to native plants. Designated a six-star Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand’s Gardens Trust of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Otari-Wilton’s Bush allows us to introduce you to what the landscape of New Zealand was like for early Maori and European settlers. Walking across the skybridge, you will be treated to views across the canopy while your friendly and knowledgeable guide introduces you to some of the unique flora and fauna endemic to this country and the challenges they have faced to survive. We regularly see beautiful native bird species like Tui, Kaka, Kakariki, Kereru and, occasionally, Karearea, all of which were extinct or endangered in the Wellington region only 25 years ago.

Next, we carry on through the suburbs and towards the south coast. Turning off the main road, we utilise our private access through Terawhiti Station, one of the oldest and largest stations in New Zealand. We’ll likely see sheep, cows and goats on the drive up the hill, before being treated to stunning views across the Cook Strait, Kaikoura Ranges and the South Island once we reach the top. We then follow the ridgeline road that was created for the imposing Project West Wind – a 62 turbine strong wind farm that generates enough electricity to power all the houses in the Wellington region.  This city is known as Windy Welly for a reason! Your guide will explain how this collaboration was essential in keeping the farming operation going in what are challenging and harsh conditions and added another chapter to the long, storied history of Terawhiti.

Once we begin the descent towards sea-level, appearing in the distance will be the Karori rock lighthouse, which is more commonly known as the ‘leaning lighthouse’. Built in 1915 following the sinking of the SS Penguin, the decommissioned 19m tall tower was one of New Zealand's first automated lighthouses and, yes, it does lean! You’ll see this for yourself once we reach the coast and traverse the rocky, sandy track towards Tongue Point and the colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals. Upon arrival, we’ll exit the vehicle and wander the beach to observe these cute creatures in their natural habitat as they sunbathe, play and swim. Staying at a safe distance [for their safety and ours], your guide will talk about the history, ecology and conservation which has allowed their numbers to flourish once again. We’ll also treat you to some light refreshments as you take photos and watch the ferries crossing between New Zealand’s main two islands.

We make the return journey via the same route as we came. More stories will abound as you traverse farm land and fault lines while soaking in those amazing views all over again. We’ll also share how this area is now being used as part of the Capital Kiwi project, which has recently reintroduced wild Kiwi into the area a full 100-years since they were last seen and heard in the hills. Upon arrival
back in central Wellington, we’ll leave you to reflect on your experience to an area that even many locals don’t know about.

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Welly Rings Tours - Full day - Short Descriptions

Wellington Rings Tours is the original Lord of the Rings tour company in Wellington. Owned by fans, we have half and full day tours available in modern vehicles, which visit the best film locations in the region and the famous Weta Workshop. Full Day tours also include a delicious lunch fit for a Hobbit.

Expert guides, many with film experience, will share behind-the-scenes stories and knowledge that will entertain major fans and casual viewers alike. Join us for a memorable experience and see why Wellington really is the middle of Middle-earth.

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Welly Rings Tours - Full day - Medium Descriptions

Enjoy an all-inclusive full day adventure in Wellington, the middle of Middle-earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch, and visit the famous Weta Workshop - where the films were created. Our experienced and highly knowledgeable guides with decades of experience between them will ensure you have a day to remember.

You will start your journey by seeing the Embassy Cinema and learning about the extraordinary World Premieres of The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey on the way to the Mt Victoria lookout, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the harbour. Then descend into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where you will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they find a shortcut to mushrooms and "get off the road" as they hide from the Black Riders before escaping to the Buckleberry Ferry. 

Next, you head to the Miramar Peninsula and the film-making Mecca of Wellywood. This is the home of the famous Weta Workshop where you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour in a specially designed, top secret tour space. A Weta artist will share the secrets behind movie-making and explain how the props, costumes, weapons and creatures were brought to life. You will have the chance to take some cool photos and pick up a souvenir or two, if desired. Following this, you will venture out of the main City towards the Great River Anduin before enjoying a delicious lunch fit for a Hobbit at a nearby café. 

Fully energised after lunch, you will drive to a stunning 1000-year-old temperate rain forest that was the location of Rivendell. Here you will immerse yourself in the magical setting and learn how the area was transformed into the last homely house east of the sea. You can release your inner Elf and snap a photo reenacting a famous Legolas image and then recreate the scene where Frodo leads the newly formed Fellowship towards Mordor by posing in front of the Rivendell gate tower which is the only Lord of the Rings replica structure in the whole of New Zealand outside of Hobbiton.

Starting the journey back to the city, you will visit the Gardens of Isengard where Gandalf rode to meet Saruman and where the wizards walked through the beautiful gardens before they were destroyed. You also pass by the quarry used to build the sets of Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith. You will return full of information and stories that will make your friends and family jealous. This tour is a must-do for any fan of fantasy and adventure and even those not so familiar with the story, but want to enjoy some of the most beautiful places in the Wellington region. 

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Welly Rings Tours - Full day - Detailed Descriptions

Enjoy a full day, all-inclusive adventure in Wellington, the home of middle-Earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the films were created, with our experienced and highly knowledgeable guides with decades of experience between them.

After picking you up from the Cruise Terminal or one of our several convenient Wellington City locations, you will start your journey by seeing the Embassy Cinema and learning about the extraordinary World Premieres of The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Then, ascend to the Mt Victoria lookout, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the harbour.

You will then descend into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where our expert guides will explain the wonders of film making and entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies
were brought to life. You will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring and see the places where they encountered mushrooms and Black Riders before they "get off the road" and flee to the Buckleberry Ferry. You will have the chance to
recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy!

Next, you head to the Miramar Peninsula and the film-making Mecca of Wellywood. This is the home of the famous Weta Workshop where you will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour in a specially designed, top secret tour space. A Weta artist will share the secrets behind movie-making and explain how the props, costumes, weapons and creatures were brought to life. You will have the chance to take photos with some of the iconic characters from the middle-Earth movies and pick up a souvenir or two, if desired.

Following this, you will venture out of the main City towards the shores of the Great River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled towards the Falls of Rauros after leaving Lothlorien. Then, you will enjoy a delicious lunch fit for a Hobbit at a nearby cafe, where you can feast on some traditional hobbit fare and drink some ale to refresh your stamina for the journey ahead. All dietary requirements can be catered for, but please let us know at the time of booking.

After lunch, you will drive to Kaitoke Regional Park, a stunning, thousand year old, temperate rain forest. This was used as the location for the beautiful Rivendell, the last homely house east of the sea. Here you will immerse yourself in the magical setting and learn how the area was transformed into Elrond's house, Frodo's bedroom and the bridge where Arwen and Aragorn share a kiss. You can release your inner Elf and snap a photo reenacting a famous Legolas image and then recreate the scene where Frodo leads the newly formed Fellowship towards Mordor by posing in front of the Rivendell gate tower which is the only Lord of the Rings replica structure in the whole of New Zealand outside of Hobbiton.

You will also see a scene from the Fords of Isen, where Eomund was found by Eomer at the start of The Two Towers, and have a chance to cross a swing bridge and visit a giant 800-year-old native Rimu tree and learn something of New Zealand's flora and fauna.

Finally, you will visit Harcourt Park, where you can explore the Gardens of Isengard. You will see where Gandalf rode to meet Saruman and ask for his advice after discovering Frodo was in possession of the One Ring and where the wizards walked through the beautiful gardens before they were destroyed. This is also the location where the Orcs began felling Fangorn Forest.

We now start the journey back to Wellington City, passing by Dry Creek Quarry, that was used for the settings of Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith, on the way. This is now a working quarry so we are not allowed access, but your guide will share stories and photos as you see it from the road. You will then be returned to your pick up location at the end of the day, full of information and stories that will make your friends and family jealous. This tour is a must-do for any fan of fantasy and adventure and those who may not be so familiar with the story, but just want to enjoy some of the most beautiful places in the Wellington region. Book your spot today and join us on this unforgettable journey!

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Welly Rings Tours - 1/2 day - Short Descriptions

Are you ready for a fantastic adventure in Wellington, NZ's movie capital and the middle of Middle-earth? Visit some of the most iconic locations from the Lord of the Rings movies and the famous Weta Workshop - where the films were made.

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Welly Rings Tours - 1/2 day - Medium Descriptions

Are you ready for a fantastic adventure in Wellington, New Zealand's movie capital and the middle of Middle-earth? Visit some of the most iconic locations from the Lord of the Rings movies and the famous Weta Workshop - where the films were made. 

You will start your journey by seeing the Embassy Cinema and learning about the extraordinary World Premieres of The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Then, ascend to the Mt Victoria lookout, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the harbour. Then, descend into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where our experienced and highly knowledgeable guides will explain the process of film making and entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. You will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits when they found a shortcut to mushrooms and "get off the road" as they hide from the Black Riders, before escaping to the Buckleberry Ferry. You will have the chance to recreate these favourite scenes and make your social media streams go crazy!

Next, you head to the Miramar Peninsula and the film-making Mecca of Wellywood. This is the home of the famous Weta Workshop, where you will discover the secrets of movie-making magic and learn how the props, costumes, weapons and creatures were brought to life on a behind-the-scenes tour. You can also take some cool photos and pick up a souvenir or two, if desired.

This tour is a must-do for any middle-Earth fan short on time and anyone who wants a glimpse into how films are made or wants to make family and friends jealous with an iconic photo.

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Welly Rings Tours - 1/2 day - Detailed Descriptions

Are you ready for a fantastic adventure in Wellington, New Zealand's capital and the home of Middle-earth? Visit some of the most amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies and the famous Weta Workshop where the films were made, with our experienced and highly knowledgeable guides with decades of experience between them. 

After picking you up from the Cruise Terminal or one of our several convenient Wellington City locations, you will start your journey by seeing the Embassy Cinema and learning about the extraordinary World Premieres of The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Then, ascend to the Mt Victoria lookout, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the harbour.

You will then descend into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where our expert guides will explain the process of film making and entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. You will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the places where they encountered mushrooms and Black Riders before the "get off the road" and flee to the Buckleberry Ferry. You will have the chance to recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy!

Next, you head to the Miramar Peninsula and the film-making Mecca of Wellywood. This is the home of the famous Weta Workshop. Here you will discover the secrets behind movie-making magic and learn how the props, costumes, weapons and creatures were brought to life by the talented artists at Weta. You will have the chance to take photos with some of the iconic characters from the middle-Earth movies and pick up a souvenir or two, if desired.

You will then enjoy a scenic coastal drive back to the City before being dropped of back at your pick-up location. This tour is a must-do for any middle-Earth fan short on time and anyone who wants a glimpse into how films are made or wants to make family and friends with an iconic photo.

Book your spot today and join us on this unforgettable journey!gh

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