Start with morning pickup from your Wellington hotel, then travel in a comfortable minicoach along the scenic waterfront to the Museum of Wellington City and Sea, considered one of the best museums in the world.
Located in a historic building on Jervois Quay, the museum features exhibits that detail the city’s maritime history, early Maori and European settlements and Wellington's changes during the 20th century. Learn about Maori mythic figures such as the Taniwha, powerful spirits who live in deep waters including those of Wellington Harbour. Your guide leads you through the highlights of the fascinating exhibits and gives you time to browse on your own.
Departing the museum, head south of the city on an exhilarating 4WD journey to Red Rocks on the ‘seal coast’ near Owhiro Bay. During the drive, your guide points out an active fault line, old Maori settlement sites, Terawhiti Station and more. Cross spectacularly scenic headlands to reach Red Rocks, where a colony of fur seals hauls out on the rust-colored rocks. Observe the seals and enjoy exceptional views of the Tasman Sea where it meets the Pacific Ocean, the tumultuous waters of Cook Strait and the distant mountain ranges of the South Island.
After taking in the south coast, return to Wellington where you savor a delicious lunch at a bistro cafe with panoramic views over the harbor. Then visit the Wellington Botanic Garden, a 60-acre (25-hectare) estate that is the only botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. Your guide shares stories of the New Zealand bush as you walk along scenic paths lined with native forest, plant and flower collections. You may also see native birds such as tui, kereru, silver eye, kingfisher, grey warbler, and bell birds.
At the end of a fascinating full-day tour, your tour ends with return to your hotel.