Your Local Tour Expert
Tours of Wellington, Martinborough & Middle-Earth
Explore with a local who knows Wellington and Martinborough inside out. Whether you’re here for the wine, the views, or Lord of the Rings (LOTR) film locations — we’ll make sure you see the real New Zealand.
Free Airport Transfer When You Book Direct
Enjoy a complimentary airport transfer when you book any private tour through this website. The offer covers hotels within 8 km of Wellington’s CBD.
Extra passengers who aren’t part of the tour can be added for just $30 per person
Complimentary airport transfer included for all guests on private tour bookings made through this website. Transfer valid to any hotel within 8 km of Wellington CBD. Additional passengers not included in the tour can be transferred for only $30 per person.
Meet Aaron
A French-trained Kiwi Chef and Hobby Historian Who Fell in Love with Sharing Wellington
I come from a family of pie makers and French pâtissiers. My grandmother always said the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach, and she was right. That philosophy has stayed with me throughout my years as a French-trained chef, born and raised in Wellington, and it still shapes how I guide tours today.
For nearly three decades, I’ve been introducing visitors to the real Wellington, the one locals know. That means cellar doors where the winemaker pours your glass themselves, kitchens where chefs step out to say hello, and family-run producers who love sharing their craft. These aren’t places you stumble across. They’re places you’re invited into.
Alongside my culinary background, I’m a hobby historian with a deep passion for Wellington’s stories from early settlement to film-making legends. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with winemakers, growers, chefs, and small‑batch artisans. I know the back roads, the hidden viewpoints, and the people who make this region special. When you travel with Kosher Tours and Travel, you’re not getting a scripted tour. You’re getting genuine introductions to the owners, the makers, and the characters who bring Wellington to life.
Whether you want to taste award-winning Pinot Noir, meet the people behind your favourite bottles, stand where Frodo once walked, or simply experience Wellington the way Wellingtonians do, I’d love to show you my corner of the world.
Tour Options
Chef's Private Martinborough Wine Tour with Lunch – from Wellington
A private wine experience for serious wine lovers
Not a bus tour. A private, chef-led journey into Martinborough’s award-winning micro-producers, small, passionate estates at the heart of New Zealand’s premier Pinot Noir destination.
Wellington City Heights Tour – Shared Tour
Panoramic views, hidden lookouts, and local favourites most visitors never find
Wellington’s real character lives in its dramatic hilltops, harbour vistas, and tucked-away lookouts, not the standard tourist trail. Highlights include Wētā Cave, the Wellington Wind Turbine, and the iconic Cable Car, plus off-the-map spots only locals know.
Wellington City Heights Tour – Private
Personalised journey through Wellington's spectacular heights and hidden corners
Wellington rewards those who venture beyond the obvious, and on a private tour, you’ll go further than most visitors ever do. Your guide is a Wellington local. Your tour includes Wellington’s most iconic landmarks, Wētā Cave, Wellington Wind Turbine, and the Cable Car, alongside the off-the-map gems that make this city genuinely extraordinary.
Wellington Lord of the Rings Private Tour — with Hobbit's Feast
Film locations, behind-the-scenes stories, and the landscapes that became legend
Step into Middle-earth beyond the usual stops. Visit Wētā Cave, then explore the actual filming locations where iconic scenes were shot with insider stories from a guide who knows the films inside out. Stand in the exact spots, recreate the scenes yourself, and dress up as your favourite Hobbit, Elf, or Dwarf with our Lord of the Rings-themed costumes.
Wellington Jewish Heritage Tour
A personal journey through New Zealand's Jewish story
Jewish families journeyed to build new lives in Aotearoa. This tour traces those stories alongside Wellington’s wider heritage, Polynesian migrations, early settlers, and the Jewish immigrants. Visit historic synagogues and neighbourhoods with a guide who shares these stories with warmth and personal connection. Includes a kosher lunch.
Fellowship of the Vine Tour
A full-day journey through Middle-earth, film artistry, and Martinborough's finest wines
Begin at Wētā Workshop, props, costumes, and the creative secrets behind Middle-earth. Then visit three iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, hear behind-the-scenes production stories, and recreate your favourite scenes. Cross the Remutaka into Martinborough. Visit three boutique vineyards, meet the winemakers, taste limited-release Pinot Noir, and enjoy a gourmet lunch.
Wellington Guided Colonial Heritage Tour with Lunch
Guided by a hobby historian, experience Wellington’s rich colonial heritage on this immersive journey through some of the city’s most iconic historical buildings
From the grandeur of Parliament and the gothic beauty of Old St Paul’s to the creative magic of Wētā Workshop and the art deco splendour of the Roxy Cinema, this full-day tour weaves together Wellington’s founding stories, architectural treasures and cultural landmarks. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ernesto’s Restaurant and take in panoramic views from the Wellington Cable Car, all with a knowledgeable local guide who brings the capital’s history to life.
What Makes Us Different
Wellington and Martinborough Knowledge
Food and Wine Experience
Lord of the Rings Geek
Treat You Like a Friend, Not a Number
What Our Customers Say
These are just some of the 390+ 5 star reviews
We really enjoyed this expansive and entertaining tour full of information with and wisdom provided by Aaron. Never a dull moment throughout.
We left Wellington with a real sense of its history, development through the years and the rich cultural heritage. We would thoroughly recommend this tour. Michael
Michael P
What a wonderful way to spend a day in Wellington. Our tour guide John was outstanding! He was friendly, knowledgeable and just an overall pleasant person to spend the day with.
We truly enjoyed our tour and learned so much. We felt it was a fantastic way to get an overall view of Wellington since we were only here for 2 days.
Marlene
We had a great day out with Emile, he showed us all the great sights and the views were incredible!
Emile was such a careful driver, he was funny, enthusiastic and very approachable, I would definitely recommend
Claire G
Have Questions?
Our tours are designed to make your next adventure effortless, memorable, and completely stress-free. The FAQ below should cover everything you need to know, but if there's anything else, we'd love to hear from you.
How much does it cost to pick up from the airport?
We can pick you up directly from your hotel, the cruise terminal, or even the airport as part of your tour package. Wherever you’re arriving from, we make the start of your Wellington experience easy and stress-free.
Free Airport Pickup for Private Tour Guests
If you book your private tour directly through this website, we’ll include a complimentary airport transfer to your hotel — a simple, stress-free start to your time in Wellington.
Complimentary airport transfer applies to all private tour bookings made through this website. Valid for transfers to any hotel within 8 km of Wellington CBD. Additional passengers not included in the tour may be transferred for $30 per person.
Where do you pick up?
We collect guests from hotels, Airbnbs, and the cruise ship terminal. For cruise passengers, we’ll meet you at the terminal with a sign at your designated time. Just let us know where you’re staying when you book.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes — absolutely. Just let us know your dietary needs when you book, and we’ll take care of the rest. We work closely with a range of trusted Wellington restaurants and can cater to all dietary requirements, including kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive, and more. Your meal will always be planned thoughtfully to match your preferences and ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience.
Can you customise the tour?
Private tours are fully customised. Tell us your interests – whether that’s wine, scenic views, film locations, or a bit of everything — and we’ll shape the day around what matters to you. Shared tours follow a set itinerary but still offer flexibility where possible.
What vehicles do we use?
We operate a modern, well-maintained fleet designed to match your group’s size, comfort, and style. All vehicles are clean, air-conditioned, and driven by experienced local guides who know Wellington’s roads inside out.
Our fleet includes:
- Luxury cars — ideal for couples or guests wanting a premium private experience
- 6‑seater mini‑vans — perfect for small groups and families
- 11‑seater vans — great for slightly larger groups while keeping the experience personal
- Mini‑buses and full-size buses — available for corporate groups, cruise excursions, and large private bookings
Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or as part of a larger group, we’ll select the right vehicle to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and relaxed journey from start to finish.
Can I combine different tour types?
You can combine different tour types, and the flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of booking a private experience. Guests often mix themes — wine tasting in the morning, Lord of the Rings film locations in the afternoon, or a city highlights tour blended with culinary stops. The itinerary is shaped entirely around what you want to see, and we adjust timing, pacing, and routes to ensure it fits smoothly.
Private touring also opens up combinations that aren’t possible on shared tours, such as pairing Martinborough wineries with coastal viewpoints, or adding cultural stops like Old St Paul’s or the Government Building to a film-focused day. The key is telling us what you’d love to include so we can design a day that feels seamless rather than rushed.
A helpful next step is sharing which two or three experiences you’d most like to combine so we can shape a sample itinerary around them.
How do I meet my Kosher Tours guide when I arrive at the Port of Wellington?
Cruise Ship GuestsIt’s simple! When you disembark, please do not board the ship’s shuttle. Kosher Tours has a dedicated meeting area at the Port of Wellington, and one of our friendly guides will greet you as you come down the gangway. Just look out for our Kosher Tours sign—we’ll find you.
Why shouldn't I take the shuttle?
Cruise Ship GuestsThe ship’s shuttle will take you to a general drop-off point in the city. By meeting us directly at the port, you skip the crowds, avoid the wait and get straight into your private Kosher Tours experience without any fuss.
What if I can't find my guide?
Cruise Ship GuestsDon’t worry—our guides will be clearly visible at our designated meeting point at the port. If you can’t locate your guide, please call or message us at +64 027 5858382, and we will come straight to you.
Do I need to do anything in advance?
Cruise Ship GuestsSimply confirm your booking with us before your ship arrives in Wellington, and we’ll take care of everything else. We’ll have your guide ready and waiting.