Ngā haerenga e whakahaerehia ana e te kaunihera

Wednesday 21 August
Depart 9am, return at 12pm

2-hour tour

At Zealandia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the sanctuary on guided tours led by knowledgeable rangers. You’ll learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect the unique flora and fauna of Zealandia, including the endangered takahē and tuatara.

In this special tour, you’ll have the chance to see native birds in their natural habitat, such as the kākā, kererū, and tūī. The sanctuary is also home to a diverse range of plant species, including native plants/trees that have been carefully re-established and nurtured.

A visit to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New Zealand and learn about the important work being done to preserve and protect it for future generations.

Wednesday 21 August
Meet at Beehive at 9.30am, finish at 11.30am

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore two crucial facilities dedicated to ensuring Wellington's readiness for emergencies. You'll visit the purpose-built Wellington City Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which is where Wellington City Council and partner agencies come together to manage significant civil defence emergencies. Day to day, it is used and maintained by the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO), which coordinates civil defence and emergency management services for the region, focusing on community preparedness.

You'll also tour the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC), also known as the Beehive Bunker, located under the Beehive. This underground command centre, designed to withstand intense earthquakes, is maintained by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and serves as the hub for government crisis management efforts. Join us to witness firsthand how Wellington is prepared to handle any emergency.

Note: stair only access for Beehive

Wednesday 21 August
Depart 9am, return at 12pm

Come learn about the impact Te Aranui o Te Rangihaeata — the Transmission Gully motorway has had on Wellington's transportation network.

This motorway project provides a resilient and reliable route in and out of the region, and enhances safety and accessibility for communities, particularly east Porirua.  By better connecting the Kāpiti Coast to the Wellington region, it significantly reduces traffic volumes on other state highways and cuts peak travel times by 7 to 15 minutes in each direction.

This motorway has a number of significant design and construction highlights, so this tour would be great for anyone with an engineering lens or interest.

Wednesday 21 August
Tour one: Depart 9am, return at 11.30am
Tour two: Depart 10.15am, return at 12.45pm

90 minute tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of filmmaking creativity with the Wētā Workshop Experience. Located near the iconic Wētā Cave, this guided tour offers an exclusive look at the practical effects crafted for blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and Avatar. Led by experienced Wētā Workshop crew members, you'll explore behind-the-scenes secrets and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship. The tour culminates in a private screening of Wētā's exclusive documentary, providing an immersive and unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts.

Wednesday 21 August
Depart 9.30am, return at 11.30am

Embark on a tour of Wellington's Te Ngākau Civic Precinct, the city's vibrant civic heart housing civic buildings and public spaces. Since 2015, structural issues have prompted closures, hindering its full function. Guiding its redevelopment is a 20-year vision adopted in October 2021: Te Ngākau Civic Precinct Framework. The programme features projects like Te Matapihi rebuild, Central Library refurbishment, Town Hall renewal, and demolition of aging structures like the Civic Administration Building. Redesigning public spaces, strengthening or replacing structures, and addressing gaps are on the agenda. See how this new vision seeks to reshape usage and services for a more cohesive civic hub.