Whilst New Zealand is known best for its breathtaking natural landscapes, it is also home to some amazing cities that offer plenty to do when your cruise ship docks. So, if you’re sailing to the other side of the world, here are some fantastic activities to try when you arrive in Wellington. And the best part is that they won’t cost you a penny.

Make Like A Hobbit

On any trip to New Zealand, it’s almost impossible to escape the intrinsic link this country has with both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises. Therefore, Wellington represents the perfect opportunity to visit some of the filming locations and see props used when making the movies. If you have the time to head outside of the city, you can explore filming locations at the Hutt River, Kaitoke Regional Park and the Putangirua Pinnacles, but you don’t have to leave Wellington at all to follow in Frodo’s footsteps.

A walk up the slopes of Mount Victoria will reveal a spot known as Hobbits’ Hideaway. This is where Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin hid from the Ring Wraiths in The Fellowship of the Ring. You may have to ask a local to help you locate the exact spot but the whole forest gives serious Lord of the Rings vibes. Plus, from this high vantage point, there are some fantastic views over the city.

Back down at street level, head to The Weta Cave. This museum displays a wide range of props made for the films in the attached Weta Workshop and is a must-do for Tolkien fans. There’s a great gift shop and celebrities with a link to the films have been known to make surprise appearances.

Make Like A Maori

Maori culture is an important influence on modern day New Zealand and so learning about the country’s history is a great way to get to know your surroundings. The Te Papa Museum provides the best place to do this, offering a range of interactive exhibits that also teach you about the nature in this part of the world. The main part of the museum is completely free and will allow you to experience what it’s like during an earthquake and let you come face to face with the colossal squid.

If you’re looking for yet more educational activities, take a wander around the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. As well as shining the spotlight on certain Maori legends, the displays look at the maritime history of New Zealand.

Make Like A Cuban

No, we’re not talking about the country, we’re talking about the street. Cuba Street is a lively part of Wellington where creativity runs wild. The area is more like an open-air art installation than a road, featuring interesting sculptures, street performers and free-to-enter galleries. If you don’t plan on spending anything, stop by to experience the atmosphere and take a few photos. However, if you have something left in the budget, this is a great place to grab something to eat or peruse the quirky fashion stores.

If you would like to know more about our cruises to New Zealand, we have a range of different itineraries for you to look at and our team can help you decide. Call us today or click here to contact us through the website.