Wellington packs serious lunch power with options ranging from simple to spectacular. The city’s midday meals shine brightest through its organized tours, which combine great food with unforgettable experiences. I especially love the helicopter tour with its three-course feast – it’s worth every penny for that bird’s-eye view of the harbor while dining. The food and wine tours are another winner, letting you taste your way through local farms and wineries while someone else does the driving.
For real value, don’t miss the Remutaka Range tours that pair slow-cooked lamb with stunning mountain views. Even movie buffs get their fill with Lord of the Rings tours that include gourmet picnic stops at filming locations.
Let’s explore Wellington’s most impressive lunch experiences.
Key Points
- Explore the diverse dining options in Wellington, from fusion cuisine and fresh seafood to artisan pizzas and decadent desserts highlighting local ingredients.
- Experience unique dining atmospheres, such as waterfront views, converted warehouses, and historic buildings that add cultural significance to the lunch experience.
- Indulge in signature dishes like lamb shanks, craft burgers, and freshly caught fish served with creative sides at popular lunch spots across the city.
- Enjoy personalized and high-quality culinary tours in Martinborough, featuring gourmet lunches, wine tastings, and scenic drives over the Remutaka Ranges.
- Discover exclusive and high-end experiences, including helicopter tours with a 3-course meal or a 4-course degustation lunch at Wharekauhau Country Estate.
Travelers embark on a 5-hour culinary adventure through the picturesque Martinborough region with this bespoke food and wine tour.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a delectable lunch featuring slow-cooked lamb and gnocchi, and tastings of cheese, chocolate, and olive oil.
Visitors also enjoy wine tastings at three distinct vineyards. The tour receives high praise, with the olive oil tasting and passionate owner being a particular highlight.
While the chocolate factory experience receives mixed feedback, the overall experience is well-reviewed, with a 4.9 rating based on 7 reviews.
The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Martinborough’s food and wine scene, making it an enticing option for travelers.
Read our full review: 5 Hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine Shared Tour With Lunch Review
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Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch
For those seeking a more exclusive and personalized Martinborough wine experience, the Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch offers a delightful alternative to the previous tour.
Priced from $349.70 per person, this 6-hour tour takes visitors on a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges and visits three local vineyards for wine tastings.
The highlight is a custom-made gourmet lunch at a local restaurant, complemented by an experienced guide’s commentary.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a wheelchair-accessible option, this tour is well-suited for wine, food, and history enthusiasts looking for a high-end, personalized experience in Martinborough.
Read our full review: Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch Review
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Martinborough Private 5 Hour Food & Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch
Priced from $273.01 per person, the Martinborough Private 5 Hour Food & Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch offers visitors an immersive exploration of the region’s culinary and viticultural delights.
The tour provides a kosher lunch, which includes a choice of Gyros or a Fake Chicken Salad, accompanied by a beverage and bottled water.
Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup from a designated site on Wakefield Street.
The tour is accessible, accommodating wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Martinborough Private 5 Hour Food & Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch Review
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Wellington: Private Day Tour With Lunch
The Wellington: Private Day Tour with Lunch offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights in a single day.
Priced at $192.33 per person and lasting 7 hours, the tour includes pickup, transport, and lunch. Guests can expect to visit iconic sites like the Beehive, Parliament buildings, and Wellington’s oldest church.
Other highlights include the Weta Cave, Red Rocks, the Botanical Gardens, and spectacular city views from Mt. Victoria and Wright Hill.
With a 5/5 rating from past travelers, this tour provides excellent value and the opportunity to see Wellington’s top attractions in a personalized manner.
Read our full review: Wellington: Private Day Tour With Lunch Review
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Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour With 3-Course Lunch From Wellington
Visitors seeking a truly unique and unforgettable experience can embark on the Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour with 3-Course Lunch from Wellington. This tour offers a scenic flight over the Cook Strait, providing stunning views of the North and South Islands.
Upon reaching the Bay of Many Coves Resort, guests can indulge in a delicious 3-course meal featuring fresh, local produce at The Foredeck restaurant. The tour includes a glass of wine and live commentary, ensuring a relaxing and informative experience.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per flight, this tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors, including infants. Priced from $615.79 per person, this tour receives rave reviews and is a must-do activity while in Wellington.
Read our full review: Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour With 3-Course Lunch From Wellington Review
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Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington With Lunch
Frequently, travelers to Wellington embark on the private Lord of the Rings tour, which offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic filming locations.
The full-day tour covers key sights like Isengard, Helm’s Deep, and Rivendell, with a gourmet lunch at Ernesto’s and a tour of the Weta Digital film workshops. Priced from $291.41 per person, the tour provides flexibility with 10 pickup locations and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and personable guide, as well as the overall enjoyment of the tour. With its well-curated itinerary and inclusive amenities, this Lord of the Rings tour is a must-do for fans visiting Wellington.
Read our full review: Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington With Lunch Review
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1/2 Day Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour With Lunch From Wellington
Travelers visiting Wellington often embark on the private Day Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour, which offers a delightful exploration of the region’s renowned vineyards and culinary delights.
This 5-star rated tour includes visits to three local wineries, a catered lunch with wine pairings, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Guided by a knowledgeable chef and sommelier, guests enjoy personalized attention and engaging storytelling about the wines and local history.
The tour is accessible to various age groups and receives consistent praise for the quality of the experience, from the diverse wine tastings to the upscale lunch venue. Many guests even plan to return with friends, further testament to the tour’s excellence.
Read our full review: 1/2 Day Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour With Lunch From Wellington Review
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6hr Martinborough Chefs Private Wine Tour ŵ Lunch From Wellington
Set out on a captivating half-day wine and culinary adventure in Martinborough, departing from Wellington.
Admire the picturesque vineyard-covered landscape of Wairarapa as you travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Indulge in a catered lunch at an upmarket venue and savor wine tastings at three venues.
With a maximum of 11 travelers, this private tour offers a personalized experience.
Though not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and accommodates service animals and infant seats.
Priced at $151.67 per person, this tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With a 5.0 overall rating based on 3 reviews, this is a must-try for wine and foodies.
Read our full review: 6hr Martinborough Chefs Private Wine Tour ŵ Lunch From Wellington Review
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Wellingtons Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour Including Lunch
Immersing visitors in the captivating world of Middle-earth, Wellington’s full-day Lord of the Rings tour offers a comprehensive experience for movie fans and time-pressed travelers alike.
With a 98% traveler recommendation, this highly-rated tour takes guests behind the scenes of the iconic LOTR filming locations. Highlights include a visit to Weta Workshop for a digital special effects tour, a lunch at Aston Norwood Gardens, and explorations of the Greenbelt, Hutt Valley, and Rivendell setting.
Operated by genuine fans, the tour provides insider knowledge and anecdotes, along with opportunities for stunning photo ops. At a maximum of 20 travelers per group, this tour delivers an intimate and engaging LOTR experience in Wellington.
Read our full review: Wellingtons Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour Including Lunch Review
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Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch
The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch offers a captivating aerial journey coupled with a gourmet culinary experience in Wellington, New Zealand.
This 3-hour tour takes guests on a round-trip helicopter ride from Wellington to the Wharekauhau Country Estate, where they’ll enjoy a 4-course meal with wine at the Grand Lodge.
The scenic flight showcases breathtaking views of Wellington, the Rimutaka Ranges, Palliser Bay, and the Orongorongo Valley, followed by a different coastal route along the Pencarrow coast.
Reviewers praise the food quality, service, and overall helicopter experience, though one guest encountered a booking issue.
With a maximum of 6 people per booking, this tour provides an intimate and memorable dining adventure.
Read our full review: Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for the tours is casual. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking. No formal attire is required.
Are Vegetarian or Dietary Options Available?
Many tour companies offer vegetarian and other dietary options to cater to various needs. It’s best to inquire about the available choices when booking your tour to ensure they can accommodate your preferences.
How Much Time Is Allowed for Lunch?
Lunch breaks typically allow 30-60 minutes, though some workplaces offer more flexibility. The time can vary depending on the organization’s policies and the demands of the workday. Workers should check with their employers to understand the expected lunch duration.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, you can typically customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. Many tour providers offer flexible options that allow you to adjust the schedule and activities based on your interests and needs.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for These Tours?
The cancellation policy for these tours varies, but most operators offer flexible options. Customers can typically cancel or modify their bookings within 24-48 hours of the scheduled start time without incurring penalties.
Recap
Wellington offers a wide range of exceptional lunch experiences, from Martinborough wine tours with gourmet meals to private day trips with scenic helicopter rides. Visitors can savor the region’s renowned food and wine while enjoying stunning natural landscapes or seeing the Lord of the Rings universe. These diverse options cater to various interests and budgets, ensuring there’s a perfect lunch experience for everyone exploring Wellington.