Wellington stands out as New Zealand’s culinary capital, thanks to its lively food scene, diverse range of local eateries, and innovative chefs. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, especially when combined with a food tour that reveals its best-kept secrets. Whether it’s sampling artisan chocolates, tasting fine wines in Martinborough, or discovering hidden dining spots, Wellington offers a rich variety of experiences for food lovers. We particularly love tours that include local specialties, like the Wellington’s Food Walking Odyssey, which takes you through Cuba Street’s vibrant eateries and introduces you to Wellington’s culinary explosion.
Wellington’s food tours aren’t just about eating—they’re about experiencing the city’s culture through its restaurants, markets, and wineries. The tours range from quick half-day walks to full-day private explorations, catering to different tastes and schedules. If you’re into wine, the Martinborough region’s vineyards provide excellent tastings, while foodies will appreciate immersive experiences at cheese factories and chocolateries. No matter your style, there’s a Wellington food tour that can turn a day into a delicious adventure.
1. Wellington’s Food Walking Odyssey
This highly-rated small-group tour (5.0/5 from 44 reviews) offers a relaxed 3.5-hour walk through Wellington’s culinary heart. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of local food samples and cultural insights, all while enjoying the city’s streets. Your guide, Stella, will introduce you to Wellington’s best spots on Cuba Street and beyond. The tour includes various snacks and beverages, like homemade kombucha, lamb rolls, vegetarian options, and ice cream—typical Wellington fare with a twist.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention (small groups of up to 8) and the chance to learn about Wellington’s history through its food. Past visitors rave about the diverse food choices, the friendly guide, and the chance to discover places they’d miss on their own. The 3 hours 30 minutes of walking means you’ll need comfortable shoes, but you’ll leave with a full belly and a new appreciation for Wellington’s lively food scene.
Bottom Line: A friendly, in-depth introduction to Wellington’s best bites, ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of the city’s food culture.
2. Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour with vineyard lunch
This 8-hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 33 reviews) combines scenic drives with delicious tastings. It’s perfect for wine lovers who want a comprehensive day trip from Wellington. Your journey begins with a comfortable ride over the Remutaka Ranges, where you’ll learn about the region’s flora, fauna, and history. Once in Martinborough, the tour includes tastings at premium wineries, sampling local olive oils, cheeses, and craft beers, making it a true food and drink enthusiast’s dream.
The highlight is the lunch at a local vineyard, paired with wine tastings. Reviewers mention Phil, the driver, who shares engaging insights about the area, making the experience both informative and fun. The tour’s small group size (11 or fewer) ensures a relaxed atmosphere and personal attention.
Bottom Line: For around $194, this full-day tour offers excellent value for immersive wine and food tastings along with scenic views—tailored for those ready to indulge in New Zealand’s top wine region.
3. Martinborough Foodie Half Day Tour from Wellington
This 5-hour experience (rated 4.5/5 from 100 reviews) offers a quick escape from Wellington, perfect if you’re pressed for time but want to sample the best local produce. Starting with a visit to C’est Cheese, you’ll enjoy a platter of freshly made local cheeses. Next, a tasting at Schoc Chocolates offers artisan chocolates crafted by a local chocolatier. The final stop is Moy Hall Vineyard for a flight of world-class Pinot Noir.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on small, boutique producers. Guests love the seamless combination of cheese, chocolate, and wine tastings, plus the convenience of hotel transfers. For those interested in culinary craftsmanship, this tour delivers a great snapshot of Martinborough’s food scene without the full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: An excellent short tour for foodies who want quality tastings and a taste of Martinborough’s renowned food and wine culture.
4. Private Martinborough Foodie Delights Tour from Wellington
This personalized, private 7-hour tour (5.0/5 from 22 reviews) offers a tailored culinary experience. You’ll visit a chocolate factory, olive oil press, and honey farm, plus enjoy a platter lunch at a vineyard. The tour includes visits to small producers, with tastings of cheese, craft beer, and local delicacies, all in a private vehicle.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization—you can focus on what interests you most, and the driver acts as both guide and host. Reviewers mention the warm hospitality and the opportunity to get up close with local producers. It’s ideal for food lovers who want a luxury, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: At $340, this exclusive tour offers a comprehensive, private food adventure perfect for celebrating special occasions or those who value personalized service.
5. A Taste of Wellington: Wellington Foodie Delights Tour
This private 7-hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 12 reviews) offers a personalized exploration of Wellington’s culinary scene. It’s tailored to your interests, with stops at Parliament buildings, local cafes, and renowned eateries. You’ll enjoy coffee, local delicacies, and learn about the city’s political and cultural landmarks.
What makes it special is the customized experience—no large groups or rushed schedules—just a dedicated guide creating a bespoke food journey. Reviewers love the flexibility to choose what they’re most interested in, whether it’s wine, seafood, or local markets.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups wanting a flexible, private food tour that highlights Wellington’s best eats in a relaxed setting.
6. Martinborough Private Food and Wine Tour in Tesla SUV
Offering a luxury experience, this private tour (rated 5.0/5 from 9 reviews) takes you in a sleek Tesla SUV through scenic spots and vineyards. It’s fully inclusive, with lunch, wine tastings, and refreshments included, plus the added bonus of choosing your own music via Spotify.
The tour’s standout feature is the electric vehicle, providing a quiet, eco-friendly ride with a touch of elegance. Highlights include a stop at Kaitoke Regional Park, a visit to C’est Cheese, and tastings at Palliser Estate and The Poppies Martinborough.
Guests rave about the professional, attentive service and the opportunity to see parts of Martinborough inaccessible to larger groups. It’s well suited for those who want comfort, style, and a focus on sustainable luxury.
Bottom Line: For around $336, this private Tesla tour is ideal for couples or small groups seeking a premium, eco-conscious way to experience Wellington’s wine country.
7. Capital Bites, A food tour of Wellington
This 3-hour guided walking tour (rated 5.0/5 from 8 reviews) offers a quick but flavorful introduction to Wellington’s CBD. It covers Cuba Street, Lambton Quay, and waterfront eateries, focusing on local eateries and hidden gems. The tour includes tastings of craft beer, chocolate, and restaurant bites, providing a well-rounded snapshot of the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Reviewers appreciate the local insights and the friendly guide, making it a great way to orient yourself and get some authentic bites. It’s best suited for travelers who want a short, lively introduction to Wellington’s food scene without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those new to Wellington or short on time but eager to sample some of its top local bites.
8. A Taste of Kapiti – Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour
This private 7-8 hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 7 reviews) travels the Kapiti Coast in style via Tesla SUV. It’s packed with local food delights—chocolates, olive oils, liqueurs, and gelato—plus a stop at the scenic Paekakariki Hill for spectacular views.
Tastings include chocolate from Schoc Chocolates, coffee roasting at The Roastery, and a Sicilian-style meal at Passo. Reviewers praise the attention to detail, personalized service, and the chance to see the stunning coast.
This tour suits travelers who want a luxury, private experience with culinary diversity and scenic views on their agenda.
Bottom Line: At $352.61, this tour offers a bespoke and comprehensive taste of the Kapiti Coast’s food and scenery.
9. Wellington’s Walking Food Odyssey
This tour (4.6/5 from 11 reviews) is a more casual, guided 3.5-hour walk through Wellington’s food scene. It focuses on local eateries and landmarks, with at least five food tastings along the way, including coffee, tea, and water. It’s a good option for travelers who want a personalized experience with plenty of tasting opportunities.
Reviewers highlight the friendly local guide and the chance to explore Wellington’s hidden food spots. Its shorter duration makes it suitable for those with limited time but wanting a solid introduction to the city’s food culture.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced, shorter tour perfect for foodies looking to sample Wellington’s best bites while sightseeing.
10. From Wellington: Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa
This 5-hour tour (rated 4.5/5 from 14 reviews) takes you beyond Wellington into the Wairarapa region. It features cheese, chocolate, and wine tastings, with stops at a boutique cheese factory and a Martinborough winery. The tour includes a scenic Remutaka summit stop for photos, providing a mix of culinary delights and scenic views.
Guests mention the expert guidance and the variety of tastings, making it a good choice for those wanting a balanced food and scenery experience.
Bottom Line: For a reasonable price ($110), this tour offers a quick yet flavorful immersion into Wairarapa’s top food spots.
11. Wellington: 3 Hour Walking Food Tour
In just 3 hours, this tour (4.3/5 from 11 reviews) provides a compact exploration of Wellington’s food scene. It includes stops at local restaurants, cafes, and bars, sampling craft beer, chocolate, and specialty bites. Its focus is on hidden local favorites and landmarks, making it a great way to get oriented with the city.
Reviewers appreciate the personalized approach and the variety of flavors sampled. It’s perfect for travelers who want a bite-sized but authentic experience.
Bottom Line: An efficient, flavorful introduction ideal for those with limited time but a big appetite for Wellington’s local cuisine.
12. Wellington’s Asian Walking Food Odyssey
This 3-hour tour (no reviews yet) explores Wellington’s Asian food scene, revealing 5 to 6 tastings of Asian dishes. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about the cultural influences shaping Wellington’s Asian cuisine and visit culinary hotspots away from tourist traps.
This tour is ideal for lovers of Asian flavors who want an immersive, story-rich experience. It’s relatively new, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for fresh, authentic insights into Wellington’s diverse dining landscape.
Bottom Line: A promising, culturally rich tour perfect for fans of Asian cuisine and those wanting to explore Wellington’s multicultural food scene.
$150.80 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Wellington Food Tour
Choosing the right food tour depends on your time availability, budget, culinary interests, and whether you prefer a guided group experience or a private, customized adventure. The Wellington’s Food Walking Odyssey offers a lively, group-based exploration ideal for first-timers, while the Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour is perfect for wine lovers seeking a full-day outing. For those who value privacy and tailored experiences, the Private Martinborough Foodie Delights Tour or the Martinborough Private Food and Wine Tour in Tesla SUV are excellent choices.
Consider your fitness level—walking tours like the Capital Bites suit most, while private vehicle tours are better for relaxed comfort. Also, look at the types of food you want to sample—whether it’s local cheese, chocolates, wines, or Asian dishes.
Booking early is advised, especially for private tours or those during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability. Think about combining a city walking tour with a scenic vineyard experience for a well-rounded culinary adventure.
Final Thoughts
Wellington offers a fantastic variety of food tours that cater to every palate and schedule. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to explore the city’s lively streets with Capital Bites, or a wine enthusiast ready for the scenic vineyards of Martinborough, there’s a perfect match. For luxury travelers, private options like the Tesla wine tour provide a seamless, intimate experience. Budget travelers can enjoy the half-day Martinborough tour, which packs a punch in a shorter timeframe.
No matter your choice, these tours are a great way to taste what makes Wellington a food lover’s paradise. Book early, bring your appetite, and prepare to enjoy some of New Zealand’s finest flavors.