Wellington is a city that packs a punch when it comes to lunch experiences. Known for its creative food scene, stunning coastal views, and unique attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a midday meal. Whether you’re a film buff craving a Lord of the Rings adventure or a wine lover eager to taste top vintages, Wellington offers options that won’t just fill your stomach but also enrich your trip. We especially love the Weta Workshop tour, which combines film magic with a delicious lunch, or the scenic helicopter trips with gourmet meals—both promise memorable experiences. No matter your style, Wellington’s lunch tours are worth planning around.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of lunch experiences in Wellington, from movie-themed tours like Wellington’s Original LOTR Experience to culinary and wine tours in Martinborough, plus scenic helicopter lunches and cultural heritage journeys. Each offers something different, whether it’s behind-the-scenes film magic, wine tasting, or luxury helicopter dining. Below, we break down each tour with details to help you pick the best match for your interests and schedule.
1. Wellington’s Original LOTR Experience – includes Weta and Lunch
At number 1, this tour is a dream for movie fans. It includes a behind-the-scenes walkthrough of Weta Workshop, where iconic props, costumes, and miniatures for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were made. You’ll also explore famous filming locations around Wellington, like Mount Victoria and the Outer Shire forest. But what sets this apart is the inclusion of a lunch break, giving you time to relax after the immersive tour. The entire experience runs about 8 hours and is rated perfect by 475 reviews, with many praising the expert guides and the insider stories.
This tour is ideal for fans eager to see where the magic was created without the hassle of figuring out the filming sites alone. The guide shares personal anecdotes, adding depth to the experience. It’s a well-balanced blend of film history, scenic views, and delicious lunch—perfect for those short on time but big on fandom. The tour’s value is clear given its comprehensive nature and expert insights, making it a top pick for movie enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: If LOTR or Hobbit movies are your thing, this tour is a must. You get a full day of film magic, scenic stops, and a tasty meal, all wrapped into one.
2. Wellington Highlights ‘Cave to Coast’ Tour with Lunch
Number 2 offers a compact yet comprehensive way to see Wellington’s top sights in about five hours. This tour combines panoramic views from Mount Victoria, a visit to the Weta Cave, and a scenic drive around the Miramar Peninsula. An optional ride on the Wellington Cable Car adds a classic touch, and the tour concludes with lunch at a seaside restaurant—Chocolate Fish Cafe—where you can enjoy fresh seafood and drinks with a view of the ocean.
With a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from 208 reviews, this tour is praised for its flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and scenic stops. It’s designed for first-time visitors who want a taste of Wellington’s natural beauty, culture, and film history in a half-day. The round-trip hotel or port transfers make it very convenient. The inclusion of lunch along with multiple photo stops makes this a balanced choice.
Bottom Line: Great for visitors who want a personalized, flexible tour with a mix of highlights and a relaxing seaside lunch.
3. Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour with lunch from Wellington
Number 3 takes you to Martinborough’s renowned wine country, just over an hour from Wellington. This chef-guided private tour explores multiple top wineries, like Schubert Wines, which offers homegrown wines paired with a multi-course lunch. The tour includes expert insights into viticulture and the chance to sample three different wine venues.
Guests love the personalized experience and the delicious local food. The guide shares behind-the-scenes stories about the region’s wine-making process, making each tasting more meaningful. At around $365, it offers a luxurious experience that pairs wine with a gourmet meal, providing excellent value for wine and food lovers. If you’re interested in learning about wine in a relaxed setting, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a luxury, wine-focused day with expert guidance and outstanding food.
4. Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour with vineyard lunch
Number 4 is a full-day food and wine adventure in Martinborough, emphasizing local produce and scenic drives. Starting with tastings of wine, beer, cheese, and olive oil, this tour showcases the region’s bounty. The highlight is the lunch at a local vineyard, with small group size ensuring personalized attention. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the local agriculture and viticulture.
Guests rave about the variety of tastings and the insight into small businesses. The tour is suited for culinary enthusiasts who want to explore beyond just wine, including cheese, olive oil, and craft beer. The price of about $194 offers great value considering the multiple tastings and a substantial lunch.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies wanting a full-flavored day out in wine country.
5. Wellington: Private Day Tour with Lunch
Number 5 offers a personalized, all-in-one day exploring Wellington’s top spots. This private tour includes Mt Victoria, the Weta Cave, and a lunch at Chocolate Fish Cafe. It’s a flexible option that can be tailored to your interests, with a knowledgeable guide ensuring you see the highlights.
Guests appreciate the personal touch and easy transport, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a customized experience without the fuss. The 7-hour tour provides a rundown of Wellington’s culture, film, and scenery. The cost of $211 is reasonable for a fully guided private day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a semi-private, flexible day with excellent guide service.
6. Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour with 3-Course Lunch from Wellington
Number 6 is for luxury lovers. It features a scenic helicopter flight over Wellington, Cook Strait, and Marlborough Sounds, arriving at the Bay of Many Coves Resort. The highlight is a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine, served at this exclusive retreat. The entire experience lasts about 3 hours and offers breathtaking aerial views and a high-end dining experience.
Guests love how this is a small-group, VIP day, combining scenic flight with luxurious cuisine. The flight itself is a memorable way to see the region, and the lunch at the resort provides a perfect finish. At $650, it’s a splurge, but for those celebrating something special, it offers an unforgettable experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for luxury seekers wanting a scenic, exclusive lunch with spectacular views.
7. Wellington Jewish Heritage sightseeing tour with a kosher lunch
Number 7 gives an insightful cultural tour focusing on Wellington’s Jewish heritage. It includes visits to heritage sites and landmarks, combined with a kosher lunch at carefully selected restaurants. The tour lasts around 6 hours and is rated highly by those interested in diverse cultural stories.
This experience is great for history buffs or anyone interested in multicultural Wellington, with a focus on colonial and Māori heritage as well. The personalized nature and set menus provide a thoughtful, engaging experience.
Bottom Line: Best for curious travelers wanting an educational and cultural experience with a thoughtful meal.
8. Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington with Lunch
Number 8 caters to the fan who wants to become a part of Middle-earth. It includes walking through key film locations and costume dressing for a bit of role-playing fun. You can even LARP in costume and visit wedding sites from the movies. The tour lasts around 7 hours and offers a fully immersive experience.
This trip is perfect for fans wanting to relive the film magic in detail, especially if you’re interested in costumes, set locations, or Tolkien’s world. It’s a pricier tour at $351 but delivers a unique, interactive experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Bottom Line: For LOTR superfans who want to walk in Frodo’s footsteps with extra fun.
9. Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch
Number 9 is a luxury food and wine tour led by a qualified French chef. It explores Martinborough’s top vineyards, with tastings of premium wines and local produce, plus a gourmet lunch. The 6-hour tour emphasizes culinary craftsmanship, making it ideal for foodies and wine connoisseurs.
Guests praise the personalized guide and the delightful food pairing, making this a luxurious, educational outing. At $395, it offers a premium experience with high-quality wines and food in a scenic setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for serious food and wine enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated day out.
10. 6hr Martinborough Chefs shared wine tour + lunch from Wellington
Number 10 provides a half-day in Martinborough, combining wine tastings, scenic stops, and a gourmet lunch. It’s a small group tour with return transfers, making it accessible and relaxed. The itinerary includes visits to Schubert Wines and Moy Hall Vineyard, with a focus on local wine and food.
Guests like the informative guide and the quality of the tastings, though one noted that some wineries might not be standout. Still, the value for money is good considering the included lunch and multiple tastings.
Bottom Line: Suitable for wine lovers on a budget who want a shorter but still rich experience.
11. Wharekauhau Heli-lunch
Finally, number 11 is a luxury helicopter lunch at the Wharekauhau Country Estate. This 3-hour experience includes round-trip helicopter transfers and a 4-course gourmet meal with wine. The journey offers spectacular views over Wellington, Rimutaka Ranges, and Palliser Bay.
Guests describe it as a “real treat”—the perfect choice for special occasions or those wanting a truly VIP experience. The small-group ensures personalized service, and the scenery alone makes it worthwhile. Given the $510 price tag, it’s best suited for those seeking a memorable splurge.
Bottom Line: For a once-in-a-lifetime luxury lunch with incredible scenery, this tour is hard to beat.
How to Choose Your Wellington Lunch Experience
Choosing between these fantastic options depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re a film fan, the Wellington LOTR experience offers a rich behind-the-scenes glimpse. For wine and food lovers, the Martinborough tours provide high-quality tastings paired with excellent guides. If you prefer scenic luxury, consider a helicopter lunch or a private tour that combines sightseeing and gourmet dining.
Think about your group size and pace: private options like the Chef’s Martinborough Wine Tour or the private Wellington day tour give you flexibility. Budget travelers might prefer the half-day highlights with a seaside lunch, while splurgers will enjoy the heli-lunch or Bay of Many Coves helicopter adventure.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours and luxury experiences, to secure your preferred date and time.
To sum it up, Wellington offers a wide array of lunch experiences that cater to every interest. From immersive film tours to culinary delights in wine country and luxury aerial dining, you’ll find the perfect way to enjoy your midday break. Whether you’re a movie fanatic, a gourmet, or a scenic explorer, these tours will add a memorable flavor to your Wellington visit. Be sure to book early and pick the adventure that best suits your style—your taste buds and camera roll will thank you.