Wellington’s lunch scene combines exceptional local cuisine with stunning New Zealand landscapes. The city’s best experiences range from practical to luxurious, each offering unique ways to enjoy a midday meal.
I’m particularly fond of the Martinborough vineyard tour with its custom lunch – it’s intimate and showcases the region’s best wines without the tourist crowds. The Marlborough Sounds helicopter tour stands out for combining breathtaking aerial views with a memorable three-course meal.
For movie buffs, the Lord of the Rings forest walk and lunch at Aston Norwood Gardens perfectly pairs film locations with local flavors. The private cable car tour with seafood lunch offers a more relaxed pace and stunning city views from the Botanical Gardens.
Browse these top lunch experiences to plan your perfect Wellington afternoon:
Key Points
- The Scenic Helicopter Tours over the Marlborough Sounds offer a 3-course lunch at The Foredeck restaurant with live commentary during the ride.
- The Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour includes a custom-made lunch at a local restaurant along with 12 wine tastings across 3 vineyards.
- The Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour offers a café lunch at Aston Norwood Gardens, which is included in the tour.
- The Private Day Tour of Wellington features a seafood-focused lunch as part of the 7-hour exploration of the city.
- The Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch experience includes a scenic helicopter ride and a 4-course gourmet meal at the Wharekauhau Country Estate.
Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour With 3-Course Lunch From Wellington
The Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour with 3-Course Lunch from Wellington offers a unique and convenient way to experience the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
This scenic tour departs from Wellington’s waterfront, taking passengers on a helicopter ride over the Cook Strait and North and South Islands.
Once at the Bay of Many Coves Resort, guests can enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch at the gourmet restaurant, The Foredeck.
The tour provides live commentary and avoids the long ferry rides, offering direct helicopter access to the resort.
Priced from €578.14 per person, this experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and customers have praised the beautiful scenery and exceptional service.
Read our full review: Bay of Many Coves Helicopter Tour With 3-Course Lunch From Wellington Review
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Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch
Exploring the renowned wine region of Martinborough, the Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch provides an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts visiting Wellington.
Priced at €333.97 per person, the 6-hour tour includes a scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges, visits to 3 local vineyards, and a custom-made lunch at a local restaurant.
Guests can enjoy 12 wine tastings, 4 samples at each venue, while learning about the region’s history and wine production from an experienced local guide.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a gourmet wine experience in Martinborough.
Read our full review: Chefs Private Martinborough Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch Review
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Wellingtons Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour Including Lunch
Wellington’s Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour Including Lunch provides an immersive experience for fans of the beloved fantasy franchise. Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 365 reviewers, the tour takes visitors to iconic filming locations, including Mt. Victoria and the Outer Shire.
The highlight is the behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Weta Workshop, where guests gain insights into the digital special effects and production history. The tour also includes a guided forest walk through a 1,000-year-old temperate rainforest and a café lunch at Aston Norwood Gardens, described as a feast fit for a Hobbit.
Led by genuine LOTR fans, the tour offers a personalized experience for a maximum of 20 travelers.
Read our full review: Wellingtons Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour Including Lunch Review
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Wellington: Private Day Tour With Lunch
This private day tour of Wellington offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions and hidden gems.
Over the course of 7 hours, travelers will be treated to hotel pickup, transport, and a knowledgeable guide who’ll showcase the best of Wellington.
Highlights include stunning views from Mt. Victoria, a visit to the famous Weta Cave, a delicious seafood-focused lunch, and a cable car ride through the Botanical Gardens.
With positive reviews praising the tour’s organization and adaptability, it’s an excellent way to experience Wellington’s diverse sights and flavors.
The tour’s wheelchair accessibility and comfortable pacing ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day.
Read our full review: Wellington: Private Day Tour With Lunch Review
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Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch
Travelers seeking an extraordinary culinary experience in Wellington can indulge in the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch. This 3-hour adventure includes a scenic helicopter ride over the Wellington Harbor, Rimutaka mountain range, and Palliser Bay, culminating in a 4-course gourmet meal at the prestigious Wharekauhau Country Estate.
Guests rave about the exceptional food quality and service, as well as the unique perspective from the sky. At $475.84 per person, the experience offers excellent value, with round-trip transfers, wine, and live commentary during the flight.
While booking requirements and weather dependencies apply, the Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch provides an unforgettable way to savor Wellington’s breathtaking landscapes and renowned cuisine.
Read our full review: Wharekauhau Degustation Heli-lunch Review
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Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington With Lunch
For those seeking a deeper dive into the iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings in Wellington, the Private Lord of the Rings Tour offers an immersive experience.
Priced from $292.52 per person, the 8-hour tour takes visitors to key filming sites, including Helms Deep, Rivendell, and Isengard.
Highlights include scenic drives with photo stops and a 90-minute tour of Weta Digital.
The tour also includes a bistro-grade lunch with a glass of beer or wine at Ernesto’s, providing a relaxing break.
With pickup from multiple locations, free cancellation, and a wheelchair-accessible experience, this private tour is a must for LOTR fans visiting Wellington.
Read our full review: Private Lord of the Rings Tour Wellington With Lunch Review
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The 5-hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine shared tour with lunch whisks visitors on a delightful culinary journey through Wellington’s picturesque wine region.
Featuring a maximum of 11 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience with stops at local producers for tastings of cheese, chocolate, and olive oil.
The highlight is the included lunch, featuring slow-cooked pulled lamb shoulder and rich 3-cheese gnocchi.
While not wheelchair accessible, the light walking involved makes it suitable for most travelers.
With a 4.9-star rating and free cancellation, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to savor the flavors of Martinborough.
Read our full review: 5 Hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine Shared Tour With Lunch Review
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6hr Martinborough Chefs Private Wine Tour ŵ Lunch From Wellington
This 6-hour Martinborough Chefs shared wine tour with lunch whisks visitors from Wellington on a delightful culinary journey through the region’s picturesque vineyards.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 11 travelers, offering an intimate and personalized experience. Highlights include catered lunch at an upmarket venue, wine tastings at 3 venues, and air-conditioned transportation.
Pickup is available from multiple locations, with a meet and greet using a name board. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Infant seats are available, and most travelers can participate. The tour is highly rated, with a 5.0 rating from 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Read our full review: 6hr Martinborough Chefs Private Wine Tour ŵ Lunch From Wellington Review
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1/2 Day Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour With Lunch From Wellington
Explore the picturesque Martinborough region on this day-long wine tour led by a skilled chef and sommelier.
You’ll visit 3-4 unique, smaller wineries and sample over 20 high-quality wines.
Enjoy a catered lunch at an upscale venue, featuring dishes like pulled lamb shoulder and 3-cheese gnocchi, paired perfectly with the local vintages.
Your guide, Aaron, brings extensive culinary and wine expertise, enhancing the experience with insights and storytelling.
With a 5-star rating and glowing reviews, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to discover the flavors of Martinborough.
Free cancellation and convenient pickup make it a hassle-free addition to your Wellington itinerary.
Read our full review: 1/2 Day Martinborough Chefs Wine Tour With Lunch From Wellington Review
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Martinborough Private 5 Hour Food & Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch
Discover the flavors of Martinborough on this private 5-hour food and wine tour, offering a gourmet lunch experience.
Enjoy an air-conditioned vehicle as you explore the region, with a wheelchair-accessible, stroller-friendly, and service animal-friendly tour.
Indulge in a main dish accompanied by a beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage, as well as bottled water. The sample menu includes options like Gyros and Fake Chicken Salad.
Pickup is available at the i-site on Wakefield Street, and the tour is subject to availability, with a 24-hour free cancellation policy.
Priced from $269.34 per person, this experience provides a low-price guarantee and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Martinborough Private 5 Hour Food & Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for These Lunch Experiences?
The dress code for these lunch experiences is generally casual and relaxed. Most restaurants don’t have strict dress requirements, allowing guests to dine comfortably in whatever attire they feel appropriate for the occasion.
Are Dietary Requirements Accommodated for These Tours?
Many Wellington lunch tours accommodate various dietary requirements. They’ll work with guests to ensure their needs, whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or others, are met, providing a tailored dining experience.
How Far in Advance Should I Book These Lunch Tours?
It’s best to book these lunch tours several weeks in advance, as they’re quite popular. Most providers can accommodate dietary requirements, but it’s recommended to notify them when making the reservation to ensure your needs are met.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for These Lunch Experiences?
The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees or result in forfeiture of the booking. Be sure to check the specific policy for each lunch experience.
Can I Bring Children on These Lunch Tours?
Most lunch tour operators in Wellington welcome children, but it’s best to check with each provider about their specific policies. Some may have age restrictions or additional costs for bringing kids along on the experience.
The Sum Up
Wellington offers a variety of exceptional lunch experiences, from scenic helicopter tours with fine dining to immersive wine and food tours in the nearby Martinborough region. Whether you’re seeking a gourmet degustation, a private chef-led adventure, or a comprehensive Lord of the Rings experience, there’s something to suit every palate and preference. These unique lunch options provide a delightful way to savor the culinary and cultural delights of the Wellington area.