Social Events

As a part of the 2024 National Tax Retreat the IPA has organised three, day tours iconic to the Wellington Region.

Once you have chosen your Full Registration or Social Events Package, please ensure you complete the form on your registration confirmation email to ensure your preferred day tour is selected. All day tours have limited numbers.

Option 1: Wellington Full Day Tour

Starting at 9.30am and we will head to Mt Victoria for superb views of the city and harbour and to give you the lie of the land. Peter Jackson's Weta Cave film empire is the next stop with time to check out the museum and shop with some great photo opportunities outside, before lunching by the sea at the renowned Chocolate Fish cafe.

After lunch (included in the tour price) we continue to follow the rugged coastline around to Red Rocks and head off road to see the seal colony when in season.

We then drive back into the city and take you on a cable car ride and walk down through the picturesque Botanical Gardens to the Lady Norwood rose gardens. Then we head to the iconic Beehive and Parliament buildings before visiting Wellington's oldest church, Old St Pauls.

Finally we head out West to the Wright Hill, a historic military site with commanding views of the greater Wellington region.

Option 2: The Foodies Tour

Starting at 9.30am and we will head to the historic township of Petone at the northern end of Wellington harbour. Our first stop is to a specialty coffee roastery on the Petone foreshore where you learn about its fascinating history and the timeline of the coffee from shrub to your cup. You take part in a coffee roast then get to savour the product in a tasting session.

Next stop is Zany Zeus dairy and cheese factory where you will sample a range of cheese, yogurts and organic ice cream. This is followed by a visit to the resident chocolatier, for a tasting and chocolate making lesson. 

Lunch is next at La Bella Italia, at Wellington own version of Parma in Petone. Here you taste a range of cured meats served with pizza bread and a glass of wine. Baylands Brewery is the next stop where you taste their full range of locally produced craft beers.

The last visit will be to either another craft beer brewery or savour more gourmet food in Wellington's Eva Street which hosts both a peanut butter, and chocolate factory.

Option 3: Lord of the Rings Tour

Starting at 9.30am and head for the hills. After admiring the view from the top of Mt Victoria we head into the "Outer Shire" for our first stop the Hobbit's hideaway.

Then it's onto the Weta Cave in Miramar where you tour the museum, before viewing a short documentary showing the film making exploits of Peter Jackson and his remarkable team. This is followed up with a fascinating ‘Window into the Workshop’ exhibition, showing film props and weaponry with the artists themselves describing how the artefacts were created. 

We lunch locally at the iconic Chocolate Fish cafe (price included) then head north into the Hutt Valley following the River Anduin and taking in the sights of Helms Deep, before stopping at the Gardens of Isengard for afternoon tea.

The final destination is Rivendell and the Legolas tree before returning at 4.30pm.