Hops and Horsepower (Drinks & Cars) - Full Day Tour

Explore Southwards Car Museum, exclusive car collections, and taste NZ’s finest beverages on this 1-day Hops and Horsepower tour.

Duration: 6 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wellington - COLLECT

Our journey starts by safely collecting all of our guests & getting onboard our vehicle.

If you are coming in by cruise ship, we will collect you directly from the port. You do not need to get on a shuttle bus or head to the city as we are accredited to collect you as you walk off the ship.

If you are being collected from your hotel then please wait in reception or just outside where you can been seen by your friendly guide. Sit tight, sometimes traffic (or people) can delay our arrival.

If you are being collected from the iSite then pop out to the tour bus stop just outside/beside the iSite. Keep an eye out for Ka Rawe signage on the vehicle & we’ll see you soon.

Once we’re all onboard we take a leisurely 30 min ride out to the beautiful Kapiti Coast in our air conditioned vehicle.

Your driver/guide will share insights & facts about New Zealand & Wellington as you travel.

  • US Marine Memorial in New Zealand - Travelling along our brand new motorway called Transmission Gully, we then take a quick stop during our journey to visit a memorial to the Marine Camp based in Paekakariki during World War 2.

Paekākāriki served as a major base for American Marines fighting in the Pacific Campaign.

The first Marines arrived in Wellington to a tremendous welcome on 4 June 1942. After berthing at Aotea Quay, equipment was sorted and a parade quickly organised before the trip to the camps at Mackays Crossing.

Part of the memorial is a hut that is displayed in such a way to replicate one of the huts that existed during this campaign.

Your guide will help bring this memorial to life by sharing imagery from the camp.

  • Southward Car Museum - Wow. Just wow.

Tucked away amongst park-like surroundings on the Kāpiti Coast is a world-class museum. It is the legacy of a vehicle-loving man.

Inside the purpose-built exhibition hall, chrome and steel glints in every direction. Here is a remarkable private car collection, the largest in Australasia.

Southward Car Museum is the result of one man’s vision. Sir Len Southward was a pioneering marine engineer. He, along with his wife Vera, began collecting cars in the 1950s & by the mid-1970s his collection had grown to such an extent that purchasing a building was necessary.

The museum houses more than 450 rare and treasured vehicles. You’ll find an 1895 Benz Velo & a 1915 Stutz Indianapolis race car. Discover the 1934 Cadillac that was once owned by American actress Marlene Dietrich & locate the four-tonne, 1950 “gangster special” Cadillac complete with genuine bullet holes, owned by gangster Mickey Cohen.

The only downside is that we can’t stay here for hours!

  • Upper Hutt - TRANSIT

We say farewell to the beautiful Kapiti Coast as we get back on the Transmission Gully motorway & head towards the suburb of Upper Hutt.

Upper Hutt has previously been referred to as the “Detroit” of Wellington with many solid, working class people residing here.

It also happens to be home to Cars Inc, a new car enthusiasts venue that showcases his passion for all things Automotive.

  • Cars Inc Museum & Cafe - Check this place out….

After years of planning, Paul & Jen are now proud to bring to you a Car Museum called “CARS INC”. The Site for the Museum is adjacent to the old GM Car Plant in Trentham, Upper Hutt, which was the spiritual home for a huge number of the Cars that were on the NZ roads in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Our aim is to provide visitors with the opportunity to see vehicles of special interest or, in other words, “Mobile pieces of Art”.

The Museum is open to the public and has on display a wide range of vehicles encompassing Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Modern Classics, Circuit Cars, Drag Cars and Motorbikes, along with Auto Memorabilia.

We also look for Automotive Memorabilia and related collections to put on display.

Another great jewel in Wellington & visiting here with your tour group is exclusive to Ka Rawe Tours!

  • Jackson Street Programme - Discover historical, quirky & quaint Jackson Street in Petone.

You’ll get to take a leisurely stroll up Jackson Street as you pass the many cafes, fashion stores & you may even come across the Chocolate store!

At the end of this 800m (1/2 mile) stretch, we find our next destination which is Gear Street Union.

  • Petone - Well you deserve something to eat I drink I reckon!

After experiencing the quaintness of Jackson Street Petone, you’ll find your way to Gear Street Union on Gear Street.

We’re sure you will have built up a thirst by now so we’re in the right place to quench that thirst!

For beer lovers, you’ll be served 3 beers of choice from the NZ founded Tuatara range. These 3 drinks are included in your package.

If you’d prefer to sample some wine, you’ll be served 3 different wines from various regions around New Zealand. These 3 drinks are included in your package.

But wait there’s more……

If you’d prefer a spirit, you’ll be served 3 different Gins from brands founded here in New Zealand. These 3 drinks are included in your package.

Last but not least, for those under 18, you’ll get 3 non alcoholic drinks of your choice.

Of course you must be 18 years of age to enjoy alcohol in New Zealand, no exceptions can be made.

  • Wellington - RETURN

After our epic day, we head back in to the city completely fulfilled!

Its a short 15 minute journey back to the city in the comforts of our air conditioned vehicle.

What an epic day!

What's Included
  • Admission to Southwards
  • Admission to Cars Inc
  • Drinks paddle
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

If you have high expectations for this tour, we are confident we will meet them!

We begin in the city and then make our way to the stunning Kapiti Coast. Our guide will provide ongoing commentary, and you are welcome to ask any questions you may have.

The Southwards Car Museum is truly world-class, featuring two levels of automotive history for you to enjoy. While it would be easy to spend hours here, we have more exciting things to share with you!

Next, we head to the Hutt Valley to visit Cars Inc, where you can view a private collection of machinery. Exclusive to Ka Rawe tours, you can grab a coffee and a snack while you explore this unique collection.

We’ll then take a detour to Petone, the site of the original settlers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the charming Jackson Street as you make your way to Gear Street Union. We’ll find a seat, and you’ll have the chance to sample some of New Zealand’s finest beverages. Please note, alcohol is only available to those over 18 years of age.

What a fantastic day out!

  • Must be over 18 years of age to drink alcohol as per NZ law
Location
Wellington isite Visitor Information Centre
Wakefield Street
Head to the bus stop just outside the iSIte & keep an eye out for Ka Rawe branded vehicles!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 11 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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