Wellington Jewish Heritage sightseeing tour with a kosher lunch

Travel through the Wellington region with Aaron, a local guide, historian and award winning cook, on a six hour tour shaped by Jewish history, local heritage and food. This experience focuses on the stories, people and places that helped form the region, with Aaron explaining why the Aron's and Beder families came from Belarus in the 1930s and how they were supported by some of the earliest Jewish immigrants in New Zealand, described here as "The Great Jewish Hospital".

The tour visits heritage sites linked to Wellington's Jewish community, including the burial sites of the first settlers, Lipman Levy and Solomon Levy, along with the Jewish community centre and historical buildings connected to Hebrew leadership. These stops give the day a clear historical thread, grounded in named people and community places rather than broad generalisations.

Alongside this, the tour places Jewish history within the wider story of the region. Aaron traces Wellington and Wairarapa heritage from the great Polynesian migration in the 10th century, through Colonial and Māori history, to the land wars in 1862 and the fusion of early European culture into the Wairarapa region.

Food is also part of the day, with hand picked dining and brasserie style restaurants serving set menus.