Weta Workshop

Step behind-the-scenes Wētā Workshop has been making cool stuff for film and TV since 1987. Our crew has brought to life beloved characters and epic special effects for iconic blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. ​​​ Step into Wētā Workshop Experiences and explore a world of creativity, physical effects and movie magic on a guided tour through our creative home base. You'll learn about the making of props, creatures and costumes created for your favourite films. Get hands-on with unique pieces from our many departments, catch our artists at work and discover how we’ve grown into the award-winning workshop you see today.

The ultimate movie adventure Dive into our immersive world at Auckland’s SkyCity and get hands-on with movie magic like never before. This is your all-access pass to a world where creativity knows no limits. Come to our place, where imagination and creativity reign supreme. With our entertaining hosts at the helm, we’ll guide you on an adventure beyond our doors to break into our secret world of practical movie effects. Join us and journey through three jaw-dropping, highly imaginative films created by our visionary Wētā Workshop crew where everything is not as it seems. It's our time to share with you! We’ll reveal the workshop magic kept under wraps and how we bring the impossible to life. Unleashed isn’t just a tour, it’s a hands-on magical carpet ride through the practical effects making process. We believe there's a creator in everyone. Ready to fuel your curiosity and ignite your imagination? Your movie adventure begins now! Jump on board.

Enter the world of Wētā Workshop with the Wētā Workshop Experience + Guided Transfers, a guided round trip by Wētā Workshop! You’ll enjoy return transfers from Wellington i-SITE to Wētā Workshop, where you’ll explore our two unique tour spaces. Your driver will highlight iconic film sites during your journey to the Wētā Cave (a cavern of creativity in it's own right!) On arrival, a Wētā Workshop crew member will show you incredible props and costumes from films like The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Descend into the forested slopes of the Outer Shire, where our expert guides will entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. Recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy! Then delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Middle-earth movies. Learn the secrets of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes tour by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these films to life. You'll also have chance to take photos with various characters and weapons, as well as treating yourself to a souvenir or two, if desired.

Kosher Tours and Travel has custom made City heights tour featuring the 3 best viewing points in Wellington. Your Kiwi guide will introduce you to the most progressive city in New Zealand encouraging you to stay a while longer. On your tour you will see Wellywood with coastal scenic drives and walk through the Weta workshop owned by Sir Richard Taylor. Later you can ride the Famous Wellington cable car and view the gorgeous Lady Norwood rose & Botanical gardens. If we have time we will tour by the original Parliament buildings( built 1867 the largest commercial wooden building in the world) and walk through the pristine grounds of our Capital building (Beehive) This tour is suitable for anyone with mobility issues and our vehicles are practical to allow for fold up wheelchairs and motorised chairs that can fit in the boot.

Enjoy a full day, all-inclusive adventure in Wellington, the home of middle-Earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the films were created. We are Wellington's original Lord of the Rings tour and have been operating since 2002. Formerly Rover Rings Tours [before Covid], Welly Rings Tours is proud to show you Wellington as Middle-earth. Our fans-turned-guides will share with you fascinating stories of the making of these movies that you likely won't hear anywhere else – mainly because some of our guides were actually there!

Turn your fantasy world, into reality. Have you ever dreamed of a fantasy world and imagined every tiny detail of its landscape, colour, texture and shape? At our Intro to Worldbuilding creative workshop, our crew will teach the basic tricks of the trade to help you turn your imagination into reality. Get a taste of what it is like to be a practical effects artist, making real miniature environments and landscapes for a setting in a movie scene. First, you’ll be guided through a Wētā Workshop brief based on our original fantasy movie, the Age of the Ever-Clan, featured in our Tour. Next, it’s time to examine the movie scene to understand the miniature required, and then dive right into the techniques needed to bring that scene to life, including sculpting, flocking and painting. Everything you need to create your fantasy world a truly believable environment will be provided. Our creative workshops cater to small groups to allow for one-on-one learning with our crew.

A 5 hour guided highlights tour of coastal Wellington. Tour highlights include spectacular views at the Mount Victoria Lookout, a scenic coastal drive from Oriental Parade around the Miramar Peninsula as well as a visit to the Weta Workshop Weta Cave with exclusive documentary viewing. Enjoy the views of the rugged south Wellington Coast as far as Te Kopahou Reserve and the Brooklyn Wind Turbine before optional central city stops including the Cable Car, Botanical Gardens and Lady Norwood Rose garden and Old St Paul's Cathedral. Lunch (a main and a drink) at a seaside cafe is included.

Making something scary isn’t actually scary at all. It’s highly enjoyable with smiles and laughs all around. You’ll be guided through a Workshop brief based on the faux horror movie Fauna, featured in the Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to design a gruesome wound, inflicted by a terrifying monster, and use prosthetic effects to apply it to your arm? At our 'Intro into special effects' creative workshop, our Wētā Workshop Unleashed crew will teach the basic tricks of the trade to deliver realistic prosthetic effects that will make your friends and family cringe in terror, and giggle with horrified delight. The thrill of hands-on creative workshops is experiencing what it’s like to be a practical effects artist working on the movies, creating ghastly effects for a variety of scenes.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create a gruesome wound and use prosthetic effects to apply it to your arm? Learn the art of crafting convincing special effects by mixing blood and sculpting your own scars and scrapes at our Intro to SFX workshop.

We make our way up to the Mount Victoria Lookout to see spectacular views of Wellington’s city by driving up Courtenay Place, past the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The last LOTR instalment The Return of the King (2003), and the first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012). Then it is off to Hobbiton Woods where the filming of his epic trilogy began. Home of the Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; the location where the Hobbits hid from the Black Rider (“Get off the Road!”); the Race to the Buckleberry Ferry scene; and King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment. Now we are off to the Weta Workshop in Miramar. for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour where you see how props plus weaponry are made and probably maybe meet artists at work. At the Weta Cave see and have photos with Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s three Trolls. The tour concludes with a drive around the bays back to the city

Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this self-guided adventure of Wellington. From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike. You will be provided with riding instructions, a helmet, a lock and a cycle map of the city, including top picks of places to stop on your ride. You can ride the bays to take in the best view points or use your eBike as your transport between the Wellington must see attractions such as Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, these top-quality electric bikes make your mode of transport an experience in itself.

First stop, Dry Creek Quarry site of Helm’s Deep and Minas Tirith. Then River Anduin where the Fellowship travelled to Amon Hen, Gardens of Isengard -Gandalf met Saruman to discuss the Ring, where Saruman’s Orcs destroy the gardens. Rivendell home of the Elves, adventurous may cross swing bridge. Lunch stop provided, please be flexible as timings vary. (Cost of lunch not included in tour price). Weta Workshop seeing how props, weaponry are made, see artists at work and sets from Thunderbirds. Meet Gollum, Lurtz the Uruk-hai, Bilbo’s Trolls. Hobbiton Woods where trilogy began. Shortcut to Mushrooms scene; Sam & Frodo’s Second Breakfast; Hobbits hiding from the Black Rider (Get off the Road!); Race to the Buckleberry Ferry King Théoden’s Dunharrow Encampment. Mount Victoria Lookout to see views of Wellington. Back in the city Courtenay Place, the Embassy Picture Theatre which held two world premieres; The Return of the King (2003), first Hobbit movie An Unexpected Journey (2012).

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents two world-class exhibitions. The first is the original ‘Knights of the Sky’ exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of WWI aircraft and artifacts. The story of aviation in the Great War is brought to life in sensational sets created by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.  The second is the new exhibition ‘Dangerous Skies’ features stories from World War II. These are tales of daring, valour and tragedy stretching from the British Isles to the forests of Germany, an embattled but courageous Russia and the steaming hot jungles of South East Asia. Two of the star attractions are a twin engine bomber, the world's only flyable Mk1 Avro Anson and a Griffon powered Mk.XIVe Spitfire. Women also feature more prominently in this exhibition and the Battle of Stalingrad is the stage for an immersive experience that is both entertaining and chillingly thought provoking.

This tour is one you design yourself. Use our timetable and descriptions of venues to decide where you want to hop off. Then when you're there, most venues have special discounts for you as a passenger on Hop on Hop off. If you’re not a drinker then there is still plenty on offer with a fantastic range of other activities such as museums, bike tours, chocolate shop, and amazing food to be sampled. • Get to your choice of some of Marlborough's best wineries safely and with ease • Great way to go wine tasting without a car or designated driver • Choice of a half-day afternoon or full-day ticket • Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences

Ride at your own pace by hiring an eBike on this half-day or full-day self-guided adventure of Wellington. From the centrally located Waterfront to the quiet bays and panoramic lookouts, you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. These quality electric bikes are easy to use and suitable for any level of fitness. If you can ride a bike, you can ride an eBike. You will be provided with riding instructions, a helmet, a lock and a cycle map of the city, including top picks of places to stop on your ride. You can ride the bays to take in the best view points or use your eBike as your transport between the Wellington must see attractions such as Weta Workshop, Zealandia Sanctuary, Te Papa Museum or the Wellington Cable Car located only 5-minutes away. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, you'll love exploring Wellington on these top-quality electric bikes!

Wellington Full Day Tour A fully escorted tour showcasing all of the best highlights of Wellington city and some of its outer suburbs.  Among visiting iconic landmarks, the tour will also include a cafe lunch beside the sea (cost not included), and the choice of taking either a guided tour of the Weta Workshop Studios, or for the nature lovers, a guided tour of our renowned wildlife sanctuary Zealandia.  Features include: • Mt Victoria lookout (360 views of Wellington) • Ride on Iconic Wellington Cable Car • Parliament Buildings (Beehive) • Old St Paul's Cathedral • Lady Norwood Rose Garden • Rocky coastline • Wahine Memorial • Drive through downtown Wellington • Lunch at a seaside cafe (cost not included) • Weta Cave Tour or Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary (tours are with a guide)

Beat the crowds and explore this award-winning exhibition before opening. Explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War with the peace and stillness this subject matter deserves by entering the exhibit half an hour before the public. Te Papa has joined forces with Weta Workshop to create an exhibition like no other. After a short introduction from a Te Papa Host, you will wander freely at your own pace through this gallery. Garnering international acclaim and various awards, this space is best experienced before the museum's doors are opened for general admission. * See eight extraordinary New Zealanders captured frozen in time on a monumental scale – 2.4 times human size * Learn about the battles that took place in this culturally-defining event * Discover more about the ANZAC story through 3D maps and projections, miniatures, models, dioramas, and a range of interactive experiences.

Get connected with the Wellington that locals love. Kia ora, we are Jo & Suzee. We create fabulous & fun private Wellington tours and shore excursions tailored just for your family & friends. Discover boutique food, coffee & the scenic delights of our funky capital city. Ride the iconic Cable Car, check out the beaches & take in the fabulous views from the wind turbine or the Mt Victoria lookout. We pick you up & drop you off at your hotel, ship or airport. Your time, your tour. We get in touch to create your bespoke Half or Full Day itinerary. Why choose us? • Travel only with your family & friends. • Meet a new local friend with insider knowledge. • Poke around the hometown they love. • Experience stunning scenery. • Avoid busy tourist traps. • Comfortable environmentally friendly vehicles. • Help yourself to local refreshments from the chilly bin (cooler). • We know where the toilets are. Cruisers, we've got your back, we get you back to your ship on time.

Private Tour of Iconic Landmarks and Unforgettable Experiences: Embark on a private tour through Auckland’s most iconic attractions, where nature, culture, and adventure collide in a seamless journey of discovery. From panoramic cityscapes to underwater marvels and the world of cinematic magic, this tour offers an unforgettable day exploring the best of Auckland and its stunning surrounds. Tour Highlights: – Breathtaking views from Mount Eden and the Sky Tower. – An exhilarating underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. – A chance to step into the world of movie magic at Weta Workshop Unleashed. – Historic exploration of Mt Victoria and the charming streets of Devonport. This private tour blends stunning natural beauty, thrilling experiences, and fascinating history, ensuring that your day in Auckland is nothing short of extraordinary.