weta cave workshop tour

Wētā Workshop Tours & Wētā Cave

21 Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington

Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood, and see behind the scenes of world-renowned films and television.

Tucked away in a quiet suburban Miramar street, a short drive from Wellington’s city centre lies a cinematic gem. Wētā Workshop crafts special effects and props for some of the world’s most renowned films and TV shows.

The design and manufacturing facility combines cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to serve up Oscar-winning props, costumes, and creature effects. And, best of all, it opens its doors to fans who want to see exactly how the magic is made.

On the big screen

Wētā Workshop is best known for its Academy Award®-winning work on ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. But there are plenty of other movies and shows its had a hand in. Its constantly growing list of blockbuster credits includes ‘Blade Runner 2049’, ‘Avatar’, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, ‘Dune’, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, and many more.

Weta Workshop

Take a tour

The Wētā team are happy to take the public behind the scenes in their creative workshop tours. Guests can explore different sorts of prop-making, costumes, and special effects that go into making movie magic. There are plenty of recognisable props, intricate models and set pieces along the way, including items from Middle-Earth and beyond. If you’re lucky, you’ll spy an artist at work on the tour stage.

The tour departs from the Wētā Cave retail store. A cavern of creativity in its own right, the shop features plenty of photo opportunities. Sneak past the giant trolls who guard the front door and don’t forget to check out the mini-museum where a particularly hairy pair of Hobbit feet are on display.

If you want to get hands-on yourself, try a creative workshop. Roll up your sleeves and learn the magic of sculpting with household materials and modelling clay. Refine, design, and dye a leather keepsake in an introduction to leather work. Or, try your hand at special effects makeup. You’ll learn to create gruesome wounds, fake blood, scars and scrapes. Workshops are introductory and no creative experience is necessary.

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Official Weta Cave Workshop Tour Guided Including Transport

• Guided tour of Weta Cave Workshop goes behind the scenes
• Priority seating for documentary film: a great intro
• Ideal for film buffs including LOTR fans
• Round-trip shuttle transfer offered from Wellington
• See itinerary
• Guided return transfers from i-SITE - live commentary on board. Bus pick up from 145 Wakefield St
• Priority seating to documentary on the history of Weta Workshop’s creativity.
• Admission ticket for the Weta Cave Workshop Tour
• Explore the Weta Cave retail store & mini-museum
• Entry/Admission - Weta Workshop
• Does not include hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and beverages
• Wellington Bubble Tours, Wellington Movie Tours, 145 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Bus departs from 145 Wakefield Street (opposite Amora Hotel)
• Photography is strictly prohibited in all tour spaces, unless specified by the tour guide
• There is no luggage storage in the Weta Cave or at our tour spaces.
• This tour takes place in a functioning workshop, so it can get a little drafty. We recommend bringing an extra warm layer or two
• Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them on board and disembark
• Consider our There and Back Again: The Full Experience, for two filmmaking tours for an additional $20. See: https://www.viator.com/tours/Wellington/There-and-Back-Again-The-Full-Experience/d399-6611P7
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Wellington Bubble Tours, Wellington Movie Tours 145 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand Bus departs from 145 Wakefield Street (opposite Amora Hotel) See address & details
• 1 i-SITE Bus Pickup Point Stop: 1 minute See details
• 2 Weta Workshop Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 i-SITE Bus Pickup Point Stop: 1 minute See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• sacrods 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Mixed Experience My recent visit to the Weta Workshop in Wellington left me with mixed feelings. While the workshop itself offers fascinating insights into the world of movie magic and craftsmanship, the tour experience was marred by several disappointments, primarily stemming from our tour guide, Bianca. One of the key aspects that left me dissatisfied was Bianca's presentation style. Throughout the tour, it was evident that she was reading from a script, which made her explanations feel rehearsed and lacking in spontaneity. Instead of engaging with the visitors and tapping into their knowledge about the shows, she remained distant and robotic in her delivery. Furthermore, there was a notable incident that left me feeling unwelcome as a minority ethnicity. When my group was first in line for an activity involving a sword, Bianca seemed hesitant to pass it to us, which was disheartening and made us feel excluded. Another instance that soured our experience was during the photo-taking session. Despite our excitement to capture a family picture, Bianca snapped the photo while our faces were partially blocked by the props we were posing with. It was a missed opportunity for a memorable keepsake, and it left us feeling disappointed. Moreover, there was a discrepancy between our expectations and the actual tour content. We had hoped to delve into the intricacies of how blood and scars are created, expecting a visit to the makeup department. Despite these shortcomings, there were highlights of the tour that deserve recognition. The tin foil artist and Mark, the artist who inspired us to create models from recycled materials, were truly exceptional. Their creativity and passion added depth to our experience and served as a redeeming factor amidst our disappointment with the tour guide. Read more Written 25 April 2024
• Curious24741752162 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Weta great time Our tour guide was knowledgeable and upbeat. So so interesting and interactive. Fun, exciting and eye boggling for all ages. Read more Written 24 April 2024
• robynbC1889JH 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Weta Workshop Tour Excellent tour, knowledgeable guide and well worth the visit. Loved seeing how they made the models and scenery, and being able to see some of their work. Helpful, friendly staff. Read more Written 24 April 2024
• BritishTom 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing - Sully was a fantastic guide Amazing experience - Really in depth look into the behind the scenes of film making with a focus on LOTR and other fantasy film series. Our tour guide Sully was extremely knowledgable and enthusiastic - couldn’t rate him highly enough. Would definitely recommend for anyone in Wellington Read more Written 24 April 2024
• Bob H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good trip A must do in Wellington. Our tour guide was excellent enthusiastically presenting to us. I had not realized the sheer volume of films that WETA had been involved in. Read more Written 22 April 2024
• 389traceys 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Unexpectedly underwhelming I was unexpectedly underwhelmed. Tour was much shorter than expected and felt rushed. Tour guide was on a timer and while she was lovely, you could tell she was under the pump. Going on a Saturday meant we didn't really see many of the workers in action and one who was actually there was going on her lunch break so only spoke for 2 minutes. I thought there would be more interactive exhibits. I really liked the tinfoil artist...he was gold!! It was very expensive especially with the cost of uber from Central city added on. Wouldn't do it again. Read more Written 22 April 2024
• Maps37424248347 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must see for fans of the Middle Earth films and other Weta productions. As a former LOTR extra (Rohan) this was a must do visit with my LOTR obsessed friend visiting from the US. We loved every minute - she spent a lot of money - and it was a perfect first stop on our time in Wellington together, Read more Written 21 April 2024
• V5797NXjacquis 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliantly priced experience for kids! Small groups and parents can hang out there supervising and nerding without needing to also buy a ticket! Great takeaway. Engaging presenters, cool little cave and not overpriced! Well done Weta. Read more Written 20 April 2024
• 766sharons 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Weta Workshops Experience Incredible experience. Everything and more than we expected. Great staff, great guide, and so many exhibits etc. Excellent presentations from Weta creations team. Loved it! Read more Written 20 April 2024
• R4705BLcarolined 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting day We did Weta Cave. Very interesting. I told them before that my son was Deaf so they made sure subtitles were on when needed. Lots of interesting things learnt Read more Written 19 April 2024
• M5517NSjoh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Weta Tour What a fantastic place to visit. Friendly staff . Great souvenir Shop. Flynn was an amazing tour guide. We learnt so much. Read more Written 18 April 2024
• LoveTravel394038 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it Loved it - was amazing to understand that so much work and skill goes into mechatronics in the LOTR characters. The insights were great Read more Written 18 April 2024
• Voyager41330065724 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant Packed with information and interactive hands on experiences. Great value for money. Superb couple of hours. Highly recommend for kids and adults alike. Read more Written 15 April 2024
• H550SEannet 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! Fantastic tour, we absolutely loved it! Our guide was fun and interesting, with many funfacts regarding the productions in which the weta workshop was involved. The visit is interesting for any cinema fan ! Read more Written 14 April 2024
• 757carolined 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Great staff, kind, passionate and eager to share about their fabulous work. I recommand this for any person who is interested in films, and definitely for the LOTR fans. Read more Written 14 April 2024

More to explore in Wellington

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Official Weta Cave Workshop Tour Guided Including Transport provided by Weta Workshop

Weta Workshop

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Weta Workshop - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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WETA CAVE WORKSHOP TOUR

Discover the secrets of Weta Cave on an interactive guided tour when you are in search of the top Wellington tourist attractions. Take a peek behind the scenes of the world-renowned Weta Workshop and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of movie-making. Learn how the creative geniuses of Weta bring movie magic to the screen and experience the world of fantasy and imagination.

The Weta Cave Workshop Tour in Wellington is an absolute must-do for any fan of the fantasy genre. Located in the heart of Miramar, the facility offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most beloved movie franchises of all time, including Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

The tour starts with a fascinating look at the history of Weta Digital, the world-renowned special effects company that has worked on iconic movies such as Avatar, King Kong, and District 9. Visitors will get to explore the workshops and see the inner workings of the company, including its 3D printing and molding studios.

Admire the Weta Cave, a mini-museum that houses an array of props and costumes from some of the most beloved movie franchises. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the costumes, props, and art that have been used in the movies, and even take a souvenir home with them.

• Take a journey into the heart of Weta Workshop, the award-winning special effects studio behind some of the world’s most iconic movies. • Explore the workshop through guided tours and interactive displays, from the props and costumes to the artists at work. • Experience the creative process behind the scenes with a behind-the-scenes look at the production of props and costumes for The Lord of the Rings films, Avatar, and The Chronicles of Narnia. • Learn more about the fascinating history of the studio and the people who made it possible on the Weta Cave Workshop Tour.

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Weta Cave Workshop Tour

About | Weta Cave

Step inside Weta Cave and get a glimpse of the movie magic behind the award-winning team at Weta Workshop, which is named after New Zealand’s largest insect, the weta. They’ve had a part of big films like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, District 9 and The Amazing Spiderman 2 but did you know that they’ve also been a part of more than 100 films and TV shows and this number is constantly growing.

Weta Workshop has been a part of making films since 1987 where it first started out in just a small flat but has now grown into something much bigger. Kids will love to know that they’ve been a part of movies such as Tin Tin, Mulan, The BFG, The Water Horse, Narnia, The Wot Wots and Thunderbirds!

You’ll be taken through several rooms kitted out with props, costumes and creatures that have been created for several films, a lot of what may look very familiar to you, starring in major films. There’s one room where you’ll actually be allowed to touch all of the cool and creative items, something the kids will really enjoy. And then move along to the next part to see an artist at work on the tour stage.

Weta Workshop offers several tours ranging from a short 45 minutes to 4 hours. They also offer hands-on workshops where you get to have a play around with sculpting, SFX make-up or leather & chainmaille. These tours are for those aged 14 and up.

Even if you don’t join one of the tour groups, you can still come and browse the Weta Cave Shop, pose with Gandalf the Grey and three huge orcs and watch a 30 minute behind the scenes ??? film.

When you arrive at the Weta Workshop entrance you’ll be greeted by giant trolls, make sure you stop and take a photo because you won’t be allowed to take photos on your tour. Step inside and explore the Weta Cave Shop full with amazing sculptures handcrafted by Weta artists, t-shirts, books and other movie memorabilia and keepsakes. The sculptures and props are beautifully made and take you right back to a part in the movie, also check out the pair of hairy hobbit feet on display while you’re there!

Give yourself enough time to find parking along the street, as there is no dedicated parking and spacing is limited and can fill up fast. Then make your way to the Weta Cave store where you will start your tour.

Where else can you see Weta Workshops stuff? If you’ve gone through the Wellington airport, you may have seen some already at the check in area and departures lounge. You’ll also find amazing 2.5 times life-size figures at the Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa.

Good to know : Photography is not allowed in most of the tour.

Book early : Tours can book out fast so book early to secure your spot. This is especially so during peak season, from October through to April. Book at least a day in advance, or three days during school holidays.

What age is this suitable for? Suitable for all ages but more suited for those aged 6 and up. Kids will be standing and listening as the tour guide talks and it may be tough for wriggly worms who just wanna run wild. But if kids have a keen interest in the movies that Weta have helped make or in prop making, this is something that they would definitely enjoy!

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Jewish Tour

This tour gives a well-rounded overview of life of Jews in Russia in the past and at the present time. Tourists get a chance to visit the main Jewish attractions of Moscow: the Grand Choral Synagogue, the Memorial Synagogue in the Victory Park (with the museum of Holocaust and Jewish Heritage inside it) and Jewish Museum & Tolerance Center, which is situated in a big Jewish community.

We start from the Grand Choral Synagogue, the most beautiful and the oldest synagogue of Moscow, situated in the very center. Since the day of its opening on June 1, 1906, the synagogue has been active without interruption, and has remained the center of religious and social life of Jewish people in Russia.

We continue to the Memorial Synagogue, which is situated in the Victory Park, the main WWII memorial in Moscow. We will walk through the Victory Park, observe the magnificent WWII museum and monuments and arrive to the Memorial Synagogue. The building of the synagogue is a fine example of contemporary synagogue architecture. The renowned Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler created the interior décor. The museum of Jewish Heritage and Holocaust tells us thrilling and tragic stories of Russian Jews.

After lunch break we will visit the Jewish Museum & Tolerance Center, the best museum of that kind in Russia.

The Jewish museum continues telling stories of Russian Jews. You will have a chance to learn about the “attitude of Tsars to Jews and Jews to Tsars” in Russian Empire. The exposition shows why the Pale of Settlement appeared and how ideas of Zionism and Assimilation developed in late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum describes the active role of Jews in the Soviet revolution and in life of the USSR at its early stage; the heroism of Jews in the Red Army in WW2 and Holocaust on the territory of the USSR; life of Soviet Jews after creation of the state of Israel; repressions against Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee led by the popular actor Solomon Mikhoels and Jewish Doctors’ Plot; movement of Refuseniks and dissidents, when Zionism was called a risk to security of the Soviet state. And many other interesting stories!

The Jewish museum has a unique design. It has a lot of documentary movies on display, interviews with prominent personalities and eyewitnesses of different historic events.

Upon request, we can organize a visit to Schneerson library, which is a unique collection of books that belonged to the dynasty of Lubavitch tzadiks before the Socialist Revolution and was nationalized by the Soviet Government in 1920s.

Duration : 6-7 hours

Price : 240 USD per group plus 20 USD per person for tickets. Transportation: either on foot or by car. Car / mibivan services cost 120/150 USD per day.

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PBS NewsHour

Moscow's 'unconventional' means to influence Trump's policy

Clip: 04/18/2019 | 2m 43s  |  Video has closed captioning.

The Mueller report reveals new details about successful Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and establish communication with the Trump campaign. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote, who lived in Russia for 20 years, tells Judy Woodruff about the “extraordinary lengths” the Kremlin went to in support of this goal and how Russian businessmen acted as policy intermediaries.

Aired: 04/18/19

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Major corporate funding for the PBS NewsHour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer … More

Major corporate funding for the PBS NewsHour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and American Cruise Lines. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here .

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Moscow boat show mar 8-13.

March 04th, 2016

We are happy to announce Weta are now available in Russia! 

SportsBoat RUS based in Saint Petersburg will have a Weta on display at the Moscow Boat Show March 8-13 .

Weta Trimarans

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