Weta Workshop
Weta Workshop
4.5
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Monday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Tuesday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Wednesday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Thursday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Friday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Saturday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
Sunday
8:45 AM - 6:15 PM
About
Weta Workshop is your gateway to incredible film-making experiences in Wellington, New Zealand. From Lord of the Rings to Avatar: our Weta Workshop Tours reveals how we make the props, costumes, creatures and models from your favourite films. Blast off on our Miniatures Stage Tour to see the unbelievable Weta Workshop models and miniatures built for the remake of popular TV series, Thunderbirds Are Go! A cavern of creativity, the Weta Workshop Cave shop also boasts collectibles designed by the artists at Weta Workshop, prop replicas, apparel, jewellery, books and more. While you’re here, take a seat and enjoy a short documentary about the history of film-making on the Miramar Peninsula.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Caitlin DBrisbane, Australia5 contributionsFantastic TourWhat a fabulous experience! I couldn’t believe how good this tour was especially if your a big Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan. For the price of 84 dollars getting picked up from Wellington CBD and dropped off the price was really reasonable , we had a lovely driver and tour guide , well done Weta Workshop!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- Huell55 contributionsBehind the scenesDoors open at 08.45, we went with first tour at 09.00 — excellent and would recommend the tour, you see many exclusive items and non-photography allowed in there. Meet the makers behind the movie attire! Good gift shop. Campervans, do not come here — take bus or Uber instead, narrow streets in family neighbourhood makes for parking spaces unavailable. Make sure to prebook!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- GortyGUrk, The Netherlands6 contributionsGreat For Humans - And Hobbits!When I first tried to enter this place during my month stay in New Zealand, I had the help of a little Hobbit I had acquired in the bathrooms of Auckland International Airport. He agreed to accompany me when I offered him food and lodging with myself and my wife - he appeared particularly motivated by sweets for some reason, when I thought Hobbits liked mushrooms? He also didn't have very big feet. Anyways first time we came here it turned out that having a Hobbit to vouch for you "wasn't criteria for entry" and we had to book ahead. So, we booked and after taking the Hobbit to his homeland in Matamata - he appeared very confused and didn't seem to know anyone - we finally got to see the weta workshop. It was very good, but our Hobbit, Mike, again didn't seem to know much and people kept misidentifying him as American for some reason. Quite prejudiced if you ask me. Great sets, Thunderbird exhibit was fascinating as I didn't know they made a remake, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Excellent for all ages, and humans and Hobbits alike.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 19 November 2023
- jamieclowerSilverado, California75 contributionsReally nice! LOTR treasures en masseThis was a great experience - really enjoyed getting up close and personal with the chain mail, hobbit ears, animatronics and more from Lord of the Rings and other great films. Highlight was seeing and learning about the sword making done right there in the workshop. No photos allowed through the majority of the experience. Really loved hearing directly from talented Weta employees at different stations throughout. Workshop is nestled into a neighborhood, parking can be tricky. We were 20 minutes late arriving for the last tour of the day and the staff was fantastic in making sure we were still able to enjoy the experience.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- 649terib10 contributionsReally cool tour!My daughter and I went on the tour and we were so impressed! It was so cool to see the swordsmith work in his shop and see him create! We also got to see a makeup artist and watch her create prosthetics. Such a unique tour. The highlight of our tour was taking the sculpting class. So much fun!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 December 2023
- kaylene SMurwillumbah, Australia10 contributionsJust Loved It!!Just a great day out! From the time we were picked up in the mini bus til we were dropped off, we thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour. The passionate staff made the day even more enjoyable. What marvellously talented people work there! Loved it!!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,641 reviews
Excellent
2,310
Very good
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Average
328
Poor
95
Terrible
49
KenVicLee
Huntington Beach, CA2,102 contributions
Mar 2020
Why bother? Because it was the most amazing behind the scenes view of part of the movie industry that you will ever see. And frankly, the tour is only half the show.
We were told to be at the Wellington I-Site Visitor Center to pick up our bus. By the time we departed for Weta, the bus was full. The bus drive gave us a running commentary as we drove through traffic, residential neighborhoods filling us in on the creation of the Weta facilities. Then we arrived.
We were made part of a group of about 20 people. After about 15 minutes (during which time you can browse the souvenir shop) we were introduced to our tour guide. A former worked bee he is familiar with all the inside workings of the Weta workshop. Flowing a group ahead of us we systematically went through various areas where production items were on display.
The last room had one of the Weta artists working on creating a model out of clay. An earlier version was made out of aluminum foil and he was hewing to those contours. Here he was, a real life Weta artist working on something you might see in the next sci-fi thriller. Then it was back to the bus and a very pleasant return to downtown.
We were told to be at the Wellington I-Site Visitor Center to pick up our bus. By the time we departed for Weta, the bus was full. The bus drive gave us a running commentary as we drove through traffic, residential neighborhoods filling us in on the creation of the Weta facilities. Then we arrived.
We were made part of a group of about 20 people. After about 15 minutes (during which time you can browse the souvenir shop) we were introduced to our tour guide. A former worked bee he is familiar with all the inside workings of the Weta workshop. Flowing a group ahead of us we systematically went through various areas where production items were on display.
The last room had one of the Weta artists working on creating a model out of clay. An earlier version was made out of aluminum foil and he was hewing to those contours. Here he was, a real life Weta artist working on something you might see in the next sci-fi thriller. Then it was back to the bus and a very pleasant return to downtown.
Written 23 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora KenVicLee,
Thank you for your detailed review, it is great to hear that you enjoyed your visit. We love to show our guests a glimpse at the movie-making magic here in Wellington, and are glad that you could experience this with us.
We hope to welcome you back again in the future.
Cheers,
Amy
Written 6 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garry
Mornington, Australia84 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Go Do This - you'll enjoy the experience
Our Guide (Reece) was excellent (although his voice had almost gone)
It was obvious Reece loves his job and is passionate, particularly when we got to the miniature workshop of the Thunderbirds are filmed from the miniature sets. We got there and he was just glowing
We loved the detail these very talented people have put into there work
The artistic flair these people have is exceptional and can see why they are sought after professionals in there field
We had a great tour saw so me fascinating effects and props, which gives you a real insight how moves actually come together, through 1000's of hours by people that do not think out side the box, because they never started inside the box to start with.
Only down fall, the first person you meet (first impressions) once you get to the Weta Caves is an older grumpy white bearded man, (with a sword), who is the usher for the video show. He was rude, grumpy, clicking his tongue at people and his spoke very short and aggressive to your guests. Of all people he,
number 1. should not be so aggressive particularly with a sword in his hans, and young children around
Number 2. as the primary representative of the Weta Crew should be happy to see and great the general public in a cheerful and polite manner
Grrrrrrrrr, to the grump! Even the tour buses know he is a of poor character
BUT once you get past him, WETA CAVES is awesome
Thank you very much the Weta Crew - keep up the exceptional entertainment
📽 🎞 🎥 😀 😀 👍 👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✔
Our Guide (Reece) was excellent (although his voice had almost gone)
It was obvious Reece loves his job and is passionate, particularly when we got to the miniature workshop of the Thunderbirds are filmed from the miniature sets. We got there and he was just glowing
We loved the detail these very talented people have put into there work
The artistic flair these people have is exceptional and can see why they are sought after professionals in there field
We had a great tour saw so me fascinating effects and props, which gives you a real insight how moves actually come together, through 1000's of hours by people that do not think out side the box, because they never started inside the box to start with.
Only down fall, the first person you meet (first impressions) once you get to the Weta Caves is an older grumpy white bearded man, (with a sword), who is the usher for the video show. He was rude, grumpy, clicking his tongue at people and his spoke very short and aggressive to your guests. Of all people he,
number 1. should not be so aggressive particularly with a sword in his hans, and young children around
Number 2. as the primary representative of the Weta Crew should be happy to see and great the general public in a cheerful and polite manner
Grrrrrrrrr, to the grump! Even the tour buses know he is a of poor character
BUT once you get past him, WETA CAVES is awesome
Thank you very much the Weta Crew - keep up the exceptional entertainment
📽 🎞 🎥 😀 😀 👍 👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✔
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi garrylid,
Thank you so much for your 5* review. We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit to us and that the creativity of our team at Weta was visible to you during your visit, it is what we pride ourselves on!
As always, we appreciate all constructive feedback so thank you for taking the time to leave yours.
We hope to welcome you back another time!
Cheers,
Amy
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
D P
New Zealand74 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Visited the Weta workshop for the first time with 2 young children - probably better suited to kids 10 or older, however the guides are fantastic and the staff there are passionate about what they do. Amazing props and getting to see them work on actual things while on the tour is a big plus. An absolute MUST SEE when in Wellington
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi DPiddy00,
Thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback.
We are glad your family enjoyed the visit.
Cheers,
Amy
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim M
Windsor, CO212 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I went on this tour on my own, since my wife want really interested. Which probably turned out for the best. :-)
I did the combo tour with cost $48NZ.
It starts out at the weta cave and a gift shop.
This started with the weather cave (design and construction workshop). I really enjoyed this one. It ended with a demonstration by a sculpture using aluminum foil.
The second part required s bus to get to the set of Thunderbirds are a go. This was interesting, but probably of limited general interest. Unless you are really into the Thunderbirds, I'd just do the weta cave which is less expensive.
The tour guide was very good and knew a lot.
.
Note that you need to get transpoation to and from the tour (unless you the more expensive your). My Uber cost about $23NZ
I did the combo tour with cost $48NZ.
It starts out at the weta cave and a gift shop.
This started with the weather cave (design and construction workshop). I really enjoyed this one. It ended with a demonstration by a sculpture using aluminum foil.
The second part required s bus to get to the set of Thunderbirds are a go. This was interesting, but probably of limited general interest. Unless you are really into the Thunderbirds, I'd just do the weta cave which is less expensive.
The tour guide was very good and knew a lot.
.
Note that you need to get transpoation to and from the tour (unless you the more expensive your). My Uber cost about $23NZ
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Tim M,
We are glad that you enjoyed your visit to Weta. Thank you for your helpful transport tips!
Cheers,
Amy
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marion H
Langley, Canada26 contributions
Dec 2019
This was a wonderful tour that I thought would be boring but probably not long, so went with the friends invitation. It was an incredible, behind the scenes magic in how movies of any genre are made. All the imagination that goes into the making of props and costumes is very engaging. An entertaining tour guide to answering questions or giving the explanations of why there are
3 chainmail suits from real to lookalike!
3 chainmail suits from real to lookalike!
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi MPHag,
We are so glad that we managed to exceed your expectations. We love being able to showcase all the magic of movies to our visitors!
Thank you for your 5* review.
Cheers,
Amy
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jayne
Mildura, Australia28 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Zach was our tour guide and he was fantastic. The stuff you see during this tour is really interesting and very exciting if you’re a movie enthusiast. Not everything is Lord of the Rings based so there’s definitely more here than just for us Tolkien fans. I found it really interesting to not only see the costume and the props, but to also learn how they are made as well all while laughing at all the interesting tid-bits our tour guide knew. A must-do if in Wellington and cannot recommend the experience enough! We also did the Thunderbirds tour which was also a really awesome look behind the scenes.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi manna201,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We are glad we could make your experience so enjoyable and will be sure to pass on your kind words.
We hope to welcome you back to Weta another time!
Thanks,
Amy
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ST23
Meridian, ID439 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Amazing creativity and work goes on at this workshop. The tour walks through several workshops, showing the creative and ingenious work of artists. Lots of movie paraphernalia here for movie buffs...especially sci fi and fantasy stuff. Very very interesting. Highly recommend.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi ST23,
Thank you for your 5* review! We appreciate your glowing recommendation and hope to welcome you back another time.
Cheers,
Amy
Written 18 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan R
Ottawa, Canada164 contributions
Dec 2019
We opted for the studio tour, but beforehand we were able to enjoy a free but reserved closed door half-hour documentary which only left us wishing there were more. The tour itself was 45 minutes in length and brisk, but it showcased the extent of Weta's projects and underscored the talent and creativity of those who work there. Weta is far greater than just the Lord of the Rings projects which initially brought it to widespread public attention. It was delightful meeting and speaking with special and visual effects designer Warren Beaton.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Susan R,
Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit, it is great to hear that the talent and creativity behind Weta is able to make such a positive impression on our visitors.
We will be sure to pass your kind words on to Warren also.
Cheers,
Amy
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zelda
Detroit, MI89 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Visiting Weta Workshop was an incredible experience and the tours were absolutely fascinating. Even though I'm the film nerd, my mom and brother were both blown away by the tour as well. You get to see real props up close and learn about the various processes involved in bringing movie universes to life. There's also the opportunity to speak with a resident artist and see a short demo of his specialty sculpting product. We did the Full Experience + Dinner tour, so we were also treated to a top-notch three course meal at the Roxy/Coco! The food was excellent and the waiter was super attentive. Great tour overall!
Written 30 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Zelda_The_Legend,
Thank you for your review, we are so pleased that your whole family enjoyed the visit. It's great to hear that your experience was five star from start to finish.
We hope to welcome you back again some time!
Cheers,
Amy
Written 7 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoshAdvisor
Launceston, UK84 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Having done film tours I was a little disappointed with the speed and lack of depth that this tour offered. You will feel like you spent most of your time watching videos and very little of your time perusing the items on display.
Having said that, there is something for everyone, from Halo to Lord of the Rings, District 9 to Dark Crystal. I would strongly advise going for the cheapest package as it will offer the same experience you could get paying full price, you won't miss anything valuable.
Also, follow the guidance offered here. If you don't care for thunderbirds, don't do the miniatures tour!
Having said that, there is something for everyone, from Halo to Lord of the Rings, District 9 to Dark Crystal. I would strongly advise going for the cheapest package as it will offer the same experience you could get paying full price, you won't miss anything valuable.
Also, follow the guidance offered here. If you don't care for thunderbirds, don't do the miniatures tour!
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi JoshAdvisor,
Thank you for your 4* review. We agree that there is something for everyone here, we aim to focus our Miniatures Effects tour on the creativity behind Miniature set building, using example sets from Thunderbirds Are Go! We hope to build focus on recycling and sustainability and aim to appeal to everyone, even if they haven't seen the show. We are sorry if this missed the mark for you on this occasion.
Thank you for your valuable feedback, we hope you enjoyed your visit to New Zealand.
Cheers,
Amy
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
U3795VTmaryc
Wellington, New Zealand
Is Weta workshop suitable for children aged 9 to 11.
What does it offer for this age group?
Written 15 September 2022
Fine for children, just make sure no touching the things not allowed to.
Written 17 September 2022
Hello,
I am planning to come on mid-Januray. Is it necessary to book in advance at this period? Or can we book the day before or even directly the day of the tour?
Thanks.
Written 15 November 2019
Hi Kinder71,
I would recommend booking in advance by at least a few days if you can. January is within the busiest time for tour bookings.
Cheers,
Lolly
Written 26 November 2019
Is there parking at the Weta Studios? And how much does it cost if there is?
Written 22 October 2019
Yes just park up along any side road to the studio and walk. There are a few limited lots near the studio itself.
Written 23 October 2019
Is it suitable for young kids? 5 & 6 year olds . A visit to Weta Cave and workshop?
Written 21 April 2019
Kids and grownups of all ages can enjoy both our tours, we tend to find the Miniatures Stage Tour to be favoured by younger children since it is more colourful & interactive, and also based around kids TV show Thunderbirds Are Go!
The documentary is not compulsory - just an added bonus for guests to the Weta Cave retail shop :) our There & Back Again tour option include priority seating to the documentary.
Written 14 May 2019
Where does the there and back tour pick up. it says I site but then it shows a different local on google maps when I searched for it. Just a bit unsure really.
Written 21 August 2017
We were picked up and dropped off at the Tourist Information Centre
Written 11 October 2017
Where does the there and back tour pick up. it says I site but then it shows a different local on google maps when I searched for it. Just a bit unsure really.
Written 21 August 2017
The pick up is on the footpath a little way along from the information centre - the I site. It is a tour bus pick up point and other tours also pick and set down from there. You can see the I site building from the bus stop.
Written 21 August 2017
Hola! cuando yo compré el ticket no me daba la opción, por lo que no creo que haya esa opción, el Tour lo hacen los mismos empleados del estudio y son de habla inglesa.
Written 20 February 2017
Hi. My wife & I are doing a cruise & one of the ports is Wellington. Can we arrange a visit to Weta studios when we disembark? Also are there buses to convey cruise passengers from wharf to the studios & back?
Written 5 February 2017
There are public buses from the railway station (about 100 metres from the cruise boat wharf) to Miramar. The easiest way to work out how to get there is to search for the Metlink website which lets you type in your location (eg railway station) and then gives you the bus options to your destination (eg Weta Workshops). If there are a few of you, then a taxi or taxi van may be an inexpensive option. While you are in Miramar I recommend you take time to see the Roxy Cinema - it has a great cafe/restaurant and was restored by Peter Jackson the the Weta crew in an art deco style.
Written 5 February 2017
Christchurchlady
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi
I am bringing a small school group from christchurch to weta studios. What would be the most affordable tour please?
Written 5 September 2016
Hi there, if you email our reservations team they will be able to help you with this. If you have a look on our website you can find their contact details on the events and group tours page. Kind regards, Kaliana
Written 18 September 2016
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