Weta Workshop Group Space — Attraction in North Island

I visited Weta Workshop today. Upon hearing really raving reviews about the tour I thought I'd take myself and my partner on it. As a HUGE lord of the rings fan who spent hours watching the making of the movies, I did feel slightly disappointed. Not being able to take photographs of props and items that I really loved was disappointing. We were told due to ownership and copyright laws that we couldn't.

Once the main tour ended we were then taken on to see the Thunderbirds models. Which must be great if you have an interest in Thunderbirds, but I found myself looking up at the ceiling and twiddling my thumb's a bit. I understand that Weta is known for lots of other movies, but it was fair to say the majority of people who turned up came because of the lord of the rings movies and the hobbit films. It could have done with a lot of the props which are all currently in Peter Jackson's private collection. It couldn't be helped feeling a little disappointed that some of the things I wanted to see weren't there.

The shop was okay, I felt like it was all very pricey. I got a few things which looked nice but thought there could have been more interesting items for people to buy.

If you're looking to go, you see more lord of the rings items in the mini museum than on the tour. Save your money for some real life...

My tour guide was fun interactive and seemed to really enjoy her job.

I wrenched my back the morning of the tour but was determined to go as it was a primary reason for coming to New Zealand. She was very empathetic and provided me with a wheelchair for the 90 minute tour which greatly enhanced my experience. Thank you!

Be advised that due to copyright issues no picture taking is allowed during the tour... but to see the actual props from the LOTR and Hobbit trilogy movies was awesome, as well as learning how the films were made.

My wife and I attended a 30 minute SFX workshop and each of us created a latex scar (see pic). The instructor was knowledgeable, funny and made the experience super enjoyable.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a workshop along...

For what you get it is both expensive and rather disappointing. You move from exhibition space to exhibition space and most definitely don’t see ‘working areas’. Lots of props rather randomly plonked on walls and shelves, a couple of films that talk up the bosses (I kept wondering which ones were responsible for the ‘toxic’ work environment that’s been recently reported) and a wildly expensive gift shop. Have been to many more far more interestingly-staged film exhibits. Guides tried hard to make the most of what they were given to work with, but struggled. Stick to the Gallipoli exhibit at Te Papa; it’s free, staged sensitively and shows off the skills of the Weta workforce far more...