Weta Workshop — Attraction in North Island

Weta Workshop is an iconic Wellington stop for film fans, especially Lord of the Rings, Avatar and Narnia enthusiasts. While we unfortunately missed the actual workshop tour due to it being fully booked(a major lesson learned!), our visit to the Weta Cave mini-museum and gift shop was still a highlight and a must-do for any movie buff visiting the capital. The Weta Cave Experience (No Tour Needed): Even without a tour ticket, the free entry Weta Cave is fantastic! It houses an impressive collection of original props, costumes, and sculptures used in major films. Seeing the intricate detail up close from swords and creatures to character maquettes is truly awe inspiring. The atmosphere is immersive, with behind-the-scenes videos playing and the palpable buzz of creativity nearby. It gave us a real sense of the craftsmanship behind the magic. Luckily, the retail store is a treasure trove.We spent ages browsing and brought home some truly unique, high-quality souvenirs. From stunning miniature collectibles and replica props to art prints, books, and quirky Wellington-specific merch, there's something special for every budget. The staff were knowledgeable and passionate, adding to the experience. Knowing there's also a Weta Workshop in Auckland(which we plan to visit for the tour) was a consolation, but the Wellington store felt like the authentic heart of the operation with a wider, deeper range of exclusive items directly tied to the working studio next door.

Essential Tips & Info: BOOK TOURS EXTREMELY EARLY:This is CRUCIAL. Tours often sell out weeks, especially during peak season/weekends. Book online as far in advance as possible. Don't make our mistake! 2Weta Cave is Free & Accessible: No booking needed for the mini-museum/shop. Open daily. Tour Options: Standard tours run frequently. Deluxe tours offer more depth. Both are highly rated. Retail:High-quality, unique items. Prices vary widely (small magnets to premium statues). Great for meaningful gifts. Location:In Miramar (a short drive/bus from central Wellington). Combines well with a visit to nearby Roxy Cinema (also Weta-linked). Auckland vs. Wellington:The Auckland location (Weta Workshop Unleashed) is fantastic and offers tours (which we'll try!), but Wellington is the original home and working studio.The Wellington store feels more connected to the active filmmaking process and often has exclusive items.

Even without the tour, Weta Cave delivers a captivating glimpse into movie magic and offers the best souvenir shopping in Wellington for film lovers. The sheer quality and uniqueness of the items we bought salvaged the visit.However, the absolute necessity of booking tours far ahead prevents a full 5 stars this time. We highly recommend the Weta Cave to everyone, but if you want the full workshop tour experience book NOW for Wellington! We'll be back (booked in advance!) and will try...

TLDR: Not worth the money unless you love LotR but be warned you can't take photos with the real props, only fake ones for about 5mins. Also the tour is very rushed. (Photos shown are from the mini museum in the entrance which is free and the tinfoil bits at the end)

Being a Lord of the rings Fan and many other films that WETA has worked on, Avatar, King Kong, some Marvel films ECT. I was really excited for this tour. It was a bit of a let down of how short it was and what props you actually saw. Great to see the Lord of the rings props however, there were only a few props from other films.

The space is quite confined, not many props on show so I'd only go if you're a massive LotR fan or if you like going to see some props from some films (Power Rangers 2017, District 9, The Amazing Spider-man 2, Narnia, Chappie to name a few). The tour goes pretty quickly and you only get one photo spot and it's at the end where they talk about tin foil being a good, cheap sculpting tool whilst everyone else takes photos with some props in front of a green screen.

If you do go I'd scrap the whole QR code system they have and just take photos on your phone and edit out the greenscreen whilst you hold the props, saves you a few dollars and you get the photos you want. Don't wait for other people to take the photos as you are in a group of 20 ish and you only get 5 mins there. (Rubbish I know since you can't even take photos with the props shown in the other rooms because "WETA don't have the licencing for each of the films). The guide also rushed us through the tour as they have an iPad with a timer on for how long the tour should be.

Go if you like film props especially LotR but just be prepared. Like I said when it comes to the photo op at the tinfoil part of the tour go straight for the props and take pictures on your phone, don't wait for others to take photos as they will take ages to get the props on. Doesn't feel like it's for the Fans, wish they took their time and let us...

I had such an amazing time at the workshop and I left so inspired and stoked. I really wanted to let you all know how impeccable and incredible your staff was from beginning to end. My tour guide was so knowledgeable and charismatic. The store employees were so friendly, helpful, and just went above and beyond to help me with photos, transportation, and purchasing. I was part of your 10:30 group on Monday and there was a girl with red or blonde hair being super thorough with all my questions on what I should try to do around the area. I was visiting from LA. Another staff member with shorter brown hair was so sweet in helping me print and pick out my favorite photos. Nearly bought them all because I couldn’t decide but he was really fun, helpful and patient. Both he and another staff member hyped up my smolder in the photos haha and lastly there was one man I feel so bad for forgetting his name. He had longer brown hair with such a great smile and bright energy and he made my day. I asked to borrow swords and he ran out to pose me and hype me up in photos with the trolls and went out of his way to take some iPhone shots and Polaroids. (I gave him one as well because he was so cool) he overhead me trying to sort out a ride back and recommended I save money and take the bus since I had ubered before and hadn’t booked transport back with the tour. When I told him I couldn’t because I only had a card and no cash he gave me $5 so I can get back to town safely. (I was planning on walking an hour and 45 minutes) he wouldn’t let me buy him anything as a thank you but was just genuine and hospitable. I really loved my experience there and your staff all went the extra mile to make me feel welcomed. Thank you weta! Really would love to stop by on a future trip and take a workshop! ~Jessica Villoria Hua (Asian girl with the bright jacket, cool nails and...