Weta Cave — Attraction in North Island

Nestled in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand, the Wētā Cave retail store stands as a beacon for film enthusiasts and collectors alike. Boasting an impressive array of authentic Wētā Workshop-designed collectibles, prop replicas, and movie memorabilia, this establishment is a pilgrimage site for fans of cinematic artistry.

At the Wētā Cave, visitors are treated to an immersive experience unlike any other. Stepping through its doors, one is immediately enveloped in the creative spirit that has fueled iconic films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogies, and King Kong. It's not just a store; it's a portal into the captivating world of filmmaking.

Guided tours offer an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes, where the magic of movie effects is unraveled. From intricately crafted armor to fantastical creatures, visitors gain insight into the meticulous craftsmanship that brings these worlds to life. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours provide a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation synonymous with Wētā Workshop.

The Wētā Cave's mini-museum is a treasure trove for film aficionados. Here, iconic characters, props, and displays from beloved movies take center stage. Each item tells a story of creativity and ingenuity, offering a firsthand look at the passion driving the artists behind the scenes. Entry to this captivating museum is free, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the magic of cinema.

Beyond its captivating exhibits, the Wētā Cave offers an extensive selection of merchandise catering to every fan's desire. From premium, limited edition sculptures hand-crafted by Wētā artisans to unique clothing, jewelry, and mementos, there's something for everyone. The Doctor Grordbort's range of Rayguns adds a touch of whimsy, while books, DVDs, and posters provide an opportunity to take home a piece of cinematic history.

Moreover, the store showcases a superb collection of pop culture collectibles and graphic novels sourced from around the world, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover.

In summary, the Wētā Cave is more than just a retail store; it's a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the transformative power of cinema. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply curious about the magic behind the movies, a visit to this Wellington landmark is an experience not...

The Good:

The videos throughout were pretty great. Excellent production quality and variety. The mask-making segment was probably the highlight of the tour, as the progression was well-paced and interactive with the videos / example busts held up by the guide.

The ability to touch many of the props was unexpected but highly rewarding.

The guide was very informed and able to answer most questions. She was clearly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about making movies / props.

The Bad:

The first problem we noticed immediately was the lack of sound-proofing. We could hear the guide in the next room better than our own guide, due to the open-air half-walls within the warehouse. This issue persisted throughout the tour and really distracted from the experience.

The second main issue was the lack of space. Much of the tour was very cramped, which made it hard to actually watch the videos, and hard to move around / try on props for photos, etc.

The last issue was the photo opportunity at the end. There were virtually no props, zero costume elements, no space (again, super cramped), the lighting was very harsh, and the rest of the group watched us in silence. It would be much better if there was a dedicated "photo room / booth", with a selectable background and more elements to wear / hold, and then a bit of "privacy" so we can act silly without onlookers.

In summary, the experience is WAY overpriced as it currently stands. I would have been content paying half of the price I paid for the current version...

A difficult review to write, I've been waiting to come here for almost 20 years after being captivated by the LOTR movies as a teenager. It was disappointing therefore, to be presented with a tour that seemed to try its best to get away from those movies, one of the rooms we were walked through encapsulated this by literally saying we could show you lotr but we won't, here's some Dracula movie stuff nobody cares about. On that note, the tour comprises of being ushered through 5/6 rooms, 4 of these have a TV in the corner which you're told to watch for 5 minutes each time... You're then allowed to look around the room.. in our case 2 of the rooms had an "artist" whose job it was to talk to the group, on both occasions we were met with "pride" colours and an over explanation of the individuals political and personal identity and views in place of anything to do with the workshop. In all rooms but one we were told we can't take photos and actually there was only one which contained anything I went there to see, a few LOTR props. The few windows into the "real" workshop were filled with staff playing on their phones at their desk. Our tour was led by a girl with such a thick German accent it was sometimes impossible to understand. Really disappointing experience, absolutely not worth the money and time going out of the way, the gift shop is the best part and I wish I'd have just left it there. We emailed to tell them about the experience and have received no reply some 4 weeks...