Half-Day Lord of the Rings Tour:
Are you ready for a fantastic adventure in Wellington, New Zealand's movie capital and the middle of Middle-earth? Visit some of the most iconic locations from the Lord of the Rings movies and the famous Weta Workshop - where the films were made.
You will start your journey by seeing the Embassy Cinema and learning about the extraordinary World Premieres of The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Then, ascend to the Mt Victoria lookout, where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the harbour. Then, descend into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where our experienced and highly knowledgeable guides will explain the process of film making and entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. You will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits when they found a shortcut to mushrooms and "get off the road" as they hide from the Black Riders, before escaping to the Buckleberry Ferry. You will have the chance to recreate these favourite scenes and make your social media streams go crazy!
Next, you head to the Miramar Peninsula and the film-making Mecca of Wellywood. This is the home of the famous Weta Workshop, where you will discover the secrets of movie-making magic and learn how the props, costumes, weapons and creatures were brought to life on a behind-the-scenes tour. You can also take some cool photos and pick up a souvenir or two, if desired.
Tour Information:
- Allow approximately 3.5–4 hours.
- Scheduled departures are 8.30am and 1.30pm; departure times may vary with cruise ship schedules and Weta availability.
- Pick-up available from selected central Wellington locations. Please confirm your pick-up point when booking.
- Some filming locations are accessed via steep, unsealed paths and are unsuitable for guests with limited mobility.
- Includes a Weta behind-the-scenes tour (generally at the Weta Group Tour Experience space rather than the main Weta Workshop building). Includes a visit to the Weta Cave retail shop.
- Itinerary and order of stops may change depending on availability.
- Tours operate in all weather conditions. Closed-toe shoes and a jacket are recommended.
About Discover Wellington:
Small city. Big stories. Wellington packs an extraordinary amount into a small city. Film, food, culture, nature and history are all within easy reach - from the heart of the city to the wild coastline beyond.
Whether you're a film fan, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the place, Discover Wellington will help you experience Wellington your way.
