Lord of the Rings & Weta Cave
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port
Wellington, New Zealand
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$180
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Join a Lord of the Rings expert guide to learn how the magic of the rings was created and visit locations featured in the film trilogy.
Traveling to Miramar, you'll have the exclusive opportunity to visit Weta Studios: The Weta Workshop. This experience offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the magic of Weta, the creativity of Peter Jackson and his crew, and the many films they have worked on. Visitors gain an insight into the movies for which Weta is best known, as well as the innovative thinking that goes on within the walls of this custom-built facility.
You are guided by a member of the talented Weta Workshop crew from the workshop floor, using the authentic props, models and weapons they have made for various movies. Some of the secrets behind the movie magic are quite fascinating. Video clips and descriptive boards describe the process used for different disciplines, such as Armour & Costumes, Weapons & Props, Creatures & Make-Up FX, Miniatures & Models, Conceptual Art, and Merchandise. The exhibition space also reveals the history of Weta Workshop and what they have been involved in over the past 20 years. Enjoy a private screening of a 25-minute behind-the-scenes movie that tells the story and history of the film industry in Wellington and features interviews with Weta Workshop co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk.
Then, drive to where the filming of The Lord of the Rings first started. Visit the Shire, where Frodo and the Hobbits began their journey, and the eerie darkness of Buckland Forest. Many scenes were filmed here, including the ‘Race to the Ferry’ and the famous ‘Get off the Road’ scene. Your guide shares information about how the films were made right in the heart of Wellington City (the movie sets are no longer in place -- these are locations only). Return to the city via Evans Bay and Oriental Bay. Wellington's best look-out is atop Mt Victoria, offering 360° views the keyhole harbor, New Zealand’s creative capital, and the southernmost capital city in the world.