Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Wellington, New Zealand
- 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get an insider's look into the behind-the-scenes of blockbuster movies on this tour of Weta Workshop. Including shuttle transfers from Wellington's city center, simply walk to the meeting spot and let your driver and guide sort out the logistics for the day. See props, costumes and more from movies including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. Perfect for movie buffs.
- Visit Weta Workshop without having to hire a car
- Enjoy a personalized experience in a small group
- Learn more than you would touring solo with a guide
- Easy to fit into a busy vacation schedule
What's Included
- Guided return transfers from central Wellington - live commentary on board
- Professional guided Wētā Workshop Experience
- Does not include hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 217 Wakefield Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Depart from the drop-off and pick-up zone at 217 Wakefield Street (located by Tākina)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
217 Wakefield Street
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Weta Workshop Experiences
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 4 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour takes place in a functioning workshop, so it can get a little drafty. We recommend bringing an extra warm layer or two.
- There is no luggage storage in the transfer vehicle, Wētā Cave or at in tour space.
- Photography is strictly prohibited in all tour spaces, unless specified by the tour guide.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 170 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
James_M, Apr 2026
Pick up by driver Derek. He was enthusiastic and informative on the way to the Cave. Extra kudos for stopping at the art deco cinema and letting us spend a short time looking around. Ben was a great and equally enthusiastic tour guide at the Cave. A great opportunity to see some of the effects and props and general behind the scenes. The history of Weta was also very good and I was pleased it wasn't Lord of the Rings centric. They have done so much more and it was good to see that represented. Don't worry, still plenty of Lord of the Rings!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
We’re thrilled to hear you had such a great experience from start to finish. It’s fantastic to know Derek made the journey enjoyable and informative, and that you appreciated the extra stop along the way. We’re also so glad Ben made the tour at the Cave just as engaging, we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to both of them.
It’s great to hear you enjoyed learning about the wider history of Wētā and seeing the range of work beyond Lord of the Rings, while still getting a taste of it too.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Susie_J, Mar 2026
I enjoyed the bus ride to Weta as our driver told us some interesting information about the local area. The Weta tour guide was quite good and it was interesting to find out how the masks and props were made. There were some good photo opportunities outside with different giant characters from Lord of the Rings Movie.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the journey to the workshop and that the local insights along the way added to your experience. It’s great to know the tour itself was engaging and that learning how masks and props are made was a highlight.
We’re also glad you enjoyed the photo opportunities outside — those larger-than-life characters are always a favourite! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Christina_N, Mar 2026
If you're into movie making magic, this is a great tour to see different props and how they're made!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed exploring the movie-making magic and seeing how different props are created. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Stuart_E, Feb 2026
Excellent experience - great guide
A must for Lord of the Rings fans
Even if your not a movie buff the special effects and costumes are unbelievable and so detailed
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear you had an excellent experience and enjoyed the guidance throughout the tour. It’s wonderful to know the special effects and detailed costumes made such a strong impression — whether you’re a dedicated Lord of the Rings fan or simply curious about filmmaking. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Tanya_M, Feb 2026
Polite and friendly driver took us to the location. Tour guide (Maggie?) was well versed on the history and purpose of the workshop. She spoke with passion on the variety of activities carried out there and the quality of the work produced. Very informative and enjoyable morning. Highly recommend a visit.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the experience from the moment of pick-up and found the tour both informative and enjoyable. It’s great to know the guide’s passion and knowledge of the workshop’s history and creative work helped make the morning so engaging. We really appreciate your recommendation and thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Jacob_R, Feb 2026
Tour guide Bianca was good. Met a scultupre artist who looked like professor Brown from Back to the future.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you for your review! We’re pleased to hear you enjoyed the tour and found Bianca’s guidance helpful. It’s great to know meeting one of the sculpture artists added an extra memorable moment to the experience as well. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
LimBoonKiat_I, Jan 2026
Punctual pick-up, clear instructions on where to meet. Tour was fantastic, precious props shown to visitors, hide is knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Kia ora,
Thank you for your review! We’re so pleased to hear the pick-up was punctual and the meeting instructions were clear. It’s great to know you enjoyed the tour and seeing the special props up close, and that the guide’s knowledge helped make the experience such a positive one. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Jean_W, Dec 2025
Molly was a great guide, well produced tour into distinct sections, even some touch and feel at the end. Very interesting and enjoyable.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and found it well structured, with clear sections and engaging content throughout. It’s great to know Molly helped make the experience both interesting and enjoyable, and that the hands-on elements at the end were a highlight. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again one day!
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Mary_S, Dec 2025
What a fascinating experience! Our guide Becky was exceptional. She was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. She was very inclusive and made it interesting for all the various age groups. There were experiential opportunities which Becky made assessable and fun. She created several photo opportunities which we all took advantage of. I can not recommend this experience enough!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you found the experience so fascinating and that Becky helped make it exceptional from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know her knowledge, inclusive style, and ability to engage all ages made the tour enjoyable for everyone in your group. We’re also delighted the hands-on moments and photo opportunities added to the fun.
Your high recommendation truly means a lot to us, thank you again for visiting!
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
traveldreamsguru, Nov 2025
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about Weta it is a must do in Wellington. It was so informative and cool!
Colleen_R, Oct 2025
Transport was good though we were a little unsure of meeting place.
Information at workshop was well presented, organised and informative. Taylor our guide was very enthusiastic
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the experience and found the information at the Workshop well-presented and engaging. It’s wonderful to know Taylor’s enthusiasm helped make the tour memorable. We appreciate your feedback about the meeting place and will review our communication to ensure it’s as clear as possible for future guests.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Scott_W, Oct 2025
The opportunity to see items from The Hobbit and The Lord Of the Rings was cool but the sound isolation between the rooms of the tour is poor. While our guide was talking we could hear the guide in the next room…. Sometimes louder than our guide. The walls on the rooms don’t go up to the ceiling so noise overlap is a problem
The workshop at the end on fashioning things from tinfoil might be better suited to youngsters and the upsell for photos holding prop swords was a bit tacky
The tour was okay but not the best value for money compared to other tours we have taken
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback, we truly appreciate it. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed seeing pieces from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but we’re sorry that parts of the experience didn’t meet expectations.
We appreciate your comments regarding sound, and we understand how distracting that can be during the guided commentary. Your feedback has been passed on to our team as we continue to look at ways to improve the experience for our visitors.
We also understand that the tinfoil workshop and photo opportunities may appeal more to some guests than others, and we value your honesty in letting us know how these elements felt for you. We’re always working to strike a balance between hands-on creativity and deeper insights, so feedback like yours is extremely helpful.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts — it helps us improve and deliver a better experience for future visitors.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Paul_S, Oct 2025
Very interesting tour of film making and special effects. If you love Lord of the Rings then you will especially love this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for your great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the world of filmmaking and special effects. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again one day.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Stewart_L, Oct 2025
...even if one isn't a LOTR fanatic. Friendly, knowledgeable driver & guide. Very highly recommended.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for your kind review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the experience and that both your driver and guide helped make it memorable. It’s great to know the tour appeals to everyone — not just Lord of the Rings fans! We really appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back again one day.
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Joanne_W, Oct 2025
So much fun, guides are fantastic and so was our bus driver. Truly a great way to spend an afternoon.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Kia ora,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had so much fun and that both our guides and bus driver helped make your afternoon such an enjoyable one. It’s always great to know the whole experience — from start to finish — leaves a lasting impression. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again soon!
Ngā mihi nui,
Wētā Workshop Reservations Team
Denise_N, Sep 2025
It was difficult to find meeting point as we were walking and not sure where to go but once we found the place, the driver, sorry already forgot his name, was wonderful and welcoming. He was very knowledgeable and made our experience so very enjoyable.
david_h, Feb 2025
interesting tour and enjoyed seeing some of the processes that go into film making. enjoyed the interactive parts like tin foil modelling.
Waverly_D, Feb 2025
The WETA Workshop is fascinating. I had no idea how long they have been doing film and TV work, nor how many projects they have done - Xena Warrior Princess, anyone? You don’t actually get to go into the active area where they are working on secret props and costumes for upcoming productions but you do get to peek into other areas. We met one of the creature artists and her work is fabulous. The bus ride from Wellington was lovely and our driver, Derek, was friendly and knowledgeable.
Kerry_F, Jan 2025
Very helpful minivan driver. Drive to Weta allows you to see some of Wellington coastal suburbs, with a photo stop at the "Wellington" hill sign (their "Hollywood" sign). Not a lot of opportunity to sit during the tour, so be prepared for a lot of standing. Excellent and informative tour.
Stacey_K, Jan 2025
We loved the workshop tour. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting but it was still great to see how all the props were made. The rooms sometimes felt a little cramped, so I wouldn’t recommend for anyone who gets claustrophobic. Other than that it was a great experience.
Arthur_H, Jan 2025
The tour guide is very fun. It’s a small 12–15 person bus. Every kind of tour in Wellington seems to pick up at the same spot. So being on time and checking to make sure you join the right vehicle is important.
You will have very little time in the gift shop so look online before you go so you know what you want. The gift shop really does have the cheapest prices for WETA items than anywhere else. Even online 3rd party.
This tour is so fun with some great interactive parts for everyone.
Shelagh_M, Dec 2024
I visited alone seven years but brought my adult grandson this time. Both visits were inspiring and magical. My grandson, an aspiring artist, was so impressed. The tour is fun and informative
Rob_H, Dec 2024
Our bus driver and guide, Derek, was knowledgeable and humourous. that made the drive to WETA Cave thoroughly enjoyable.
Garry_H, Dec 2024
This place is great, not only for fans of Peter Jackson’s films but films in general.
You can tell the staff love what they do and have a genuine interest in sharing it with visitors.
A big shout out to Dan for his patience and time.
Angel_B, Dec 2024
The bus ride in was great. Derek the bus driver was very knowledgeable & the added fact that he’d had first hand experience with casting for an extra which was cool. The gift shop was neat, my husband asked me to try find a stubby holder but unfortunately nothing so made the suggestion to the retail staff. Our tour guide Maia? Was great also very knowledgeable, friendly and very clear & well spoken.
Johanna_R, Dec 2024
Awesome Guide was knowledgeable Bus Driver Derek gave great info plus stories of Wellington
Fun experience
Recommend plus plus
Deborah_P, Oct 2024
It was a very easy pickup point. Leo the driver made sure everyone got on board and provided fun and informative commentary on points of interest. At the Workshop our tour guide Emmie was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and answered everyone’s questions. The tour itself was so much fun and it was amazing to see original pieces used in films and also to see how some of the effects and props are created. The tour discusses films from Wetas origins like Braindead to the LOTR trilogy and more.
We highly recommend this tour if you are in Wellington.
Arlene_M, Oct 2024
Seeing all of the Lord of the Rings stuff, especially the swords and armor. We didn’t know how many films WETA had been involved with. My sister and brother-in-law never saw LOTR but had seen other films and really enjoyed the tour. Our guide was Imogen. She was outstanding!
Nigel_K, Jun 2024
The tour through the work shop's was very cool, I would recommend doing this tour.
I felt a bit decieved being a kiwi, purchasing a experience in NZ, but being charged in USA dollars. Taking the price from an advertised $64 pp to an actual charge of $211 for a coulpe.
Trana_M, Jun 2024
The staff was phenomenal. We were too early, so they placed us into an earlier group. Our tour guide, Sully, was FANTASTIC!! His enthusiasm was absolutely contagious. He is a keeper!
The information was interpretive, engaging, and fun to learn. Sully made all of us feel comfortable in asking questions, and exploring while simultaneously providing what was allowed and what was not. Our small group gave us more opportunities to have hands-on experiences and interact with available props. We loved the photo op at the end of the tour; our only suggestion would be to have simple costume pieces relating to the films to enhance the Weta photos.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience and left us with a desire for creation and imagination.
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