Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Descend into the forested slopes of the Outer Shire, where our expert guides will entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. Recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy!
Then delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Middle-earth movies.
Learn the secrets of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes tour by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these films to life.
You'll also have chance to take photos with various characters and weapons, as well as treating yourself to a souvenir or two, if desired.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is not wheelchair accessible
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Embassy Theatre
Drive past the Embassy Theatre that was used to host two world premieres of the Middle-earth movies - The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Your guide will share stories and pictures of how Wellington was transformed literally into the middle of Middle-earth.
Mount Victoria Lookout
Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the harbour and city from the Mt Victoria lookout. Your guide will talk about the landmarks you can see from the top and help you take photos. Mt Victoria is always on the list of things to do in Wellington, so we thought we'd save you the trouble of walking up the hill to get there!
What‘s Included
Weta Workshop exhibition tour
Stunning views from Mt Victoria Lookout
Pick up and drop off available direct from cruise ships - we've never missed a drop off
Iconic filming locations including the famous "get off the road" scene
Owned and operated by genuine fans, several of whom worked on the films
Expert guides with film industry experience
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Wellington's Original LOTR HD
Pickup included
Welly's Original LOTR HD
Pickup included
22 December
Pickup included
Reviews
315 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour!!!
Tammy P,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time. Very knowledgeable tour guide. Very interesting and informative experience. Even my parents (who never watched the movies) enjoyed it.
LoTR fan's ultimate tour
Trung L,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide/driver, Sarah, is so energetic and knowledgeable. She provided so much info on the locations we visited and how they relate to the movie trilogy. I could not recommend her more for this tour. Flynn from the Weta Workshop part of the tour is also amazing. You can tell he loves working there and to be able to tell about the history and work of Weta. This tour (lasting roughly 4 hours) is a must for anyone who loves Lord of the Rings and wants more behind the scenes info. You get picked up right at the port and dropped off there, or alternately can get off within the city and find your own way back if you want to further explore the city after the tour.
Interesting tour.
cherylgK8666JY,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Interesting to see a few of the filming sites. Weta workshop was good. Fun to see all the movies they have been involved in.
Scenic Rafting from Napier
Terri F,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was just the two of us and the paddle down the river was awesome. Beyond beautiful. Communication with Deon was great
Great tour from start to...
SEAN J,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour from start to finish! Driver picked us up on time & we met up with the main tour bus. The guide gave a well informed explanation of a few film locations on the way to WETA Cave. We also stopped for a glorious view of Wellington from the peak with some nice weather. The guide’s explanations & pictures really brought the scenes to life. But the best part for us was hearing all the behind the scenes efforts that went into pulling off the final results seen in the movies. After visiting the film locations, the tour of the studio was the cherry on top. It really is fascinating to see how all the materials for different movies are designed & fabricated. Even the non-LOTR fan in our group left impressed with the tour!
Pricey
emanuelemC8518SW,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Interesting, but very expensive. Part of the tour is in a park which you can visit for free. The guide was very knowledgeable, but apart from the Weta workshop the tour wasn’t anything special
Fun afternoon!
Martina B,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting tour, Chewy has shown us engaged and entertaining some film parts. The Weta studio tour was fantastic, very different from Hollywood.
Highly Recommend for LotR fans
Stephanie F,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mark was incredibly engaging as he took us through each place! He is such a fun storyteller and was a delight to listen to.
Wonderful tour!
Hannah W,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour! Would book again, 10/10. Chewy was very informative about LOTR, funny and genuine. Got to see heaps with lots of behind the scenes information.
So worth it!
Dascha F,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable, an extra in the movies, shared his enthusiasm with us. We geeked out from seeing all of the film locations, costumes, and props. This excursion is so worth it for any LOTR fans!
From NZ$175.00
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Operated by Wellington Rings Tours