Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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!

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

22 December

Pickup included

Welly's Original LOTR HD

Pickup included

Wellington's Original LOTR HD

Pickup included

Reviews

4.56

304 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

219

Great for any LOTR fan
wilhouse55,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were picked up by Grant at the cruise ship terminal at 9am, and taken around Wellington for a bit. Grant was clearly knowledgeable about both Wellington and the LOTR impact on the city. He pointed out various sites and also showed us various places owned by Peter Jackson's company to produce effects and props. He took us to the Weta workshop, which we visited for about 90 minutes. We were taken on a tour by Caylar (sp?), who was fantastic. He actually worked there in one of the departments but also gave tours. That tour was amazing. He showed us props, mechanical creatures and fake body parts. I've never seen this kind of thing before. We were all sad when it was over. I wanted to buy a T Shirt from their gift shop but there were no Large ones, which was a bit disappointing. This had nothing to do with the tour people. From there, Grant took us up into the hills where he showed us where several LOTR scenes were filmed. He discussed them in detail and gave us an opportunity to recreate them for photos. It was really interesting and fun. We then drove around looking at more of PJ's facilities including the world's largest blue screen. Afterwards, we drove to the top of a hill and got some great views of the lakes and surrounding areas. Grant talked a lot about PJ and showed us his new house. He also discussed the city and it's surroundings. Grant really added enthusiasm and great information to the tour. My wife isn't a huge LOTR fan, but she enjoyed it quite a bit. I really loved it. It's a good value for the price and a time you won't forget.
Fantastic tour guides - Robbie and Sully
Kim G,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We are not huge LOTR fans but this tour was great. While I didn’t follow some of the commentary the energy and excitement of our tour guide, Robbie, made it a great experience. He brought first hand stories because he was an extra for all 3 movies and shared lots of info on the cinematics. He was great but Sully at the Weta Workshop was even better. The Weta workshop showed props, costumes, prosthetics and animatronics used in LOTR and other films. Sully loved his job and his passion oozed from him which made the tour special.
Weta workshop was amazing
nadinaw2023,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The walk around wasnt very exciting but the tour guide made it as interesting as possible but only went on the first part. The weta workshop was incredible and interesting and I was blown away by the talent and expertise of the staff. I never realised how much Sci Fi that they were involved with.
Lord of the Rings experience
Diana F,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The half day experience was a great introduction into the making of LOTR and special effects. The weather didn’t cooperate and it would’ve been nice if we could have switched the order of activities to be indoors during the rain, but I know that isn’t usually possible on such short notice. Even in the rain it was fun to see where some of the scenes were made. The visit to the Weta workshop was really interesting. The guide was very knowledgeable and the hands-on aspect, actually getting to touch objects used in the films, made it much more impactful.
An interesting and informative tour.
675terrye,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide was personable and knowledgeable. Further he was prepared to go the extra step without being asked. An enjoyable tour.
Fantastic LOTR tour! A must see!!
Nancy S,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Was a fantastic tour. Gina was so knowledgeable. I discovered more info about LOTR that I did not know. Also, she explained why they named the workshop WETA. GINA…you ROCK!!!
LOTR Wellington & Weta Tour
Judie C,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great communication with the tour operator Chewy who was also very accommodating and our tour guide Grant was excellent, knowledgeable and very helpful. Highly recommend this tour with the pick up and drop off service.
Very fun tour for the...
Cathy M,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very fun tour for the Lord of the Rings fan! Always fun to hear about the filming of great movies. *****
Loved it.
Jeff F,
Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The driver/guide was super knowledgeable and entertaining. He really made the journey enjoyable. I had originally booked just the half day tour but I was enjoying the experience so much I asked to change my booking to the full day tour. The driver/guide had a QR code that allowed me to change my booking in 5 minutes. I'm glad I did!
Get Hamish, he’s Amazing
N2960GVpablof,
May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Hamish was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable of the locations in which he is presenting, told many jokes and kept us involved by asking questions about LOTR. Gave us tips of ensuring our safety and showed concern if anyone got injured, which we did not. If we had time today, I would have asked for the same tour with him all over again. Get Hamish, no one does it better.