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
22 December
Pickup included
Welly's Original LOTR HD
Pickup included
Reviews
329 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour and great tour...
Jack J,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour and great tour guide, highly recommend - my partner has never watched lord of the rings but still loved it
WETA/LOTR afternoon tour from cruise pier.
Kelly A,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent driver/tour guide. WETA tour guide was also excellent. Drive to filming locations was local, walking in the wooded areas was a plus.
Perfect way to start a trip to Wellington
dbwake,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My tour guide Sarah was excellent, being very welcoming, showing interest in each of the members of the tour, and having a great knowledge of both Wellington and Lord of the Rings. The Weta Workshop tour is a must-see. This was a great introduction to Wellington, and I’d have gladly picked the full day tour if I had more time.
Buy Direct and not through the cruise line
Brian C,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was wonderful. Randy, our guide, was full of fun and inciteful knowledge. His part was better than the Weta Tour. Chewy (Michael) helped us more than I can say at the port.
Best ever, so glad I found this!!!!
Christine S,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent commentary throughout tour. Hamish, our guide full of interesting facts about the areas. Cannot recommend high enough this tour. Great price, excellent communication, with provider.
Wonderful tour
michael h,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We found Natalie very informative, friendly and funny. She answered all our questions and told us all about Wellington as well on the way there and back. She’s lives in wellington so has great knowledge of the area
Fantastic
Tony L,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic experience! Our tour guide Ben was very experienced, knowledgeable and personable! Whether you are just learning about Lord of the Rings, a huge fan, or just want to see some beautiful landscapes, this is an amazing tour for all! The Weta Workshop experience was also fantastic! It was really eye opening to see how far wardrobe, props, and animatronics have come in movies! Definitely recommend this to anyone of any age!
If you’re a LOTR fan, it’s a must
debbieg145,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ben was an AWESOME tour guide. The amount of enthusiasm and knowledge he has about LOTR and Wellington is amazing. Because of this, he makes everyone feel enthusiastic about everything. It makes a difference! We loved touring the park filming location and the Weta studio. We had to use our imagination for the scenes and the pictures help. We were also lucky that we had the most beautiful sunny day after cool and cloudy weather. Highly recommend!
Amazing insight into Middle Earth
Chris W,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fabulous time we had looking at Middle Earth. Dixie was a fantastic guide and her enthusiasm really brought to life the places we’d only seen on film before. Weta was amazing and they still have all the original swords such as Sting and prosthetics from the 6 movies.
We couldn't have asked...
Vicky C,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We couldn't have asked for a more personable or knowledgable guide than Jack. He is an expert on the Lord of the Rings movies and shared many interesting details on our tour. When someone loves their job. It shows. It was a fascinating look at New Zealand's film industry, and we were back to our ship in plenty of time.
From NZ$175.00
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Operated by Wellington Rings Tours