Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a full day, all-inclusive adventure in Wellington, the home of middle-Earth. Visit some amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings movies, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the films were created.
We are Wellington's original Lord of the Rings tour and have been operating since 2002. Formerly Rover Rings Tours [before Covid], Welly Rings Tours is proud to show you Wellington as Middle-earth. Our fans-turned-guides will share with you fascinating stories of the making of these movies that you likely won't hear anywhere else - mainly because some of our guides were actually there!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for participants with walkers or limited mobility
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
Weta Workshop
Delve into the heart of Wellywood and visit the Weta Workshop, a physical effects workshop who created all the props, armour, weapons, costumes, miniatures and prosthetics for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit 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.
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 tour and a lunch feast fit for a Hobbit included in tour price
Visit the best LOTR filming locations - Please note that no sets remain from the filming
Pick up and drop off available direct from cruise ships - we've never missed a drop off
Owned and operated by genuine fans, several of whom worked on the films
Expert guides with film industry experience
Guaranteed drop off back to Cruise Ship on time. We haven't missed a drop off in 15 years
Bonus native forest walk in a 1000-year-old temperate rainforest
Central Wellington pick up
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
LOTR FD for CRUISE PAX ONLY
Pickup included
LOTR FD for ARCADIA Passengers
Pickup included
Wellington's Original LOTR FD
Pickup included
Reviews
513 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant day out for LOTR fans
Meriel A,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really loved this day. Our guide Grant was super friendly and so knowledgeable, telling us lots about New Zealand’s wild life and history as well as all about the making of LOTR. Lots of fun anecdotes as well as really interesting details about the movies. The trip to Weta workshop was also great - only bad thing is you’re not allowed to take any pictures past the entrance which is a shame when they have such an incredible collection of cool things.
Amazing Day Trip
Relax20414171366,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing day tour with Welly Rings Tours! From the stunning Mount Victoria lookout to various filming locations, the Wētā Workshop, and a beautiful short walk through the forest. Everything was exciting and well put together. A big shout-out to James, our tour guide. He was incredibly friendly and you can really feel his passion for film. Even though it rained a lot that day, the tour had a unique and really enjoyable vibe. It was great fun! I was also very glad they offered umbrellas to borrow since I forgot my rain jacket. Absolutely recommend! Thank you so much :)
Great Day visiting LOTR locations with a great guide.
cathysZ2219NV,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Loved visiting the LOTR Locations and Weta Workshop. Our guide Grant was excellent. The only reason I have given 4 stars and not 5 is the lunch provided at a local venue was a bit average.
Amazing for fans of the movies.
James V,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We learned loads about the movie making process of more than just Lord of the Rings. It was eye opening to see the level Of creativity and time put in.
Average day
JOHN S,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The studio was cool but it almost ruined the movie when you see how they filmed it It takes the magical away Not too much to do in Wellington I won’t go back again
Awesome Lord of the Rings tour
Karen H,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour today with James. He gave us tons of information about Wellington and the behind the scenes info for the Lord of the Rings movies. It was extra fun that he was in Wellington during the production and knew people that were involved at the time. They had great pictures to show the scenes that were filmed at the locations we visited. They also brought props for us to take fun pictures with. We had a fun group and our guide helped make the tour feel fun and informative as well. Loved the Wēta workshop tour also. My partner and I had a great time and learned a lot. Would highly recommend this tour!
Great Day Out
rosslynj514,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day filled with lots of information and interesting stops at many various LOTR locations. Also enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Highly recommend and must do when in Wellington.
10/10 Day with Guide Andy
ASP273,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I had the BEST time today in Wellington with our guide, Andy. We flew into Wellington for 24hrs specifically to do this tour and we are so glad that we did, though Andy's enthusiasm for the city is contagious and having landed at our next destination tonight, we are both wishing we had planned more time to stay and enjoy the capital! The actual site visits were well explained, were made much clearer by the photo books brought along, and were greatly enriched by Andy's deep knowledge and fun storytelling. Having worked in the industry, Andy was well versed in the reality of film making process and gave great insight and thoughtful answers to our many questions. We also learned about New Zealand wildlife and conservation efforts, culture, and customs, while being smoothly driven in a comfortable van and enjoying the views. Sully (I think, apologies for any error there) at the Weta workshop was also a great host for out tour stop at their facility. His genuine excitement for the company's projects and processes was endearing and made for an extra interesting visit. We handled props, got to see how a lot of the set design and production was arranged, and had all of our obscure questions answered. A 10/10 day out that I wouldn't miss if you are coming to Wellington for even only a day. Definitely book the full day not just the half day, as the second half of the schedule is just as great as the first! Even if you aren't a film geek, the scenery is beautiful in its own right and this tour offers a lovely introduction to a special city.
Great day in Wellington for LOTR fans
Igor R,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This full-day tour was great! We saw beautiful forest and river sites where scenes from LOTR were filmed, and learned from Marc, our high energy guide, many entertaining facts and stories of the making of LOTR and from his time as an extra on the set. Fun photo times with props too. The day included a visit to Weta Workshop, where we got a glimpse of how special effects were made. Overall, a wonderful experience.
Fantastic tour
Ashley S,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful guide and tour itself was fantastic,stopped at a lot of cool locations! Lots of lotr information which was fun to learn!
From NZ$325.00
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