The Lord of the Rings Tours from Wellington

Go behind the scenes of ‘The Lord of the Rings' and other blockbusters at Weta Workshop, the world’s leading special effects and prop studio. The informative and entertaining Weta Cave Workshop Tour gives you a glimpse into the film production of your favorite movies including the LOTR trilogy, 'Avatar' and 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2.’ Your 2.5-hour tour includes convenient round-trip transport by minivan from central Wellington, eliminating the hassle of driving and parking.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at nine ‘The Lord of the Rings’ locations around Wellington and learn about the filming of movies based on the popular books. On a tour of the New Zealand countryside, see re-created scenes of Middle-earth including the Hutt Valley and the Greenbelt, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Studios for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to a themed lunch.

Spend the morning or afternoon visiting Middle-earth on this half-day 'The Lord of the Rings' tour from Wellington. A guide with insider knowledge entertains Frodo fans on a journey into the scenic New Zealand countryside, plus locales like the Embassy Movie Theatre, site of the world premieres. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at LOTR movie production on a tour of Weta Studios and discover why director Peter Jackson selected this region to film the renowned trilogy along with ‘The Hobbit’ movies.

Combine a tour of Wellington and the Lord of the Rings locations during this half-day excursion from Wellington port. Follow your guide, a LOTR specialist, to locations including the Weta Workshop, the LOTR filming and post-production facilities, and Mt. Victoria. Entrance fees and round-trip transportation from Wellington port provided. This small-group tour, limited to 15 people or fewer, ensures an intimate experience.

Let a knowledgeable guide lead you off the beaten track during this day trip from Wellington to Cape Palliser Bay. Set out from the New Zealand capital to visit Lake Ferry and the fishing village of Ngawi, with stunning views of the rugged coastline. See the North Island’s largest colony of fur seals near Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and stop at a winery in Martinborough for wine tasting. You’ll even discover Middle-earth at a filming site from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Includes lunch and round-trip hotel transport.

Although most travellers know Wellington for its walkability, Lord of the Rings fans are often disappointed to find that many of the region’s shooting locations are out of the city and down an unwelcoming rural side-road. On this guided tour of the trilogy’s Wellington locations, your guide takes care of transport so you can focus on the scenery of Helm’s Deep, Minas Tirith and Isengard.

Welcome to Weta Workshop’s home.  The movie industry doesn’t often open its doors!  Here, you’ll be thrilled by genuine, life-size movie props from a number of different contemporary movies.  Learn how Weta turns a director's vision into scenery, models, and figures. Some of the most captivating Hollywood films use Weta's props, and this tour explains why.

Explore the history, culture and lifestyle of New Zealand’s cool capital on this 2-hour central Wellington walking tour. Wander through Te Aro's Courtenay Place district and soak up the boho-chic atmosphere in lively Cuba Street. Discover inner-city sites made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and gain insight into the rich heritage of this creative, bustling and vibrant city. Step off the beaten track and discover special gems hidden in plain sight, and finish in the manicured grounds of the city’s parliament building.

Venture to Middle-earth to see where ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy was filmed. On a half-day or full-day tour, an insider guide escorts you to movie locations in the Wellington area. Stop at landmarks that were featured as the Shire, River Anduin, Helm's Deep, Rivendell and more. Hear behind-the-scenes fun facts as you take in the gorgeous scenery of the North Island. Round-trip hotel transport and lunch (full-day option only) are included on this small-group tour, limited to only six passengers.

Calling all Lord of the Rings fans who want to explore as many of the trilogy’s filming locations in a day as possible. This tour combines the Valley Movie Set and Wellington Movie Set tours into a full-day of exploring filming locations. See where director Peter Jackson and his scouts created sets—of Helms Deep, Rivendell, Minas Tirith, and more—in beautiful locations around New Zealand. The tours combined make one to rule them all.

Wellington’s Weta Workshop is world-famous for its special effects work on movies like The Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. This tour takes you behind the scenes and see where the magic happens. Go hands-on with the tools Weta artisans use to create creatures and sets and get close up with Weta’s miniatures stage. Get up close and personal with Wellywood's finest.

Get a private behind-the-scenes glimpse at areas of the Weta Group of Companies on this 2.5 hour tour at Weta Studio Tours! Learn more about the Oscar® award-winning special effects seen in films such as The Lord of the Rings, Warcraft, and Avatar and admire real movie props, costumes, and armour. Your Private Tour includes a private Weta Cave Workshop Tour, a peek inside the Park Road Post Production facility, and a visit to Weta Workshop’s boardroom.