Weta & film locations
Wellington is the beating heart of New Zealand's film industry. This is "Wellywood" — home of Peter Jackson and the Weta companies whose effects brought Middle-earth, Pandora and more to the screen. Tour the workshops in Miramar, then trace the real-world film locations around the city and beyond. Here's how to see it, whether you're a superfan or just curious.
Weta Workshop in Miramar
The Weta Workshop experiences in Miramar take you inside the studio behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar and countless other films — props, weapons, creatures and craft, explained by people from the industry. The free Weta Cave shop and mini-museum makes an easy taster, and the whole peninsula is film-history rich. Book the tours ahead in peak season. See our Wellington tour.
Middle-earth around Wellington
The films were shot all around the capital. Mount Victoria, minutes from downtown, was the wood where the hobbits hide from the Black Rider; Kaitoke Regional Park (45 minutes north) became Rivendell; and the eerie Putangirua Pinnacles in the Wairarapa played the Paths of the Dead. Guided film tours reveal the exact spots. For the country-wide picture — including Hobbiton — see our pillar film locations page.
Fitting it into your trip
Miramar is 15–20 minutes from the centre (by the airport), so Weta slots neatly into a Wellington stay — pair it with the art-deco Roxy Cinema and a Mount Victoria lookout stop. Book the workshop experiences ahead, and consider a guided film tour to link the locations with transport and stories. See our things to do guide.
Weta & film locations: your questions
Yes — Weta Workshop in the suburb of Miramar ("Wellywood") runs guided experiences that take you behind the scenes of the effects studio behind The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, District 9 and more. You'll see props, weapons, creatures and craft up close, led by people from the industry. The adjoining Weta Cave shop and mini-museum is free to browse. Booking ahead is recommended. See our Wellington tour.
Because it's the heart of New Zealand's film industry. Director Sir Peter Jackson and the Weta companies are based in Miramar, where much of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and other blockbusters were made — including at Stone Street Studios. The nickname "Wellywood" celebrates the city's outsized role in world cinema. Fans can tour Weta and visit nearby film locations. See our pillar Hobbiton & film locations guide.
Several. Mount Victoria, right in the city, doubled as the Hobbiton woods where the hobbits hide from the Black Rider; Kaitoke Regional Park, about 45 minutes north, was Rivendell; and the Putangirua Pinnacles in the Wairarapa featured as the Paths of the Dead. Guided film tours point out the exact spots. For the wider Middle-earth story, see our pillar film locations guide.
Yes — the Weta experiences are engaging even if you're not a superfan, revealing the artistry, sculpting, effects and problem-solving behind the movies. Older kids usually love it, though very young children may find some creatures scary — check age guidance when booking. The free Weta Cave is an easy taster for everyone. See our things to do guide.
Miramar is about 15–20 minutes from central Wellington (and right by the airport), reachable by bus, taxi or rideshare, or on a guided film tour that includes transport and locations. Many combine a Weta experience with the nearby art-deco Roxy Cinema and a spin around the Miramar peninsula. See our Wellington tour.