The Wellington based Weta digital effects company has put themself on the map by raking in the awards for their work on the Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, King Kong, Avatar and several other hit movies over the years. With groundbreaking visual techniques and software at their disposal, Weta have contributed to some of the most visually arresting film and television of the past decade. Take a peek behind the curtain where movie magic happens at the Weta Cave – a mini-museum oozing creativity, innovation and imagination.
At the Weta Cave in Miramar you will come face to face with iconic characters, props and displays from the biggest blockbusters to come out of New Zealand. After you've experienced the behind-the-scenes Window into Workshop tour, you can browse pop culture collectibles, limited edition figures and sculptures, graphic novels, posters, art and other assorted cinematographic mementos. The guided tour offers great insight into how movies come to life at Weta, costing $NZD20 for adults and $NZD10 for kids, running every 30 minutes from 10:00 until 17:00.
You can explore Weta at your leisure as well – the space is perfectly suited for independent, self-guided visits if that's more your scene. It's free to enter Weta Cave and watch the raved about short film, which features in-depth interviews with Weta founders including Peter Jackson. There's something for diehard fans and novices alike, with knowledgeable workshop staff on hand to shed light on how the art comes to be.
Weta Cave is located around 20 minutes from the heart of Wellington, accessible via bus route number two, and is conveniently only three-and-a-half kilometres to the airport so you can squeeze in a last minute visit. If you haven't seen any of Weta's famous films before you pop in, chances are you will want to watch (or rewatch) them as soon as you get home!
