Viator Rating : 5 (527 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.1/10 (Verified Excellent)
Wellington
Wellington LOTR Tour: Weta, Hobbit Lunch & Movie Sites
480
Overview
Wellington's Original LOTR Experience offers a full-day adventure into Middle-earth, right in Wellington! This tour takes guests to amazing filming locations from the Lord of the Rings movies. Enjoy a tasty lunch and visit the famous Weta Workshop, where the movies were brought to life.
What can guests expect? They'll see places like Mount Victoria Lookout, which had great views in the films, and the Embassy Theatre. The tour also stops at Outer Shire filming locations and includes a Hobbit feast. Plus, guests will see the Great River Anduin, Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard), and Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell). This tour is all about seeing the best LOTR spots in Wellington.
The tour includes a Weta Workshop tour and a yummy lunch, plus pick up and drop off straight from cruise ships. Expert guides who are big fans (and some even worked on the films!) lead the way. See the best LOTR filming locations and even take a walk in a real native forest. This 9-hour experience ensures a great day exploring Middle-earth! 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Visit Weta Workshop: Go behind the scenes where the Lord of the Rings movies were made.
See Real Filming Locations: Explore places where iconic scenes from the movies were filmed.
Enjoy a Hobbit-Style Lunch: Eat a delicious lunch that a Hobbit would love.
Cruise Ship Pick-Up: Get picked up and dropped off right at your cruise ship.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the guides' knowledge and enthusiasm.
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The Weta Workshop visit was a highlight for many.
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Many enjoyed seeing the filming locations.
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The convenience of cruise ship pick-up and drop-off was appreciated.
Some customers found the lunch options limited.
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A few mentioned that parts of the tour felt rushed.
The Journey
Weta Workshop
Venture into the heart of Wellywood and discover the Weta Workshop, the creative powerhouse behind the visual effects of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Go behind the scenes to witness the artistry involved in crafting the props, armour, creatures, and miniature sets that defined Middle-earth. Engage with knowledgeable Weta staff, learn about the innovative techniques used, and capture memorable photos with iconic characters and weapons. Don't forget to pick up unique souvenirs that will remind you of the movie magic you've witnessed.
Mount Victoria Lookout
Ascend to the summit of Mount Victoria for breathtaking panoramic views of Wellington Harbour and the cityscape. This iconic vantage point provides the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos and gain a unique perspective on the city's geography and landmarks. Enjoy a guided experience as your guide points out notable sights and shares insights into Wellington's history and vibrant culture.
Embassy Theatre
Visit the iconic Embassy Theatre, a celebrated venue that hosted the world premieres of The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Relive the excitement of these momentous occasions as your guide recounts stories of Wellington's transformation into Middle-earth, complete with vibrant costumes, elaborate sets, and enthusiastic fans from around the globe. Experience the glamour and spectacle that made these premieres unforgettable.
Outer Shire Filming Location
Step into the enchanted forests of the Outer Shire, where pivotal scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring were filmed. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they embarked on their perilous quest to destroy the One Ring. Experience the thrill of recreating famous scenes, such as the 'shortcut to mushrooms' and the escape from the Black Riders. Immerse yourself in the magic of Middle-earth and create unforgettable memories for your social media channels.
Hobbit Feast
Indulge in a hearty and satisfying feast fit for a Hobbit, designed to recharge your energy for an afternoon of exploring even more film locations. Savor the flavors of New Zealand cuisine with a Middle-earth twist, enjoying traditional dishes and local delicacies in a welcoming and convivial atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, share stories, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.
Great River Anduin
Witness the breathtaking landscapes that formed the backdrop for the Fellowship's journey along the Great River Anduin. See the section of the river where the Fellowship makes their way to Parth Galen. Imagine the Fellowship paddling and navigating the waters.
Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard)
Explore Harcourt Park, the unassuming location that was transformed into the imposing Gardens of Isengard in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. See where Gandalf sought council with Saruman, where the Wizards walked through the gardens and discussed the growing darkness and the place where the orcs started felling trees once Saruman turned to the dark side. Discover how clever set design and visual effects turned this everyday park into a place of power and treachery.
Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell)
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Kaitoke Regional Park, a lush, thousand-year-old rainforest that served as the location for Rivendell, the last homely house east of the sea. Discover how this magical setting was transformed into Elrond's sanctuary, Frodo's peaceful bedroom, and the iconic bridge where Arwen and Aragorn shared a tender moment. Embrace your inner Elf and capture a photo recreating a famous Legolas pose, and stand before the Rivendell gate tower – the only Lord of the Rings replica structure in New Zealand outside of Hobbiton – where Frodo led the Fellowship towards Mordor. You will also see a scene from the Fords of Isen, where Eomund was found by Eomer at the start of The Two Towers, and have a chance to cross a swing bridge and visit a giant 800-year-old native Rimu tree and learn something of New Zealand's flora and fauna.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a guided visit to Weta Workshop, a delicious lunch, and convenient pick-up and drop-off from central Wellington locations, including cruise ships. Gratuities are not included in the tour price. Guests will visit key LOTR filming locations and enjoy a walk in a native forest. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a camera to capture the movie magic! Some reviews mention bringing extra snacks. Remember to double-check your cruise ship's departure time to avoid any worries.
Review Summary
Customers generally say this tour offers a highly enjoyable and well-organized full-day excursion for Lord of the Rings fans and casual visitors alike. Positive points frequently mentioned include knowledgeable and passionate guides, unique behind-the-scenes stories, the immersive Weta Workshop visit, and a satisfying lunch. Some travelers highlight excellent timing management and smooth hotel or cruise ship pickups. Negative feedback is rare but occasionally mentions the physical demands of walking at some locations or limited pickup areas for accommodations outside central Wellington.
Frequently Asked Questions
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