Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch
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Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

Active
(505 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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!

Available options

Wellington's Original LOTR FD

Pickup included

LOTR FD for ARCADIA Passengers

Pickup included

LOTR FD for CRUISE PAX ONLY

Pickup included

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

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

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.

2

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!

3

Drive past the Embassy Theatre that was used to host two world premieres of the Middle-earth movies - The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Your guide will share stories and pictures of how Wellington was transformed literally into the middle of Middle-earth.

4
Stop 4

Descend into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where our expert guides will explain the process of film making and entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. You will follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they began their quest to destroy the One Ring. You will see the "shortcut to mushrooms", "get off the road" and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. You will have the chance to recreate some of the most famous scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams go crazy!

5

Enjoy a feast fit for a Hobbit to recharge your batteries for more film locations in the afternoon

6

See a section of the Great River Anduin as the Fellowship make their way to Parth Galen

7

Harcourt Park aka The Gardens of Isengard. Here you will see how this normal, everyday park was transformed into the scenes where Gandalf rode to Saruman seeking council and the wizards walked through the gardens discussing their situation. This is also where the orcs began felling the trees once it was revealed Saruman had turned to the dark side...

8
Stop 8

Kaitoke Regional Park, a stunning, thousand year old, temperate rain forest. This was used as the location for the beautiful Rivendell, the last homely house east of the sea. Here you will immerse yourself in the magical setting and learn how the area was transformed into Elrond's house, Frodo's bedroom and the bridge where Arwen and Aragorn share a kiss. You can release your inner Elf and snap a photo reenacting a famous Legolas image and then recreate the scene where Frodo leads the newly formed Fellowship towards Mordor by posing in front of the Rivendell gate tower which is the only Lord of the Rings replica structure in the whole of New Zealand outside of Hobbiton.

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.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
304 reviews
5★
254
4★
43
3★
5
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.9
201 reviews
5★
184
4★
14
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0

Important information

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

Important notes

Pick-ups may be slightly later than the advertised start time depending on how many bookings we have.

If joining from the cruise terminal, please be ready 15mins before the scheduled departure time.

About Wellington

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, coffee culture, and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled between rolling hills and the harbor, it offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Te Papa Museum

Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, showcasing the country's art, history, and natural environment.

Museum 2-3 hours Free entry, some exhibits may have fees

Wellington Botanic Garden

A beautiful garden with a variety of plant collections, walking trails, and scenic views of the city.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Mount Victoria Lookout

A scenic lookout offering panoramic views of Wellington and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 1 hour Free

Weta Workshop

A special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Cultural 1-2 hours NZD 30-50

Wellington Cable Car

A historic cable car offering scenic views of the city and harbor.

Historical 30 minutes NZD 5-10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

A traditional Māori method of cooking food in an earth oven. The food is wrapped in leaves and cooked underground for several hours.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Contains eggs and dairy, vegan options available.

Fish and Chips

A classic New Zealand dish featuring fresh fish, usually snapper or tarakihi, coated in batter and deep-fried, served with chips (fries).

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and gluten, vegetarian and vegan options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Mountain biking Spa treatments Beach lounging Picnicking Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

December to February

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Wellington is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of common safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being cautious in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious in crowded areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Wellington Airport • 6 km from city center
By train

Wellington Railway Station

By bus

Wellington Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Metlink is the main public transport system in Wellington, offering a network of buses, trains, and ferries.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

CBD (Central Business District) Te Aro Miramar Karangahape Road (K' Road)

Day trips

Red Rocks
30 km from Wellington • Half day

A scenic coastal area known for its rugged cliffs, sea lions, and wildlife.

Matiu/Somes Island
20 km from Wellington • Half day

A small island in Wellington Harbour with a rich history and scenic views.

Kapiti Coast
60 km from Wellington • Full day

A scenic coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Wellington Cup Week • Late February to early March Wellington on a Plate • August Wellington Jazz Festival • Early October

Pro tips

  • Visit Te Papa Museum, New Zealand's national museum, for a comprehensive overview of the country's art, history, and natural environment.
  • Explore the vibrant and eclectic Cuba Street, known for its boutique shops, cafes, and street art.
  • Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car for scenic views of the city and harbor.
  • Visit the Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at the special effects workshop famous for its work on films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
  • Enjoy Wellington's thriving coffee culture by visiting one of the numerous specialty coffee shops and roasteries.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 3-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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