Discovering the Magic of Movie-Making:
A Look at the Movie Memorabilia at the Weta Cave in Wellington
Wellington is a paradise for movie buffs. The city is home to the world-famous Weta Workshop, which has been involved in creating the visual effects for some of the biggest blockbusters in recent years, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, King Kong, and many more. If you're a fan of these movies, then a visit to the Weta Cave in Wellington should be on your itinerary.
Where is the Weta Cave?
The Weta Cave is located at 1 Weka Street, Miramar, and is easy to spot thanks to its unique and eye-catching exterior.
What is the Weta Cave?
The Weta Cave is a museum and retail store located in the suburb of Miramar in Wellington. The name "Weta" comes from a native insect found in New Zealand, and the workshop is named after it due to its significance in the country's ecosystem.
The Weta Cave is a fantastic place to visit for anyone interested in the movie industry, whether you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings or not. The museum features a range of exhibits and displays that showcase the artistry and creativity that goes into the making of movies, TV shows, and other visual media.
What can you expect at the Weta Cave?
At the Weta Cave, you can take a guided tour that provides a behind-the-scenes look at how some of your favorite movies and TV shows were made. The tour includes a visit to the Weta Workshop, where you can see some of the actual props, costumes, and models used in various productions.
The Weta Cave also features a mini-museum that has a collection of props, sculptures, and artwork from many of Weta Workshop's most famous productions. You'll find a wide variety of items on display, from life-sized models of trolls and orcs to intricate sculptures of spaceships and other futuristic vehicles.
The retail store at the Weta Cave is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts related to your favorite movies and TV shows. You can find a range of items, from collectible figurines and T-shirts to posters and artwork created by Weta Workshop artists.
How much does it cost to visit the Weta Cave?
The cost of a guided tour of the Weta Cave prices start at $50 per adult, $26 per child (aged 5-12), and $43 per senior citizen or student (with valid ID). Children under 4 can visit for free. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes a short film screening, a visit to the Weta Workshop, and a tour of the mini-museum. Booking online is recommended to book a time slot that works for you.
If you're interested in purchasing souvenirs or gifts, the retail store at the Weta Cave is free to visit, and there is no admission fee.
What movies can you find at the Weta Cave?
The Weta Cave is home to exhibits and displays from many famous movies and TV shows, including:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Hobbit trilogy
Avatar
King Kong
Blade Runner 2049
Thunderbirds Are Go
Ghost in the Shell
Doctor Who
These are just a few examples of the many productions that Weta Workshop has been involved in over the years. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or action-adventure movies, you're sure to find something that interests you at the Weta Cave.
Getting to the Weta Cave
Getting to the Weta Cave from Wellington is easy and straightforward. Here are some of the best ways to get there:
By Car: The Weta Cave is located in the suburb of Miramar, which is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Wellington. There are plenty of car rental options in the city, and you can easily drive yourself to the Weta Cave. Just follow the signs to Miramar and then to the Weta Cave once you're in the area.
By Public Transit: You can take a bus to the Weta Cave from central Wellington. Bus route number 2 or 18e will take you directly to the Weta Cave. The trip takes about 14-30minutes, depending on traffic. You can purchase bus tickets from the driver or use a Snapper card, which is a prepaid travel card that can be used on most buses in Wellington.
By Taxi or Uber: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Wellington. You can simply request a ride to the Weta Cave, and your driver will take you there. The trip takes around 20 minutes and may cost around $25-$30, depending on the time of day and traffic.
If you're planning a trip to Wellington, the Weta Workshop should definitely be on your list of places to visit. It's a unique and exciting destination that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of movie-making. With its guided tours, mini-museum, and retail store, there's something for everyone at the Weta Cave. So, grab your camera and head to Miramar to experience the magic of the Weta Cave
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Disclaimer: I am no way affiliated with the Weta Cave and make no commission if you follow the links to the website.
This is one of the things I am sad I missed when we were in NZ. We had limited time so we ended up soaking in a hot spring instead of visiting the Weta cave. I am sure I would have loved it if we did go!