The Weta Cave

Learn the special effects secrets behind films such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar with a tour through this Academy Award-winning studio.

Weta Workshop is an Academy Award-winning design studio and one of the world’s most-lauded special effects film companies. It is named after New Zealand’s largest insect, the grasshopper-like weta. Experience the magic of what happens at Weta on the guided tour during which you will see life-size models, listen to interviews with the team and watch the Weta team at work.

Richard Taylor and Tanya Rodger founded Weta Workshop in 1987. They began by working on television series such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. See their most recent work on some of the biggest films of the 21st century, including King Kong and The Hobbit.

Start your visit in the Weta Cave. It’s home to plenty of props so have your camera ready to take photos of a gruesome troll or pose for a photo with a model of Gandalf the Grey. You can also watch a series of interviews with the founders of the studio. Screened every half hour, the interviews cover the establishment of the studio, the creative processes used in their films and rare insights into developments in the film industry.

The 45-minute standard guided tour, which starts at the Weta Cave, shows you the studio in action. Peer through the windows to see animators and special effects technicians working on their latest projects. See life-size models and props from the Weta team’s biggest films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Avatar.

Stop at the Weta Cave Shop after your tour to pick up great souvenirs and keepsakes. Merchandise from all of the Weta Digital films is available, including T-shirts, books, DVDs and sculptures handcrafted by Weta artists.

The Weta Workshop is located in Miramar, about a 15-minute drive from the heart of Wellington. Catch a shuttle bus here from the Wellington i-Site Visitor Information Centre. A fee applies for the guided tours. Make a reservation online at least a day before you arrive. There is no fee to enter the Weta Cave.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near The Weta Cave

Mount Victoria Lookout

Stroll along a scenic walkway through a pretty Wellington Town Belt reserve to this lookout for spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Oriental Bay Beach

This attractive beach is popular for swimming and is only a few minutes’ walk from the city center.

Wellington Zoo

Spend some quality time with big cats, giraffes, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons at New Zealand’s oldest zoo.

Courtenay Place

Shop, wine and dine in this culinary hot spot on one of Wellington's most fashionable streets.

Te Papa

See, smell and touch the exhibits at New Zealand’s hi-tech and interactive free national museum.

Hotels near The Weta Cave

Travelodge Hotel Wellington

2-6 Gilmer Terrace

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station). TSB Bank Arena and Victoria University of Wellington are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 14 minutes by foot.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

147 The Terrace

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of St Paul's Cathedral, Carter Observatory, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Old St Paul's and Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Trinity Hotel Wellington

166 Willis Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Central Library, and Victoria University of Wellington. City Gallery Wellington and Lambton Quay are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 17 minutes by foot.

ibis Wellington

153 Featherston St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 6 minutes by foot.

Rydges Wellington

75 Featherston St

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is only a 3-minute walk.

Willis Wellington Hotel

355 Willis St

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Aro Valley, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Sky Stadium and Wellington Zoo are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Grand Mercure Wellington

345 The Terrace

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Waterfront, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Wellington Zoo and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Novotel Wellington

133 The Terrace

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

Bolton Hotel

Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and New Zealand Parliament Buildings are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman

169 Willis St

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Victoria University of Wellington, and Cuba Street Mall. Wellington Waterfront and TSB Bank Arena are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Mercure Wellington Central City Hotel and Apartments

130 Victoria Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Cuba Street Mall. Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington Waterfront are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Naumi Studio Wellington

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 25 minutes by foot.

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

100 Oriental ParadeOriental Bay, Oriental Bay

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Parade and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

CityLife Wellington

300 Lambton Quay(Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace), (Vehicle access 14 Gilmer Terrace)

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Lambton Quay and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

West Plaza Hotel

110 Wakefield Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Town Hall, Michael Fowler Centre, and Civic Square. City Gallery Wellington and The Opera House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Bay Plaza Hotel

40 Oriental Parade

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oriental Bay, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 23 minutes by foot.

Q Hotel

223 Cuba Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel

70 Tory Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District, Courtenay Place, and St James Theatre. New Zealand Film Archive and Embassy Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Atura Wellington

24 Hawkestone StThorndon, Thorndon

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thorndon, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Old St Paul's and Beehive. Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) and Sky Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station is 29 minutes.

InterContinental Wellington, an IHG Hotel

2 Grey Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wellington CBD, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.

QT Wellington

90 Cable Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Wellington hotel is located in the entertainment district, just steps from Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Interislander Ferry Terminal are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wellington Station is 19 minutes by foot.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)

1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Pipitea, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Wellington Waterfront, and Lambton Quay. Old Government Buildings and Parliament House are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 1-minute walk.

Richmond Guest House Bed & Breakfast

116 Brougham St

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mount Victoria, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Wellington Zoo are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Nomads Capital Backpackers Wellington

118 Wakefield St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Te Aro, this eco-friendly hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Sky Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wellington Station is 18 minutes by foot.