Lord of the Rings tour Wellington: Mount Victoria & Weta Cave

Film locations and a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the studio that built Middle-earth

A half-day Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington visits Mount Victoria, where the trilogy's first filming day took place, and includes a 90-minute guided experience at Weta Cave, the film and special effects studio. Your English-speaking guide shares insider knowledge as you stand at the locations of iconic scenes, then walk through the studio's behind-the-scenes displays and props. Hotel or cruise port pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lord of the Rings and Weta Tour

• Collect guests from hotels or port
• Visit Embassy Theatre historic site
• Enjoy 360-degree views at Mount Victoria
• Explore Lord of the Rings filming locations
• Participate in 90-minute Weta Cave experience
• See Wellington sign and city sights
• Visit Oriental Bay beach area
• Drop off at Te Papa or other locations

The experience

Mount Victoria is where it started. On the first day of filming for the Lord of the Rings trilogy in 1998, the production crew set up here to capture some of the trilogy's most recognizable moments. Your guide uses stills from the films to show you exactly where those scenes were shot, then walks you through the same locations so you can see the landscape as the filmmakers did. The 360-degree views of Wellington's harbour, the central business district and the ocean south of the city make it the best vantage point in the city, and the guide carries a camera to photograph you at the spots that matter most.

The Weta Cave experience is the centerpiece of the tour. Weta is the Wellington-based film and special effects studio that became world-famous for its work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though its impact stretches far beyond those films. The 90-minute guided experience takes you behind the scenes to see how the studio built the props, costumes and effects that filled Middle-earth. You'll walk through a mini museum of items on display, get a photo with the Cave Trolls, and have the chance to buy memorabilia. Your guide checks you in for the experience and stays with you throughout.

The route loops back into the city along the bay and past Oriental Bay, a man-made beach and one of Wellington's most affluent neighbourhoods. You'll see the Wellington sign (the one Hollywood copied for its own use), and pass through some of the city's distinctive architecture before dropping off at Te Papa, the national museum and a central point for the rest of your day. Pickup happens from your hotel, the cruise port (no shuttle bus needed if you're arriving by ship), or the iSite visitor centre.

What’s included

• English-language tour guide.
• 90-minute Weta Cave experience ticket.
• hotel or cruise port pickup.
• drop-off at Te Papa or another central location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 10:30 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ka Rawe Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a fixed route and schedule, so you travel with other guests and follow the guide's pace through each stop. It suits anyone curious about the Lord of the Rings films and Wellington's role in making them, whether or not you're a devoted fan: the guide's insider knowledge and the studio tour work for first-time viewers too. The tour includes some off-road terrain at Mount Victoria, manageable for all fitness levels but requiring sturdy footwear with good grip.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

Where exactly did they film the Lord of the Rings scenes on this tour?

Mount Victoria was the location for the first day of filming for the trilogy in 1998, and several of the most iconic scenes from the films were shot there. Your guide will show you the exact spots using stills from the movies and explain what was filmed at each one.

What happens during the 90-minute Weta Cave experience?

Weta Cave is a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wellington studio where the Lord of the Rings effects and props were created. You'll see displays in the mini museum, learn how the studio built the costumes and special effects, take a photo with the Cave Trolls, and have the option to buy memorabilia.

How does pickup work if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

The tour operator is accredited to collect passengers directly from the cruise port as they walk off the ship, so you don't need to take a shuttle bus or travel into the city first. Your guide will meet you at the port and take you straight to the tour.

What's the difference between Mount Victoria and the Weta Cave part of the tour?

Mount Victoria is an outdoor location where the first day of Lord of the Rings filming took place. Your guide shows you the filming spots and you get 360-degree views of Wellington. Weta Cave is an indoor, guided experience at the special effects studio where you see props, costumes and behind-the-scenes displays from the films.