Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour

Such an awesome experience. Our guide was funny, patient and knowledgeable in all aspects. Unfortunately I can’t remember his name but he was the very tall guy! For any LOTR fan this is simply a must-do and is a very different experience to the Auckland Weta Workshop tour. Even if you’re not a LOTR fan, it’s so fascinating the work and detail that Weta puts into their films - they put that level of attention to detail in the tours as well.

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I filed a complaint after the visit. My son and I visited the tour at Wellington and unfortunately, I was quite disappointed by the way one of your staff members spoke to my son during the tour, the rest of the staff member are helpful and friendly. We were at the last stop of the tour, where we were brought into a room with an older lady, who I believe was the artist. Unfortunately, I cannot remember her name. She was showing us how to use tin foil to make art. At the beginning, we were all very excited and enjoyed how friendly and bubbly she was. She asked us if we knew what material could be used to make the artwork. My seven-year-old son was very excited because he knew the answer. He put his hand up three times and was eagerly waiting for his turn to answer. Each time, he was asked to wait. However, at one point, the artist told my son, in front of everyone, that he was "very annoying." There were 11 people plus the guide in the room at the time. My son was understandably upset and responded that he was not annoying. As a parent, I was very disappointed and shocked that a trained and experienced staff member would speak to a seven-year-old child in this way, particularly in front of a group of people. I understand that children can sometimes become excited and eager to participate, but I believe there are more appropriate and respectful ways to manage the situation. We had travelled from Auckland specifically to make an afternoon of this experience, so it was particularly upsetting for my son to come away feeling this way. If I had known this would happen, we could have simply visited the Auckland branch, where we would have had the opportunity to explore other activities. His dad is a big fan of The Lord of the Rings and specifically wanted us to visit the Wellington store because he believed the experience would be different and special. We are paying customers, and we come to their establishment to enjoy the experience, not to be publicly humiliated or embarrassed. I sincerely hope that all staff members can receive appropriate training to handle similar situations with greater professionalism, patience, and respect in the future. Customers should be treated with dignity, even when there is a misunderstanding or difficult situation.

Great experience, daughter very interested in movie makeup, was so informative, loved it! A++

This is a fabulous place to visit and a great gift to give someone. I have been and loved it. Gave this as a gift to my brother in law and he loved it. He went with my son (his second visit). He enjoyed it just as much the second time. It's a great opportunity to learn more about our fabulously talented country and people who do the most amazing things. I learned such a lot, and so did my brother in law and son. I will definitely be back.

I was totally enthralled with the complexity of the work that goes on behind the scenes! What a fabulous way to show the dedication, passion and creativity of the staff.

Save your cash on the tour. All the photo ops for LOTR fans are available for free outside and in the gift shop. The LOTR parts of the tour are in areas forbidden for photography. Everything else in the tour deal with ,makeup, design and special effect. Waste of my time as a LOTR tourist.

Our guide was entertaining, knowledgeable and Very articulate. Would definitely recommend the tour to friends and family.

We can’t speak highly enough about our experience at Weta Workshop! It was truly a once in a lifetime event for us. As theatre-makers and Lord of the Rings fans ourselves, we were overwhelmed by the opportunity to learn more about the workshop and honored to witness firsthand some of the processes and finished projects. Taylor, our guide, was fantastic to talk to and we really appreciated his passion for the art. Well done, Weta! What an incredible, creative, and kind workplace you’ve built! We wish we could work at Weta!! :)

Brief insight into the workings of Weta

We done both the Wellington and Auckland tours and they were fantastic, everyone we had were amazing and passionate about what they do, really good getting able to see how special effects are done from start to finish

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