• Weta Workshop - Explore the heart of Wellywood by visiting the Weta Workshop, a renowned physical effects studio responsible for creating all the props, armor, weapons, costumes, miniatures, and prosthetics for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films.

Discover the secrets of cinematic magic on a behind-the-scenes tour led by a Weta employee, who will explain the creative process behind bringing these iconic films to life.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take photos with various characters and weapons, and perhaps treat yourself to a souvenir or two, if you wish.

• Mount Victoria Lookout - Relish a breathtaking panoramic view of the harbor and city from the Mt Victoria lookout. Your guide will point out the landmarks visible from the top and assist you in capturing memorable photos.

Mt Victoria is a must-visit in Wellington, so we’ve made it easier for you by saving you the hike up the hill!

• Embassy Theatre - Pass by the Embassy Theatre, which hosted the world premieres of two Middle-earth movies - The Return of the King and An Unexpected Journey. Your guide will share stories and images of how Wellington was transformed into the heart of Middle-earth.
• Mount Victoria - Venture into the forested slopes of the nearby Outer Shire, where our expert guides will explain the filmmaking process and entertain you with stories of how the Lord of the Rings movies were brought to life. Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and the Hobbits as they embarked on their quest to destroy the One Ring. Experience the “shortcut to mushrooms,” “get off the road,” and hide from the Black Riders before fleeing to the Buckleberry Ferry. You’ll have the chance to recreate some of the most iconic scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring and make your social media streams buzz!
• Aston Norwood Gardens - Enjoy a feast fit for a Hobbit to recharge your energy for more film locations in the afternoon.
• Poet’s Park - Witness a section of the Great River Anduin as the Fellowship makes their way to Parth Galen.
• Harcourt Park Disc Golf Course - Harcourt Park, also known as The Gardens of Isengard. Here, you’ll see how this ordinary park was transformed into the scenes where Gandalf rode to Saruman seeking counsel, and the wizards walked through the gardens discussing their situation. This is also where the orcs began felling the trees once Saruman’s betrayal was revealed.
• Kaitoke Regional Park - Kaitoke Regional Park, a stunning, thousand-year-old temperate rainforest, served as the location for the enchanting Rivendell, the last homely house east of the sea. Immerse yourself in this 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. Release your inner Elf by snapping a photo reenacting a famous Legolas image, and recreate the scene where Frodo leads the newly formed Fellowship towards Mordor by posing in front of the Rivendell gate tower, the only Lord of the Rings replica structure in New Zealand outside of Hobbiton.

You’ll also see a scene from the Fords of Isen, where Eomund was found by Eomer at the start of The Two Towers, and have the chance to cross a swing bridge and visit a giant 800-year-old native Rimu tree, learning about New Zealand’s flora and fauna.

• Weta Workshop tour and a lunch feast fit for a Hobbit included in tour price
• 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
• Visit the best LOTR filming locations
• Bonus native forest walk in a 1000-year-old temperate rainforest
• Central Wellington pick up

• Gratuities

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!

• Not recommended for participants with walkers or limited mobility
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.