I took the family to visit The Weta Cave on the other side of Wellington, down in Miramar.


It was a popular place during the school holidays and the first thing you notice are three large mountain trolls right outside




Inside it is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, TinTin, King Kong. There are some full size exhibits like this Gandalf figure

And Lurtz the head Uruk-Hai

This cave Ork from Morea was hanging right over the sales counter (full size and badly in need of dental work)

Young prawn from District 9 movie:


If you have seen District 9 this Arc Generator is an awesome weapon

Silicon Hobbit feet

LotR helmets, all full size

Gear for the Avatar movie made by Weta Workshops

Then there was all the collectable stuff, movie memorabilia for sale, this from King Kong:

All sculpted by the Weta artists, cast in polystone resin and painted in China

TinTin stuff:



Not sure where this one comes from:

Balin the Dwarf

This figurine of Nazgul vs Eowyn is made to order and cast in bronze, selling for USD$4,900 (sorry about all the reflections)

This model of Rivendell was extraordinarily detailed:


The model of Barad Dur was very imposing, weighs 10kg and is an exact copy of the model made for the movie (except for the size)

Dr Grordbort's ray guns were very whimsical


Bilbo's conditions of engagement:

And a guided tour of the movie studio is available (for a charge)

If you are planning to visit New Zealand for a Vintage Aviator airshow make sure you visit the Weta Cave. Wingnut Wings isn't far from here but unfortunately they are not open to the public
http://www.wetanz.com/shop/No I don't work for them, but I do admire their talent