Magic created in suburban setting
Weta cave
Where/what is it?
Around the harbour from Wellington central, past the airport, in the pleasant but ordinary suburb of Miramar, magic happens. The first sign of this is outside an unremarkable weatherboard corner villa, where three huge trolls crouch in the garden, facial hair waving gently in the breeze. Inside, you’re met by Lurtz, a terrifying Uruk-Hai, but can hide behind Gandalf for protection – both of them life-size. At the other end of the scale are fascinating miniatures from Weta movies including, as well as the Middle Earth trilogies, District 9, Tintin, Thunderbirds and many others. Most of these are reproductions, available for sale; but buy a ticket for one of their guided workshop tours and you’ll see these movie props for real, learn how they’re made, and how Weta fools us all so convincingly.
Why go?
Where else can you handle chain mail, and hear how its makers wore away their fingerprints twisting millions of tiny rings together? Everywhere you look, from ceiling to floor, there are props: elaborate costumes, looking convincingly well-worn, swords and ray-guns, skulls and nightmarish face masks, painstakingly constructed hairpieces, and a complete alien, never used. ‘‘Artists learn very early not to be precious about individual products,’’ we’re told as we watch a blacksmith carefully honing the edge of a sword, exactly as it’s been done for hundreds of years (except perhaps for the electric power). ‘‘The film is the final piece of artwork, not the props themselves.’’ There are drawings and stories, demonstrations and explanations, and remarkable facts: Sauron’s suit of armour weighs 70kg, it took 500 attempts to picture an orc, every LOTR actor had to submit to a plaster face-casting. It’s fascinating – and deeply impressive. All those Oscars were truly well earned.
Insider tip
Photography is banned on the tours, but still take your camera. There are opportunities for photos afterwards, as well as for shopping: this is not your regular exit-through-the-gift-shop. Pose with Gandalf and the orcs, then buy movie memorabilia like Bilbo’s acorn button, a brass orc-tooth pendant, or a solid gold One Ring (just $4555.98). The shop has a minimuseum, plus a 30-minute documentary, all for free.
On the way/nearby
Keep it in the family, and visit the Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa – Weta was behind the stunning 2.5 times lifesize figures whose stories link the exhibits in this absorbing and moving display. And Sir Peter Jackson created the Great War Exhibition in the stately Dominion Museum Building, using his personal collection of artifacts to create movie-set displays.
How much?
$25 per adult for the Workshop Tour, which lasts 45 minutes – or you can combine it with the separate Miniatures Stage Tour for two hours of Weta brilliance for $45. Other options include guided transfers from the city centre and dinner.
Best time to go
The tours run daily year-round except Christmas Day – book ahead online to be sure of a place, as demand is high. See wetaworkshop.com. – Pamela Wade
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