Wellington – Weta Workshops. Day 4
Wednesday 26th March 2025
Day 4 Wellington – Weta Workshops
We drove to the eastern side of the Wellington, through the tunnel where everyone toots their car horns, up to the Chocolate Fish café for breakfast. The first time I came here was in November 2018. My fond memories were somewhat shattered today seeing it encircled by temporary fencing with construction being undertaken all the way around it. Therefore, the outlook from the garden seating wasn’t the highlight overlooking the water as previously. In any case the day was a bit windy and certainly cooler so sitting inside to eat was the better option.
I chauffeured Geoff around the peninsular, it’s a lovely drive and made our way to the Weta Workshops. We had a good look around the small museum and gift shop whilst waiting for our tour. This time their tour was more structured and focused on the work by the couple who had set up Weta to create props and special effects for movies. They’ve been doing this since a very early age and so it was interesting to understand their story. It is a mistake to think that the Lord of the Rings series is the only movie they have been involved with. They have worked on hundreds of movies over 40+ years and still going strong and have managed the odd Oscar or two as well. All the while they still have their original premises where we visited today. They have several other locations up and down the street as it has been necessary to source technicians and artists from around the world to create the special effects that they bring to the movie set. We got to use the swords and hold the chain mail and mithril. Of course, we had to stand under the cave trolls for a photo.
Back in Wellington I went off exploring Te Papa, the national museum but not before a cup of Kawakawa tea. It’s a herbal tea, quite enjoyable.
Our dinner tonight was enjoyed at KISA in Cuba Street, a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean. Once again share plates that arrive at the table in no particular order. It was very delicious.
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