Zigway
Start free

Wellywood: Miramar Movie Magic

Self-guided audio tour in Wellington

1 hr 45 min
Duration
6
Stops
Easy
Difficulty
cinemaartphotography

Start Free on iPhone

Take “Wellywood: Miramar Movie Magic” on your phone

Start free on iPhone to unlock this self-guided walking tour in Wellington. Hear all the stories that make it amazing, walk at your own pace, and begin whenever you want.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

5000+
cities
200+
countries
20+
languages
30000+
walks completed

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step into the cinematic heart of New Zealand with this self-guided walking route through Miramar, the suburb affectionately known as Wellywood. Once a quiet industrial and residential peninsula, Miramar has been transformed into a global powerhouse of filmmaking, largely thanks to the vision of Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor. This neighborhood stroll takes you past the unassuming gates of world-class studios and post-production houses where blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and Avatar were brought to life. You will discover how a collection of local artists and tech innovators turned a remote corner of the South Pacific into a 'mini-Hollywood' that rivals the biggest studios in the world. As you explore independently, you will see the stunning Art Deco architecture of The Roxy Cinema, a restored masterpiece that serves as the community's creative hub. The route leads you toward the famous Stone Street Studios and the high-tech sanctuary of Park Road Post Production, where the final polish is put on some of the world's most successful films. This walking tour Wellington offers a unique look at the physical effects and digital wizardry that define modern cinema. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for iconic industrial shots or a film buff eager to stand where movie history was made, this self-guided walk provides a flexible way to soak in the atmosphere of New Zealand’s creative capital. Beyond the screen, Miramar offers a relaxed vibe with local cafes and coastal views, making it a perfect afternoon escape. This walking tour Wellington is designed for those who want to see the literal 'behind-the-scenes' of a working film industry without the constraints of a scheduled group. Finish your journey at the Weta Cave, where the boundary between fantasy and reality blurs through incredible displays of props, costumes, and sculptures.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

  • Discover the coastal filming history of Shelly Bay Road
  • Admire the Art Deco elegance of The Roxy Cinema
  • Stand at the gates of the legendary Stone Street Studios
  • See the high-tech exterior of Park Road Post Production
  • Visit the world-famous Weta Workshop and Weta Cave
  • Experience the creative atmosphere of New Zealand's Wellywood

Route Map

Route map for Wellywood: Miramar Movie Magic

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Shelly Bay Road

Begin your journey along the coastline of the Miramar Peninsula. Shelly Bay Road offers more than just stunning views of Evans Bay; it is a location steeped in cinematic history. During the filming of Peter Jackson’s 2005 remake of King Kong, massive sets were constructed here to represent the mysterious Skull Island. The rugged, rocky coastline provided the perfect backdrop for the arrival of the SS Venture. While the sets are long gone, the atmosphere remains. This area was also a former military base, and the mix of industrial decay and natural beauty makes it a favorite spot for local photographers. As you walk, imagine the scale of the productions that have utilized these coastal winds and dramatic light to transport audiences to far-off lands.

2

The Roxy Cinema

The Roxy Cinema is the crown jewel of Miramar’s social scene. Originally opened as the Capitol Theatre in 1928, it fell into disrepair for decades before being lovingly restored by a group of local film industry leaders, including Richard Taylor and Jamie Selkirk. The building is a stunning example of Art Deco design, but the interior is where the magic truly happens. Every detail, from the light fixtures to the ornate ceiling work, was crafted by the artists at Weta Workshop. It isn't just a place to watch movies; it’s a living museum of local craftsmanship. Take a moment to appreciate the statues in the lobby—many are original pieces created for major motion pictures. It’s the perfect spot to feel the intersection of Wellington’s history and its modern creative identity.

3

Stone Street Studios

You are now standing outside the gates of Stone Street Studios. While the interior is strictly off-limits to the public to protect the privacy of ongoing productions, the significance of this site cannot be overstated. This was once a paint factory before Peter Jackson converted it into a world-class studio complex. It houses massive soundstages, including the 'Kong' stage, which was once the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. This is where the majority of the interior scenes for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed. The unassuming suburban surroundings make the presence of such a high-tech facility even more remarkable. It is a reminder that in Miramar, world-altering creativity often happens behind very ordinary-looking walls.

4

Park Road Post Production

A short walk away brings you to Park Road Post Production. This facility is where a film truly comes together, handling everything from sound mixing to color grading. The building itself is a masterpiece of design, intended to look like a historic grand estate while housing some of the most advanced digital technology on the planet. Its state-of-the-art mixing theater is often cited as one of the best in the world. Famous directors from around the globe travel to this specific spot in Wellington to finish their films. The quiet, tree-lined street belies the fact that some of the most iconic sounds in cinema history—from the roar of a dragon to the clash of epic armies—were perfected right here.

5

Weta Workshop

Welcome to the heart of the Weta empire. Weta Workshop is where physical effects are born. Founded by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger in a back room of their flat, it has grown into a five-time Academy Award-winning powerhouse. This facility produces everything from intricate jewelry and armor to massive creature suits and miniature models. While the workshop itself is a busy hive of artists and technicians, the exterior and the surrounding buildings often feature incredible large-scale sculptures. This is where the tangible elements of Middle-earth were forged, using a blend of traditional blacksmithing and cutting-edge 3D printing. It is a place where the line between artisan craft and high-tech manufacturing is completely erased.

6

Weta Cave

The final stop on your route is the Weta Cave. This is the public face of the workshop and serves as a mini-museum and shop. Here, you can get up close with life-sized statues of characters like Gollum, Lurtz, and the trolls from The Hobbit. There is a free documentary screened every half hour that details the history of the company and its rise to international fame. The shelves are filled with collectibles, books, and behind-the-scenes memorabilia that showcase the incredible diversity of projects handled here, from District 9 to Avatar. It’s the perfect place to conclude your exploration of Miramar, surrounded by the physical artifacts of the stories that have captivated the world.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “Wellywood: Miramar Movie Magic” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The route covers about 3 kilometers of flat terrain, allowing plenty of time for photos and a visit to the Weta Cave museum.

Don't miss the good stuff

Explore Freely

Start free on iPhone