Weta Workshop

Fans of Peter Jackson's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films might want to plan in time to visit the Weta Workshop, the special effects company that has been working with the director since his early film days (this area is known as Wellywood). In some ways, it is ironic that Weta is now most famously associated with the two Tolkien trilogies, as the company has worked on countless other blockbusters, including Mad Max: Fury Road, Elysium and District 9. But for Peter Jackson enthusiasts, the 2.5-hour tour focused on Lord of the Rings lore is worth doing: Weta produced sets, costumes, armor and miniatures for the films and much of the memorabilia is in display here. After a tour, visit The Larder for a local lunch.