Wellington

The Hub of Production

Today you drive via the Otaki Gorge. The Gorge was used to portray the young Hobbit’s journey to the border of their beloved Shire, through peaceful and productive gardens and farms. Today’s motto is: “Get Off The Road!” You arrive in Wellington, hub of film productions. The capital city is home to Peter Jackson, 3 Foot 6, Wingnut Films, Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. Unfortunately visiting the studios is not possible because of legal reasons.

The filming for the trilogy began on 11 October 1999 at Mt Victoria, near the centre of Wellington. With incredible views of Cook Strait and the city, Mt Victoria is where the Hobbits were filmed escaping the Nazgul. On the corner of Jervois Quay and Cable Street is The Film Centre, New Zealand’s Museum of the Moving Image, and well worth a look. Admission is free.

Info:
Visit the “Embassy Theatre” in central Wellington, home of the Australasian Premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring, and recently the world premiere for the final of the trilogy. The Embassy had a multi million-dollar refurbishment in time for the world premiere, as part of a deal with the film producers, New Line Cinema, and now has the country’s largest cinematic screen.

Tip / Hint:
A must see is “Te Papa” New Zealand’s National Museum. This is where the only official Lord of the Rings shop is located. Internationally acclaimed for its modern interactive approach, admission is free but charges apply to some exhibitions.