Exploring Weta Cave!

Hi guys, welcome back to my blog 🙂

I’m sorry for not posting so often as my school has started again. Today I gonna share my experience when I was traveling to Weta Cave in Wellington, New Zealand.

For those who haven’t read my post yet about places to go in Wellington, check out this link: https://marilyntravelin.wordpress.com/2018/02/18/top-10-must-visit-in-wellington/

What and where is Weta Cave??

For LOTR and Hobbit lovers, there’s no doubt that obviously you’ll know about this interesting place, Weta Cave is located at Miramar, Wellington city. In this place, you will discover everything about Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Thunderbird, Avatar, War of the Planet of the Apes and Weta itself! There is no entrance fee to the shop where you can see a lot of LOTR and The Hobbit goodies, starting from stationary to magnificent sculptures and the swords replicas which cost up to $1000. However, there is an additional fees if you want to join Weta Workshop tour, ranging from $25/pp-$100++ depending on which tour you choose.

This is one of my dream places to go in New Zealand, other than Hobbiton and Milford Sound. It feels like you are in a different world after entering the main door. You can sense that you are truly in the middle of Middle Earth and meet with other people who actually have the same interests as yours! Oh my, there is only one word to describe this: AMAZING!!! Even if you are not a fan of Weta’s movies, you won’t ever regret by visiting here. You’ll be amazed on how creative and detailed Weta Workshop’s artist are, seeing all those extremely detailed sculptures.

How was my experience??

 

 

 

I did the Thunderbird miniatures stage tour for $25 (sadly we weren’t allowed to take pictures inside the studio, except one). This tour was included a transportation from Weta Cave building to the studio. The tour consisted of less than 20 people, so it was really great! It started with a little bit history of the Thunderbird series (Thunderbird is British’s cartoon TV series) such as the storyboards which are stuck on the walls for thousands and thousands of pieces, concept art, filming props, then begins the most interesting part. We saw a lot of giant miniatures with different scales, I’m really amazed by the details. And the most important thing is that the artists used recycled materials for their projects. Every works are crazily detailed and looks magnificent.

I really wanted to attend the Hobbit tour, but sadly it was fully booked the day I came, so I really recommend you guys to book in advance!!! Even though this tour wasn’t the one I desired for, but it still amazed me, so how will the Hobbit one will be??

At the end of the tour, everyone of us will be given a chance to take a photo right on this set:

How to get here??

Weta Cave is located at Miramar, where Weta Digital studios take place as well. I took bus no. 2 from Courtenay Place at Blair Street (allow 40-60 minutes for each way) for 10 bucks return, not bad ey. Actually it only takes around 30 minutes, but then you have to wait for the bus and all that, it is better if you allow extra time when you’re coming here.

Visiting one of the world’s best visual effects studio:

For more details, visit: http://wetaworkshop.com/visit-us/the-weta-cave/

Thank you for reading my post. Don’t forget to follow my instagram @marilyntravelin.

*Disclaimer. Everything I write is based on my personal experiences

 

TOP 10 MUST VISIT PLACES in Wellington

Hi guys, welcome back to my channel 🙂

Here are the TOP 10 MUST VISIT places in Wellington. I’ll discuss every each of them in further details, so stay tune and don’t forget to follow my blog if you are a NZ traveler addict! See my previous post about staying in Wellington : https://marilyntravelin.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/wellington-for-1-or-2-days-why-not/

Te Papa Museum (Discover NZs history, sea life creatures, paintings, Maori cultures)

Te Papa Museum is located at Te Aro area, just couple of minutes walk from the nearest bus station and the waterfront. It is known as the biggest museum here in New Zealand, with more than 4 floors to explore! Isn’t it amazing?! The museum is extremely huge, if you compare it with another NZ’s museums, and it is really worth it to take a look. It is FREE and there are various things you can see inside, starting from NZ’s war history (Te Papa is working with Weta Workshop in creating the giant human statues which look like real), sea creatures (giant squid, amazing designs in here), to Maori cultures. There are also gift shops and cafe where you can just chill in and enjoy the atmosphere.

Mount Victoria Lookout (Seeing Wellington from the top)

The easiest way to go up here is by a bus, you can take a bus no. 20 for $3.50/pp or hike they way up to the top. I really recommend to do the hiking track, the track is easy to find and you will go through the forest while going up there. It may be quite scary when the sky turns dark, so make sure to go in day time. Fitness level: Moderate – high (The tracks are mostly steep, but I could do it, even though I’m really bad at these kind of things haha). When you reach the top, it is just so SPEECHLESS, it is so beautiful that all of your hiking efforts are paid off. *Go when it is sunny and less windy, the roads might be dangerous when it’s raining.

Weta Cave (Find yourself in the midst of Middle Earth!)

I prepared one whole day just to visit Weta Cave! One of my dream destinations in NZ. Since I’m a big fan of LOTR and The Hobbit, this is a must go place in New Zealand, there is no other place that can amaze you like this. There are a lot of things you can do in here, starting from taking the workshop tours (tours’ types, prices, and availability may vary, so make sure to check their website before coming), buying LOTR and Weta goodies, or just strolling around and take pictures. I did the thunderbird miniatures tour (around 20 people per group) last year and it was amazing. Sadly, we were not allowed to take pictures inside, but it is really a recommended short tour only for $25/pp. All of the miniatures are extremely detailed and I’m sure you’ll be amazed on how creative the artists are.

How to get here? Weta Cave is located at Miramar, where Weta Digital studios take place as well. I took bus no. 2 from Courtenay Place at Blair Street (allow 40-60 minutes for each way) for 10 bucks return, not bad ey. Actually it only takes around 30 minutes, but then you have to wait for the bus and all that, it is better if you allow extra time when you’re coming here.

Oriental Bay ( Relax and enjoy the sea breeze)

Around 13 minutes walk from Te Papa Museum, you will arrive at the peaceful Oriental Bay, covered with sands and some ice cream shops. In my opinion, the bay looks like any ordinary bays you can find in NZ, it’s just the homey feelings that feels different.

Cuba St. (Shopping and eat out!)

For youngsters, this is a definitely must visit place in Wellington. Shops open till around 5 or 6PM and local bar and restaurants open till late night. It is the perfect place whether you wanna go shopping or just take a look around. Cuba St. is crowded with pedestrians all the time, except if you’re going at evening time then most of the shops are closed.

Wellington Botanical Garden (Cable ride and emerge yourself in the nature)

Wellington cable car might be the trademark for some travelers, but is it really worth it to pay $7.50 for it? I took this cable car ride last year, since I’m a student, I only paid $3.50/pp for return trip. The ride itself is a very short trip, don’t imagine like the one in Hongkong, probably only couple of minutes. This cable car takes you to Wellington’s beautiful botanical garden, where you can explore the other side of Wellington’s busy life. After you reach the top, the garden route takes you down… and down… and down… to the city. My suggestion is: DON’T TAKE THE RETURN TRIP, you pay for $7.50, but then after you reach the bottom of the garden, I’m sure it will be a waste of time for you to go up again just to go back to the cable car ride, even though you actually already at the city…

Zealandia Sanctuary (See NZs native birds and wildlife)

Truthfully, I haven’t been to Zealandia Sanctuary because I had to pay like $19.50 for the entrance fee 😦  But, based on the reviews and its website, I think this place is quite unique. You don’t have to go far to Steward island to see the local birds, you can just relax and enjoy the scenery inside here.

Wellington Zoo (Get close to some of NZs native animals)

Same as Zealandia, I didn’t have the chance to visit the zoo, as I only stayed at Wellington for 3 days, I mostly explored the CBD area. But then, it is a really interesting place to visit here in Wellington.

Beehive Parliament Building (Unique architecture which looks like a real beehive)

Beehive parliament building is located at Molesworth St., in the CBD area where you can find a lot of branded shops nearby. Around this area as well, there is one sushi store which sells a really really delicious udons and sushis for a cheap price (If I’m not wrong, it is called Daruma Sushi, the place s quite hidden, located near the cable car entrance). By the way, I went here after 6PM… So the building was closed already. Some people said that there are tours provided for an additional costs if you are keen to discover the unique interiors.

Eat and Drink (Kiwi and Asian local food)

There are bunch of food places here in Wellington, starting from local food and restaurants, to Asian food stalls. I’ve discovered most of them are located near Courtenay Place bus stops along the way to Cuba St. The price range is between $8-$25/meal, a lot of options to choose from.

Images are from: https://www.victoria.ac.nz/news/2015/05/is-the-wellington-city-council-neglecting-education and httpsxx://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_New_Zealand and https://www.pinterest.com/pin/393502086161577458/ and https://www.backpackerguide.nz/10-reasons-te-papa-museum-simply-unmissable/ and https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/experience-the-best-of-wellington-2 and https://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/sights-activities/zealandia/ and https://www.expedia.co.nz/Wellington-Zoo-Wellington.d6112760.Attraction and https://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/photos/cities/wellington/nz1981.shtml and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba_Street,_Wellington and https://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/sights-activities/wellington-botanic-garden/ and http://gettoknowyourbyo.co.nz/wellington/big-thumb/

Thank you for reading my post. Don’t forget to follow my instagram @marilyntravelin.

*Disclaimer. Everything I write is based on my personal experiences

Wellington For 1 or 2 Days?? Why NOT?!

Hi guys, welcome back to my channel 🙂

As I’ve discussed my wonderful journey previously from Wellington to Picton, so what and where is Wellington actually? Are there fun things to do there? I only stay there for a night or two, is it fine??

Don’t worry, you will find out everything as long as you keep scrolling 🙂

1. Where is Wellington??

As most of you know about Auckland, the major city in New Zealand, there is another city which will amaze you by its diversity. Wellington sits on NZ’s north island southernmost point on the Cook Strait. Most of the country’s government and parliaments buildings can be found here, as the capital city of New Zealand. Wellington is such a very beautiful city, the mix combination of its nature and city life is just way too perfect, you can find the peacefulness even in the middle of a bustle. So far, Wellington stands as the top rank of my most favourite cities in New Zealand.

2. What can we see and do in Wellington?

Whether you are on a 2 days or 1 week trip in Wellington, there are a lot of varieties starting from visiting Te Papa Museum to climb Mt. Victoria. Based on my experience, here are some of the top lists places to go in Wellington:

• Te Papa Museum (Discover NZs history, sea life creatures, paintings, Maori cultures)
• Mount Victoria Lookout (Seeing Wellington from the top)
• Weta Cave (Find yourself in the midst of Middle Earth!)
• Oriental Bay ( Relax and enjoy the sea breeze)
• Cuba St. (Shopping and eat out!)
• Wellington Botanical Garden (Cable ride and emerge yourself in the nature)
• Zealandia Sanctuary (See NZs native birds and wildlife)
• Wellington Zoo (Get close to some of NZs native animals)
• Beehive Parliament Building (Unique architecture which looks like a real beehive)

I really recommend to visit the top five lists that I mentioned above, it is free, beautiful, and really worth a visit. Ill discuss further about each of those places details on my next post. Dont forget to follow my blog for more NZ travel tips and experiences:)

3. I only have the time to visit Wellington for 1 or 2 days, what is the best itinerary??

Wellington is not a big big city like Auckland, so it actually doesnt really matter whether you gonna stay here for a short or long period. But. of course, if you want to explore to the extend of every corner of Wellington, longer period is highly recommend. Anyway, if you only have the chance to stay here for 1 or 2 days but still wanna experience the heart of Wellington, then check this out:

Day 1: Te Papa Museum – Oriental Bay – Mount Victoria Lookout – Cuba St.

• Breakfast at accommodation or around there ( last time I stayed at YHA Wellington, so I cooked my own breakfast and I bought the ingredients from New World, only 3-5 minutes walk from hostel). Find best places to stay at my previous post: https://marilyntravelin.wordpress.com/2018/01/28/where-to-stay-new-zealand-best-hostels-at-north-island/
• Walk to Te Papa Museum and sightseeing in there for 1-2 hours
• Continue to walk to Oriental Bay and sightseeing there
• Walk to Mount Victoria Lookout, climb or take a bus (I climbed last time, allow 2 hours return trip, or you can catch a bus no. 20 for $3.50/pp)
• Visit Cuba St. for shopping and grab some food (advice to go here before 6PM, as most of the stores close early, if you are late, you can do this on the next day)

Day 2: Wellington Botanical Garden – Beehive – Weta Cave

• Breakfast at accommodation or around there (Recommended to go out at 8AM because traveling to Weta cave requires extra time, if you don’t want to visit this, you can continue to Cuba St. or strolling around the CBD)
• Walk for 20 minutes to Wellington Cable Car or take a bus for $2/pp, bus numbers can be checked on this website: https://www.metlink.org.nz/getting-around/network-map/
• The cable car connects to Wellington Botanical Garden (you can actually go through the garden without the cable car, me myself I don’t really think it is worth it to pay for the cable car. But, for a new experience, it’s definitely worth a try)
• Continue your journey to Beehive
• Take a bus to Weta cave (around 45 minutes from the CBD) and have a sightseeing, workshop tours are available better book before hand

Okay guys, so that’s my short itinerary suggestion, if you have further questions feel free to pop it up in the comment section.

Some of my pictures:

Other images are from : https://www.victoria.ac.nz/news/2015/05/is-the-wellington-city-council-neglecting-education and httpsxx://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_New_Zealand and https://www.pinterest.com/pin/393502086161577458/ and https://www.backpackerguide.nz/10-reasons-te-papa-museum-simply-unmissable/ and https://www.ezicarrental.co.nz/experience-the-best-of-wellington-2 and https://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/sights-activities/zealandia/ and https://www.expedia.co.nz/Wellington-Zoo-Wellington.d6112760.Attraction

Thank you for reading my post. Don’t forget to follow my instagram @marilyntravelin.

*Disclaimer. Everything I write is based on my personal experiences