• Australia, NZ + Tahiti
    The circular building is the parliament and is known as "The Hive"
    Lovely architecture and public art3Tribute to NZ writer Katherine MansfieldTe Papa Museum has a little bush walkOne of the museum exhibits1Weta WorkshopBrad the troll slayerLord of the Rings costumesLurtzSwords1Tea for one

    Wellington, New Zealand

    February 19, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    We arrived early this morning to Wellington and didn’t really have set plans until the afternoon. We took the shuttle into the city and walked around downtown and around the waterfront and went to the museum, Te Papa. Had a bite of lunch before heading off to our 1 p.m. tour of the Weta Workshop’s work.

    You may have never heard of them but you’ve likely enjoyed their work. Weta is the Academy Award-winning team behind the costumes, props and makeup in many films from Dune to Avatar, and most famously for Lord of the Rings. It was fascinating. A highlight was the master sword-maker Peter Lyon was actually there and we got to watch him at work. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited during the tour but there is a small exhibit of props and costumes on display that can be photographed.

    It was an early 4 p.m. sail away today so I had a chance to go to tea time while Brad took a nap.    Read more