New Zealand · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops & classes fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
See how Wētā Workshop makes film props, costumes, creatures, and effects on a lively 90-minute Wellington studio tour.
“Great experience! Sully your guide came across so vibrant and cheerful, pBut found it hard to hear the recorded voices of the founders. I it thought it could have a little more volume. Otherwise highly recommend tour.”
See how Wētā Workshop creates movie magic in Auckland with hands-on effects, creatures, a giant, and a galactic robot.
“Learn a lot about how movies are being made. Lots of cool things to see and participate in. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable.”
Explore Wētā Workshop in Wellington with a guided look at film props, creatures, costumes, and practical effects from LOTR and beyond.
“I'm not a huge lord of the rings fan. and thought it was going to be pretty much about that. so wasn't overly excited. But I was very wrong they have been involved in so many more films, etc I have always thought the Te Papa Gallipoli exhibition Read more”
See practical movie magic at Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland, with hands-on sets, monsters, robots, and a lively 90-minute tour.
“Went here in April 2025 with a friend (in our 30's). We both thought it was great and cool to learn about the company that has made so many movies (LOTR being one of our favourites). We just wish they provided us with more information about how they did some of the work for those movies. A lot was wandering around with free time to see the 3 "movie" set ups, which was neat, but kinda wanted more learning. Definitely more entertaining for a child (lots of small activities for them and you can touch everything!). Wouldn't say it was a must do but was decent enough for the hour…”
Travel from central Wellington to Wētā Workshop for a guided film-effects tour with props, creatures, hands-on activities, and harbour views.
“Don't miss this opportunity to learn about Weta it is a must do in Wellington. It was so informative and cool!”
Learn surfing at Te Arai Beach near Auckland with gear, sunscreen, and coaching on safety, paddling, pop-ups, and wave timing.
“We booked four days of private lessons with Maya and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. She handled different levels with ease — from beginner to intermediate — and was wonderful with our 7-year-old daughter who was just starting. Thanks to her great advice and sharp eye, we all got up and caught waves. Big thanks to Maya!”
Visit Wētā Workshop from Wellington with return transport, movie props, costumes, creatures, and a 90-minute guided tour.
“Jess was our guide and really interesting to listen to for both weta workshops and especially in Thunderbirds. Was shocked at how many block busters filmed at Weta. Documentry was awesome- if I lived closer I would love to work here. Great experience- thank you. Have to watch movies again now”
Learn to surf at Raglan’s Ngarunui Beach with a small group, patient instructors, full equipment, and two hours of hands-on support.
“It was our first surfing lesson, and we had wonderful time. The lesson was very safety, simple and fun.”
Make miniature worlds or movie-ready wounds at Wētā Workshop Unleashed in Auckland, with expert guidance, materials, and a creativity certificate.
“Fantastic tour, very informative. Very knowledgeable guide. Very impressed with Weta group and their achievements, some very clever and imaginative people. Only down side is that the shop was not open at the end of the tour.”
Learn to surf at Muriwai Beach near Auckland with a qualified instructor, small groups, full equipment, and two hours in the water.
“It’s like riding a bicycle. People can only show you how. You need to figure it out”
Review of Altitude Tours’ Milford Sound Business Class day trip from Queenstown, with luxury transport, Sinbad cruise, lunch, and scenic stops.
“I quite enjoyed this tour and think it was worth paying for the business class experience. I went on Jan 21. I took the bus/van there and flew back via the fixed wing aircraft. Positives: 1. Tour guide/driver was excellent; really nice and informativeRead more”
Learn axe throwing in central Wellington with expert coaching, games, and a tournament, plus free pool, table tennis, and video games.
“Adam was great. Super fun. We were here for a stag do great decision”
Learn to surf at Mount Maunganui Beach with patient coaches, small groups, free equipment, and gentle beginner-friendly waves.
“Bailey was awesome, he helped me out throughout the whole process to catch my first waves while giving pointers along the way! Will be back again tomorrow”
Shape New Zealand clay on a guided wheel-throwing class at Driving Creek in Coromandel, with optional glazing, firing and delivery.
“rigtig god, god instruktør, god hjælp, gode muligheder, lidt dyrt hvis man er international og vil ha tingene med hjem”
Build mountain bike skills on a private four-hour lesson near Queenstown, with a full-suspension bike, local trails, and flexible coaching.
“Whole experience was great. It was my first time mountain biking and James was incredibly knowledgeable in all the mechanics / lessons and could explain them in different ways to make sure I had the best understanding possible. Would definitely recommend for anyone remotely interested in mountain biking.”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
