The Weta Cave

Look, you know that you are coming here no matter what I say. So, I am not even sure why you are bothering to read reviews. That being said, keep in mind that this is not a tour of filming sets or how a movie is made. It is a walk-​through of a medium-​sized room with lots of props and copies of props. (Yes, we did get to hold the gun from District 9.) You can look through glass windows and see artisans making props — mostly the ones for re-​sale. (I do not think you will ever see anything that it in an unreleased film.)
If you have the right expectations, you can have a fun hour.

We went here on a school tour and had one of the most amazing times of our lives. All of us were admittedly huge Lord of the Rings fans and so when we each in turn got to hold Sting and Gandalf’s staff there were some happy tears shed. The gift shop is a little pricey but the tour was so worth it. Our guide Daisy was hilarious and incredibly informative since she actually is very involved in the production design. We all had a wonderful time at Weta. I highly recommend the tour as you get to see a ton of behind the scenes crafting sort of stuff.

Considering this mainly a working workshop for film production, and not a major tourist attraction, I think they have done quite a reasonable job. Obviously the had limited space for both the cave and had to be careful in the workshop as projects are in production, hence the no recording of any kind.
It was a good brief insight into the development of the props used in film & television. I especially liked that the guide was not a guide but someone who actually worked in the workshop and answered questions that a «normal» guide may not have the knowledge to answer, only what is on the script.
As for the cave, it was bigger than some gift shops in museums and attractions. Also you got to see more props for actual films rather than just a selection of goods to buy as Souvenirs. The film again was quite informative on the history and projects that Weta have been involved with.
For me, it was worth travelling out to Miramar, besides where else can you have a selfie with a 5M troll !!!

A great place to stop in Wellington! And for only $ 20; highly worth the 45-​minute tour! I suggest to do the first tour of the day!

We didn’t do the tour because it seems pretty over priced to see more of the same, but if you can be bothered driving out to Miramar it’s worth checking out the Weta Cave. The short film (free) is pretty good, and the displays of stuff made for films are really interesting. It’s pretty small though, aside from the 20 minute film it only takes about 10 minutes to look through.

Leave the cave, take the tour.
When they say mini museum, they mean MINI. Though the video is well worth the ½ hour of your time to watch.
What’s really awesome is the $ 20 «Window into the Workshop» tour back into a small part of the workshop. This is where they take the time to explain everything you’re seeing, and then see the process behind the creation of things (this included a sculpture being made as a public instillation, and swords being cast in metal).
If you’re got the time and money, well worth it for the Workshop tour.