What’s new at the Weta Cave?

Weta Cave, situated in Miramar, Wellington,  was overflowing with a whole bus full of school kids from Hawkes Bay when we arrived with friends Dot and Derek.  The kids were in the middle of a group photo shoot with one of the staff members adding some Weta flavour by brandishing a huge firearm as a prop.  The school kids duly boarded their bus to continue on their sightseeing trip, and the gun was kindly handed over to our guys to pose with for own own photo shoot.

Outside Weta Cave

The massive gun was made for the film District 9, and there was quite a display of them inside.  With names such as Incinerator, Gas Projector, and Arc Generator, they certainly sound very lethal, must have made quite an impact in the film.

Display of District 9 firearms

I can remember my son reading Tintin comics as a youngster, and the stories are currently getting a new twist.  The Steven Spielberg film showing the adventures of popular Belgian comic-strip hero Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy will be released later in the year, with designs by Weta Workshop and digital work by Weta Digital.

Tintin  and Snowy

Tall hulking Lurtz from Lord of the Ring fame glowers down at all who enter the Weta Cave, so we just had to have our photo taken with him.  We made sure we didn’t get to close as a sign warned us, “Do not climb on Lurtz – Weta takes no responsibly if he bites you”.  Lurtz does not appear in the LOTR book - he is a character created specifically for Peter Jackson's movie.

He’s right behind you!

One of the highlights at the Weta Cave is the small theatre which screens a behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. The creativity and imagination starts at the design studio, and moves through to sculpture, props, make-up, costumes and clothing.  Making miniatures is also a a big part of Weta Workshops, as is Weta Digital.  The film plays in a comfortable 48 seat theatre, with the props adorning the walls adding to the atmosphere.  Weta cave is a little gem, a wonderful showcase to all the talent involved, and entry is free.  Put it on your “must see” list next time you visit Wellington.