Ever wondered why Wellington gets called the film capital of New Zealand — "Wellywood"? The answer lies in Miramar, a suburb in the city's south-east. This is where Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop and Weta FX are based, and it's the neighbourhood that has sent blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Planet of the Apes out into the world.
If you're a movie fan, Miramar belongs on your itinerary. This guide covers the area's film-related sights, how to get there, and what else to see while you're in the neighbourhood.
How Miramar Became a Film Town
It all started in 1987, when director Peter Jackson founded his first film production company in Wellington. As Weta grew, Miramar's old hangars and warehouses were converted into film studios, and the suburb gradually transformed into a hub for the screen industry.
Today, Miramar is home to:
- Park Road Post (post-production facility)
- Stone Street Studios (film studios)
- Weta Workshop / Weta FX (VFX and special effects)
- A cluster of other film and television production companies
Together they make Miramar the centre of New Zealand's film industry.
Weta Workshop
The centrepiece of any Miramar visit is Weta Workshop. Public tours (paid, booking required) let you see actual props, costumes, and miniatures used in the films — from hobbit gear to the Gollum model from The Lord of the Rings, it's a treasure trove for movie fans.
For the full details, see our separate article on the Weta Workshop tour experience.
Weta Murals and Street Art
Scattered around Miramar you'll find street art and murals themed around film and fantasy — Weta-related characters, scenes inspired by The Lord of the Rings, and more. Hunting them down as you wander the streets is half the fun.
Walk along Miramar Avenue and the surrounding streets and you'll spot several murals. They're popular photo spots, too.
Roxy Cinema
While you're in Miramar, don't miss the Roxy Cinema. Restored by Peter Jackson, this 1930s picture house features a beautiful Art Deco interior, plus a bar and restaurant on site — so you can catch a film and stay for dinner, all in one gorgeous building.
The programme ranges from new releases to classics and special screenings. It's a one-of-a-kind cinema that any film lover should experience at least once.
Miramar's Shopping Strip
Along Miramar Avenue, the suburb's main street, you'll find cafés, bakeries, and small shops serving the local community. Many of the quirky cafés here are frequented by the creatives who work in the film industry, making this a great spot to soak up the local atmosphere.
The Miramar Peninsula Coastline
Miramar sits on a peninsula, and there are walking routes along its coastline. Because the suburb borders Wellington Airport, there are spots along the shore where you can watch planes take off up close — a nice bonus for aviation fans.
Getting There
- Bus: Take the Route 2 bus from Wellington Station or Courtenay Place and get off at "Miramar Shops." About 25–30 minutes
- Taxi/Uber: Around 15–20 minutes from the city centre, roughly NZ$15–25
- Rental car: Miramar is close to the airport, so picking up a rental car there and driving straight in is an efficient option
A Half-Day Miramar Itinerary
- Take the Route 2 bus from central Wellington to Miramar (30 minutes)
- Join a Weta Workshop tour (1 hour)
- Pick up souvenirs at the Weta store (30 minutes)
- Stroll the neighbourhood and hunt for murals (30 minutes)
- Lunch at a local café (1 hour)
- Visit the Roxy Cinema or relax over coffee (1 hour)
- Bus back to the city (30 minutes)
All up, that's a half-day Miramar outing of about 4–5 hours.
Who Will Love Miramar
- Fans of The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and other blockbuster films
- Anyone interested in VFX and filmmaking
- Travellers looking for a deeper, off-the-beaten-path side of Wellington
- Visitors who enjoy the feel of a genuine local neighbourhood
Miramar more than lives up to the Wellywood name. Add this film town to your Wellington itinerary — you won't regret it.