(Well, after traveling through Sydney and flying across the Pacific, we're back home catching up with family & friends and looking for work. Now that we are mostly rested, we are ready to start updating the blog again.)
Before flying out to Sydney, we rented a van from the only depot in Wellington. JUCY vans are a bit ostentatious. In the past, we avoided companies that heavily branded their vehicles because they screamed 'tourist'. We had read online that this can attract thieves, but despite our reservations, we didn't have any issues. On the plus side, you can take a few minor liberties on the road and chalk it up to being a tourist. Need to go around a round-a-bout a second time? People will just think: 'Oh they're not crazy, they're just tourists.' Accidentally cut in front of someone? Now you're a crazy tourist rather than just crazy. ^_^
Anyway, Aorangi Forest Park is a national park a few hours out of Wellington. It is home to the Putangirua Pinnacles, the filming location for the Dimholt Road in LOTR: Return of the King. Aragorn and co. take this road to reach the entrance to the Paths of the Dead:
Anyway, Aorangi Forest Park is a national park a few hours out of Wellington. It is home to the Putangirua Pinnacles, the filming location for the Dimholt Road in LOTR: Return of the King. Aragorn and co. take this road to reach the entrance to the Paths of the Dead:
The pinnacles are an example of badlands erosion, with the softer gravel eroding over thousands of years, leaving behind these amazing pillars. They were really cool to see and a lot of fun to explore.
After a few days out in the bush, we made our way back to Wellington to make one last stop before dropping off our ride.
After a few days out in the bush, we made our way back to Wellington to make one last stop before dropping off our ride.
A.k.a. 'Wellywood' or 'The Windy City'
The Weta Cave is a novelty shop filled with replicas and motion picture props produced by
Weta Workshop over the years (most notably for the Lord of the Rings trilogy). Here you will find life-sized statues of Gandalf and the Uruk-hai, Lurtz (an orc). You will also find display cases with bows & arrows, swords & armor, even a replica of Bilbo's contract with the dwarves from "The Hobbit". For a few bucks you can do a scheduled behind-the-scenes tour of the workshop itself.
Unfortunately, due to scheduling, we didn't have time. We did have twenty minutes to watch the free in-store movie that they show in a side-room. It talks a bit about the history of the company, which was interesting, if not a little over the top. I didn't realize how many projects they had been involved in. Seeing Avatar and King Kong on the list wasn't too much of a surprise but the nostalgia from seeing the Xena and Hercules shows from back in the 90's caught me off guard.
The best part of the shop I think is the main entryway. Three large trolls that 'greet' you as you approach the shop make for some fun photo opportunities.
The best part of the shop I think is the main entryway. Three large trolls that 'greet' you as you approach the shop make for some fun photo opportunities.
Imagine going outside to get the paper in the morning to find this ugly mug on the way back.
A dangerous business going out your door indeed!
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