2 Best Sights in Greater Wellington, Wellington and the Wairarapa

This sprawling tipple-town and entertainment center is an embodiment of a sunny summer's afternoon feeling, all conveniently within walking distance of Upper Hutt train station. Four award-winning breweries and a whisky distillery are spread around a large green of picnic tables, the perfect place to sip and enjoy the vast menus of elevated bar food. Guided tours are a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look and taste of the best in town. All five senses, not just taste, are stimulated at Brewtown: it has a go-kart raceway, axe-throwing, knife-making classes, an ice-skating rink, a ten-pin bowling alley, a large trampoline park, an indoor paintball field, and a multiplayer VR gaming station. Essentially a massive playground, Brewtown is incredibly family-friendly, so everyone can join the fun.

The innovative designers and effects wizards at Wētā have brought many high-profile movies to life. At Wētā Cave, you get a fascinating "behind the scenes look" detailing the characters and equipment used in special effects for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series, Avatar, King Kong, and many other award-winning films. Memorabilia (think models, limited-edition sculptures, books, posters, and T-shirts) is sold at the on-site shop. The workshop tour showcases original props, costumes, and the artists at work. You can also pre-book special interactive workshops to try your hand at sculpting, leatherworking, special effects make-up, and even making chain mail.