We took the bus out to the Weta Workshop, the folks that helped bring Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life (among tons of other entertainment you've seen). The Weta Cave is the merch shop where you can own copies of the original props.
We hung out with some of the characters before the tour. We got along fine at first, but the trolls began to get a bit unruly. Lucky for me, Melissa was nearby to keep them in line.
Gollum was a little hesitant, but at least he wasn't violent.
We took the tour and learned a lot about their history, what they do, and the particulars for various projects. They can't show too much as the folks that commission the work own the items. Some owners retain their items in storage while others have them destroyed (such a waste). Still, the tour is quite interesting and you get to play with some of the props.
Weta folks are also very clever with tinfoil. It's cheap, quick, and easy to work with.
Using a clay-like product called Pal Tiya, they can cover the tinfoil to mold and shape hard, durable, weatherproof end products - just give it a few days to harden.
Overall, a great experience if you're ever in the area. Weta also has a more interactive workshop in Auckland. It covers a wider range of their work and is more interactive; we may check it out if we wonder back up that way.