We visited the WETA Workshop in Auckland on our return since we enjoyed the one in Wellington so much. The Auckland Workshop is much more "experience-oriented" with more hands-on interaction and a wider breadth than LOTR/Hobbit themes. We were a bit worried it would be geared towards children, but it's fun for all...
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. Entrance to shop Lots of swords One Ring was a bit much for me Cool stuff - far...