Miramar: Te Motu Kairangi and Film History

Miramar Between Its Māori Name and Film History

If you’re looking for hotels and want to consider a destination’s cultural and film connections, Miramar offers several specific points of interest. Miramar’s Māori name is Te Motu Kairangi, meaning “precious island.” The 1855 earthquake is part of the area’s history: it raised the surrounding land and connected the island to Wellington. The name and the event offer two different perspectives on Miramar—its cultural significance and a dramatic change to the landscape.

The Roxy Cinema is a cinema in Miramar that retains the original façade of the 1928 Capitol Theatre. Here, film and architecture come together in a tangible example. The Miramar Peninsula is also home to film studios run by Stone Street Studios, Park Road Post Production, and Wētā FX. The film connection thus extends from a preserved building in the area to production studios on the peninsula. Fort Dorset is another nearby film connection: it was the filming location for the Prancing Pony inn in “The Lord of the Rings.”

The bays of the Miramar Peninsula can be explored on a self-guided drive. Bus routes 2, 31x, and 24 go to central Miramar. As routes may change, check the current connection before travelling. If you’re considering Miramar as a base for your stay, this information can help you decide how to get around: drive to the bays or take the bus to the centre.

More Experiences in Wellington City

In the wider destination of Wellington City, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne covers 225 hectares of regenerating forest and bird habitats. During daylight hours, general admission provides access to 32 kilometres of interconnected trails. Free electric shuttles run to and from the sanctuary, departing from the Wellington i-SITE and the Cable Car’s top station. Check the latest shuttle and access information before planning your visit. Its natural features and trails offer a different focus from Miramar’s cinema and studios.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum on the Wellington waterfront and houses more than two million artworks, objects, and specimens. Te Papa offers guided tours, including an introduction to the museum and a tour of the award-winning Gallipoli exhibition by Wētā Workshop. As tour formats may change, check the current options in advance.

In Wellington City, the Wellington Cable Car connects Lambton Quay, Victoria University, and the Botanic Garden in a five-minute ride. The route is 612 metres long, and the top station is 120 metres above sea level. Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā covers 25 hectares of unique landscapes, with protected native forest, plant collections, floral displays, and views across Wellington. Its Bush Walk passes through native New Zealand bush.

Discover more destinations: Johnsonville.

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