An international award recognising excellence in theme parks, museums and visitor attractions has been won by Wētā Workshop Unleashed, a fantastical film effects experience in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Awards acknowledge excellence, innovation and leadership in the creation of compelling visitor experiences.

Wētā Workshop’s Head of Tourism, Jake Downing, says Unleashed’s award for Outstanding Achievement (Brand Experience) was a wonderful boost for the Auckland attraction, which is building towards its one-year anniversary and has recently opened its red doors after three months in lockdown.

“The recognition from our peers in the themed entertainment and visitor experience world is very special. It’s confirmation we have something exceptional, and world class, here in Auckland,” says Downing. “We can’t wait to welcome guests back. Unleashed is all about fun, imagination and escapism, and I’m sure that’s what people need a dose of after putting in all the hard mahi to keep our country safe. We’re ready for them.”

Wētā Workshop CEO and Creative Director Richard Taylor said Unleashed was inspired by the imaginations of the crew at Wellington’s Wētā Workshop.

“Wētā Workshop Unleashed is a fantastical version of our real-life film effects workshop in Wellington. Every day at the Workshop, we have the opportunity to design and build imaginary worlds, tap into our creativity and turn our ideas into fun and fabulous creations for the entertainment industry,” says Taylor.

“Unleashed was possible because of the extraordinary focus of a wonderfully passionate group of people who collaborated for an entire year. It’s our hope that guests visiting Unleashed feel inspired to do the same and discover their love of making and creating.

“It’s wonderful our Auckland-based experience has been recognised in such an esteemed way. Capturing the attention of the Themed Entertainment Association and winning this internationally recognised award is very special.”

TEA judges described Unleashed as a richly engaging and educational experience. “Presented with tremendous creativity and imagination, Wētā Workshop Unleashed is also unforgettable entertaining. It brilliantly straddles the line between traditional and behind-the-scenes tour and a full-on theme park attraction, offering as much creativity and imagination in the way it tells its story as is contained in the content itself.”

The TEA Themed Entertainment award is Wētā Workshop Unleashed second international award in as many months. In October, they were awarded Blooloop’s Innovation Award for Storytelling.

In 2017, Wētā Workshop won a Themed Entertainment Association Thea Award for Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War, an immersive exhibition at the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, which tells the story of New Zealand’s Gallipoli campaign in WWI.

To learn more about Wētā Workshop Unleashed, visit wetaworkshop.com/tours/auckland.