Episode 5.34: The UTE
Episode 5.34 - The UTE: Strap in, this week, Greg and Garrick recount their epic journey across New Zealand, fueled by Santa Teresa 1796 Triple Aged Solera Rum, a deep love of themed entertainment, and an unrelenting need to squeeze every nerdy drop out of the Southern Hemisphere.The trip kicks off in Auckland for the TEA SATE APAC Conference, where inspiration ran high and jet lag ran deep. While in town, they dove headfirst into the All Blacks Experience (because rugby is religion in NZ) and the mind-blowing Weta Unleashed exhibit at SkyCity.From there, they loaded up the rental and hit the road, making a now-legendary stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set (see Episode 5.33) for a private tour and a few pints at the Green Dragon Inn with the one and only Russell Alexander.The fanboy road trip continued across the length of the North Island, winding up in Wellington, where the nerdery went into full overdrive: LOTR filming sites, the Te Papa Museum, a private Weta Workshop tour, and a stop at the stunning Roxy Theater (because class).And just when you think the trip peaked, surprise! They wrapped it all up at Sir Richard Taylor’s farm just outside Wellington, where they sat down for a fireside chat and quick interview with the legend himself.Oh, and they also snuck in a bonus day in Sydney on the way home… because why not?It’s travel, rum, and world-class storytelling, all in one massive episode. Grab a glass and hit play. You’re gonna need both hands for this one.Two rambling idiots—Greg and Garrick—bring you the *Rum & Nerdy Podcast*, a weekly dive into the world of nerd culture through the eyes of late 40s/early 50s dads who still can't get enough of their favorite movies, TV shows, and theme parks. With a deep love of all things nerdy and a shared passion for good rum, these two buddies mix laid-back humor, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughs as they discuss everything from classic sci-fi to the latest pop culture trends.