The Hobbit

Air New Zealand says it is already benefiting from The Hobbit, even before the movie's wide release.

I hope those who were excited about seeing The Hobbit are still so, after all the hype and negative publicity.

A gentle Wellington zephyr flapped flags welcoming the traveller all the way into the "Middle of Middle-earth" as Gandalf waved his wizard's staff from atop the Embassy Theatre.

On the red carpet for the world premiere of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' in Wellington yesterday.

Photos by Craig Baxter; prints available from otagoimages.co.nz.

Peter Jackson has finished his final cut of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, just days out from the film's premiere in Wellington.

Sir Peter Jackson was "mortified" to hear that a journalist was blacklisted from covering The Hobbit premiere for writing too many negative stories about the movie.

A wrangler at the centre of claims animals were mistreated during filming of The Hobbit stands by his allegations, but says he never intended "tarnishing" the movie or Sir Peter Jackson.

Queenstown and Glenorchy as Isengard and Lothlorien, the "ridiculously beautiful" drive between them and Hobbit-style hiking experienced in the Wakatipu are promoted in the latest evolution of Tourism New Zealand's "100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand" campaign.

The Hobbit and its director Sir Peter Jackson are making headlines around the world amid allegations the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals. 

Kiwi fans of The Hobbit are critical of the Government's and even director Sir Peter Jackson's role in the film trilogy's industrial relations dispute, a survey shows.