Today – 28th October – it was announced that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will have its world premiere in Wellington, New Zealand, in late November 2012. Wellington previously played host to the The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King premiere in December 2003.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Hobbiton set in Waikato, director Peter Jackson said: “I think Warner Bros in particular were blown away by the The Return of the King premiere – no one in the international industry could quite believe how the country got behind that.
“I think everyone involved is quite keen to let New Zealand have the premiere of the first Hobbit movie based on the reception that we had for the last The Lord Of The Rings movie.”
It was also announced the Hobbiton set near Matamata would be left intact permanently. “I’m actually thrilled that a set as gorgeous and beautiful as this can stay here permanently,” said Peter. “The last set here was mainly polystyrene and was taken away to the tip. So for 10 years it’s been the place that Hobbiton used to be and you could walk around seeing where Hobbit holes used to be.
“We’re literally finishing up here today. Our second unit will be shooting here for two or three days next week and then, we walk away. We walk away and leave this place as is, so people can come and see it.”
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This is fantastic news about the Hobbiton set and I think that it is only fitting that the premiere will be held in Wellington.
As I wrote in my top 10 fantasy movie locations post, I would love to visit Hobbiton:
Hobbit holes. Pure and simple. Hobbits must be the most eco-conscious of all Tolkien’s creations. Not only do they live in environmentally-friendly homes but they also love gardening and do very little travelling. If they do fancy a stroll, they simply walk with their fantastically furry feet. I love hobbits. In hobbits Tolkien created a peaceful, charming race with terrific personalities. Their homes are terrific, too.”
Now that there is an opportunity to visit the set I better start saving up for my plane ticket!
Cinematic Delights 
I’d love to go to see the sets, but New Zealand is like the other side of the world…
Yep, which is why I think I need to start saving now! Would be silly to go all that way and only stay for a week. I’ll start planning my dream holiday now!
I soooo want to go to New Zealand… man if I had all the money in the world, I might just move there for the entire time they’re filming The Hobbit, ahah.
We can share a flat if you like, Ruth?! Hehe. If I could then I’d love to go to the premiere – I’m sure they’ll be a fantastic atmosphere.
Hey we definitely should 😀 I could forgo the premiere if I can hang out even just a week with the cast. I’ll even work for free!! 😀
I’d love to visit the set of Hobbiton. Not only that, I’d love to visit all the movie locations for LOTR but yea, it seems like many of them are difficult of access and spread all over the country, which makes a costly adventure.
You said it Castor. Most are only accessible by helicopter. We went to Hobbiton but it was really expensive to take the tour, and we were backpacking at the time!
I’d love to do that as well so maybe I’ll wait until I’m a millionaire and have my own private helicopter 😛
Ahah yea maybe someday! Then you can invite us for a tour 😀
A permanent exhibit? Awesome news: now everyone who goes to NZ can appreciate Jackson’s work!
I think it’s wonderful that it will be on permanent display, too – thousands of people love the novels and films so I’m sure it’ll be very popular. To be able to walk around the actual film set and see Bilbo’s home and belongings would be amazing!
So far away, but that sounds awesome to vist Hobbiton. But 13 hours from LAX no thank you.
From the UK it is a ridiculously long time, too. I think I’d have to travel across Europe first so that it’d be a shorter flight!
Since I live in New Zealand, I am hugely excited about this. But, I don’t live anywhere near Wellington and (don’t crucify me for this) I’m not really a hobbit fan, so I’m not gonna be rushing to see this.
Have you gotten around to watching The Lord of the Rings yet, Tyler? Maybe you’ll change your mind about them? I think I love the elves the most, and the ents are pretty groovy, too.
When we were in NZ we went and watched LotR at that Cinema. I sat in Liv Tylers seat…woohoo Claim to fame!!