New Jackson Film Expected to Boost New Zealand Tourism

Sir Peter Jackson's new film 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is proving to be a godsend to New Zealand's beleaguered tourism industry following the cataclysmic earthquake that ravaged Christchurch in 2011, claiming 185 lives. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) December 27, 2012 - New Zealand tourism officials believe that the movie, a prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, will parade the archipelago country's widely divergent topography to a new generation of filmgoers.

According to travel industry observers, the movie trailer alone has captured the fancy of U.K. tourists eager to visit New Zealand's stunning vistas. Web based travel company Expedia reported an 84% increase in flight bookings to the country, a 50% leap from a year ago. And online flight search engine Skyscanner tracked a 117% increase in flights to the capital city of Wellington compared to December 2011.

To cash in on the film's popularity, Wellington has introduced a temporary currency - Middle Earth Dollars - during the film's run. The city has also renamed itself 'Middle of Middle Earth.'

Arrivals to the Wellington airport will glimpse a 12-metre high statue of the character 'Gollum' from the film. Passengers on Air New Zealand will view a 'Hobbit'-themed safety video featuring a cameo appearance from Sir Peter himself. 'The Unexpected Briefing' is presented by hobbits, dwarves and wizards - including a pilot named Gandalf - who explain the plane's safety features and exit plans.

Selected by location scouts in the late '90s, the Ian Alexander 1,250 acre sheep and cattle farm near Matamata in the undulating hills of the Waikato region serves as the film set for the town of Hobbiton. The site was used for 'The Lord of the Rings' films and rebuilt in 2011 for the prequel. It's now luring fans from around the world. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours guide Russell Alexander says that when "the tourists come here they don't quite know what to expect. They have no idea how big it is, and the detail - I suppose for the want of a better word - it actually blows them away, what's involved making a major movie."

On the website wellingtonnz.com, fans can download a film map to guide them through the key sights from the four films and glitterati haunts in the Wellington area. They include the historic Embassy Theatre, built in 1926 and restored to host the Australasian premieres of two of 'The Lord of the Rings' films.

Airport Transfers (http://www.airporttransfers.co.nz/) is a high quality airport transportation and sightseeing service in Auckland, welcoming Hobbit fans to enjoy the New Zealand scenery with them.

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