The Hobbit Premiere

Tomorrow (Wednesday 28 November) Wellington will truly be the Middle of Middle-earth when we host the world premiere of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'.

The city's elves have been busy preparing for an event worthy of a Shire shin-dig.

We want to extend a warm welcome to visitors who have come to Wellington especially for the premiere and to the international media who will be covering the event.

Most of all, the Council invites Wellington residents to help celebrate the biggest event in the city's calendar this year.

There's certainly been a hobbit feel in the city, especially since the opening of the Hobbit Artisan Market at Waitangi Park last Saturday - if you haven't checked it out by now, be sure to head there if you can today.

Tomorrow, entertainment will begin at 3pm on Courtenay Place and at 4pm New Zealand music icon Neil Finn will perform a concert - playing the song Lonely Mountain, which he wrote for The Hobbit.

Film stars and VIPs will start arriving on the carpet at 4.30pm and will walk the 500 metres from the Taranaki Street end of Courtenay Place to the Embassy Theatre. At 6.30pm there will be speeches by Sir Peter Jackson, the Prime Minister, John Key and her Worship the Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown. Then, at 7pm the film will screen at the Embassy Theatre and Reading Cinema Complex.

If you want to get a good view, we advise you pick your spot early - and make sure you bring enough food and water to keep you feeling fresh and hydrated. The day is meant to be fine and warm so make sure you put on sunscreen and have enough to last you the afternoon.

There will be road closures and parking restrictions around the Courtenay Place area (see the map) so we strongly suggest that you walk or use public transport on the day.

Road Closures Map (1.02Mb PDF) 

Mobility parks, taxi stands and bus stops will all be relocated.

All bus routes that usually operate in the closed area will be diverted. Temporary bus stops will be located on Wakefield and Taranaki streets.

Detailed information about the diversions and alternative bus stops will be placed at existing bus stops during the road closure. Also, check:

Metlink website

All taxi stands within the road closure area will move to Wakefield Street, Kent Terrace and Taranaki Street.
If you want a less crowded view of the premiere proceedings but still want to be part of the fun on the day, head to the market at Waitangi Park and see the action live on the big screen.

Remember the liquor ban - prohibiting people from drinking or carrying liquor in public places - will remain in place and alcohol can only be consumed outdoors in licensed areas.