Hobbits Coming to Town

For a week in late November, Wellington will become the Middle of Middle-earth.

The city will be in the spotlight when it hosts the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), on 28 November.

That night, stars and VIPs will walk more than 500 metres of red carpet from Reading Cinema to The Embassy, both of which will screen the film for invited guests.

The Council is contributing $1.1 million to the week's activities and towards ensuring Wellington is again looking its best.

Other highlights will include Hobbit-inspired artwork at Wellington International Airport and around the city, an artisan festival in Waitangi Park and free outdoor screenings of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Road Closures

There will be road closures over those few days to accommodate all the activity in the city. We will also provide more information for businesses and residents closer to the event.

The following roads will be closed from 9.00pm, Tuesday 27 November until 5.30am, Thursday 29 November:

• Courtenay Place - Cambridge Terrace to Taranaki Street
• Kent Terrace - Oriental Parade to Elizabeth Street
• Cambridge Terrace - Tennyson Street to Wakefield Street
• Majoribanks Street - Roxburgh Street to Kent Terrace
• Tory Street - Tennyson Street to Wakefield Street.

Edge Hill, Alpha Street, Blair and Allen streets, Forresters Lane and Holland Street will have local access only during this time.

Local retailers and businesses will have a delivery opportunity at 7.00am - 9.00am on Wednesday. Parking will also be restricted on these and some surrounding streets.