Tongariro erupts as Gandalf overlooks Wellington

There’s a very ‘Middle Earth’ feeling over Wellington as the countdown to the world premiere of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey‘ gets closer to the auspicious day everyone has been waiting for, 14 December 2012.

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Even the central plateau has been trembling with anticipation as the day draws near. Tongariro gave a spectacular display to trampers and school children walking over the sacred land, blowing a plume of ash at least 2km into the air.

Air New Zealand have released an ‘Unexpected Briefing‘ for travellers and the baggage carousel at Wellington Airport has been given a very ‘Baggins’ makeover. The airport is watched over by a giant sculpture of Gollum.

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Wellington always has flags lining the streets to celebrate the latest festival and currently the characters of ‘The Hobbit’ are looking down on everyone with prime positioning. A ‘Hobbit Artisan Market‘ is set to open on Saturday till Wednesday.

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And the sun is set to shine on the Hobbit premiere red carpet proceedings with a mighty big Gandalf the Grey sat atop the Embassy Theatre since Sunday (when I took this photograph of the finishing touches being added). Bag End fronts a blockbuster

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It’s definitely a very exciting time to be living in, or visiting, Wellington (or should I say ‘Middle of Middle Earth’ as the city has been temporarily renamed for the premiere!).

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