One of the biggest things to happen in the Strath Taieri and Maniototo areas of Otago in recent years has tongues wagging – but only those of outsiders.
Six helicopters, a giant marquee, security guards and dozens of trailers have been parked in a paddock east of Hyde for the past four days.
But ask the locals why the trailers are there, and most reply “can’t say” or “don’t know”.
However, use the words “hobbit”, “film set” and “Sir Peter Jackson”, and sly, knowing smiles cross their faces.
Filming for Sir Peter’s two-part Hobbit series started in Wellington in March and, while other locations have been closely guarded, they include areas around the Strath Taieri and Queenstown. More..
