Hobbit crews to hit the road in convoys

Hobbit fans, it looks like we've got us a convoy - a couple of them, in fact.

Two convoys, each of about 200 vehicles, will leave today from Sir Peter Jackson's Stone Street Studios in Miramar to transport vital gear for location filming.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said it had been made aware that one fleet of 200 vehicles, mainly smaller trucks with caravans, but also some bigger trucks, would head to Hamilton for location shooting at Hobbiton in Matamata. The other convoy is off to Queenstown.

It is possible to shoot at different locations at the same time because there are two Hobbit production units, one led by Sir Peter and the other by Andy Serkis.

Hobbit publicist Melissa Booth declined to comment about the production going on the road.

But the permit given to production company 3 Foot 7 to film in Matamata was for filming rights lasting no more than 15 days before November 8.

The production firm has also sought consent to shoot at Paradise, near Glenorchy, Tucker Beach and Queenstown Hill.

There would be a "slow buildup" in film activity from October 3, with the busiest period from November 14 to 22, the application to Lakes Environmental said.

Shooting is also scheduled to begin on Mt Ruapehu on November 6. Consent had been given to film in Tongariro National Park in specific areas on the west side of the mountain.

There is also speculation in Te Kuiti that The Hobbit will visit town early next month.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released on December 14 next year. The second film, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is due for release on December 13, 2013.

- © Fairfax NZ News