The Hobbit takes to the skies.
Air New Zealand unveiled a Hobbit-themed plane in Auckland, New Zealand as Hobbit fever grips the South Pacific nation in the lead-up to the movie's world premiere.
The graphic, which covers 830 square meters (8934 feet) took 40 technicians to apply, with many technical challenges along the way.
Air New Zealand CEO, Bob Fyfe.
SOUNDBITE: Bob Fyfe, Air New Zealand CEO, saying (English):
"You've got to make sure there's no air bubbles. You've got to make sure when it's applied to the aircraft and it's flying through the air, the wind doesn't get underneath it and peel it. It's incredibly complex."
After the ceremony, The Hobbit plane left for London, where it will pick up stars of the movie.
Meanwhile, Hobbit fever has gripped the city of Wellington.
Hundreds of people arrived at a market set up in the center of the city, where there's plenty of Hobbit merchandise on sale.
The New Zealand government hopes the movie will generate extra tourism to the country, which is something Gene Garlock from Warner Bros. Worldwide Promotions says is sure to happen.
SOUNDBITE: Gene Garlock, Warner Bros. Worldwide Promotion, saying (English):
"I don't think anyone's going to see the movie without wanting to take a trip to New Zealand and see it for themselves. Just beautiful cinematography, and great great great scenery. I'm excited to be back."
"The Hobbit" will open in New Zealand on December 12th, and in the UK on the 13th and the following day in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
