An army of fans (20,000 according to police, 100,000 by TV news shows' count) gathered ahead of The Hobbit premiere.
Click on any photo to zoom.
Elijah Wood on the red carpet (via @jeremybank)
Geraldine Burnett and Seeby Woodhouse (via @Seeby).

Prime Minister John Key with the ubiquitous Ms Burnett and Mr Woodhouse (via @Seeby).
Olly Biggins collects his luggage at Wellington Airport.
Early crowds gather at the 500m long red carpet
A Hobbit artisan market along side the red carpet
A closeup of the red carpet the stars and guests will use
A barrel of the Hobbits' finest ale...
Preparing the stage outside the Embassy Theatre
A closeup of the stage outside the Embassy Theatre
MORE SOON!
Sign up to get the latest stories and insights delivered to your inbox – free, every day.