NZ to be setting for Hobbit films

[MotherBear]

Peter Jackson confirms NZ setting for Hobbit films
11:59AM Sunday May 25, 2008

Peter Jackson and Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro say they will rely on New Zealand scenery for the setting of two movies based on the JRR Tolkien book The Hobbit.

In a hour-long live internet chat with fans this morning, Jackson, the films' executive producer, and director del Toro, answered questions about the latest Tolkien book to be adapted for the big screen.

Jackson said they hoped to rebuild Hobbiton "bigger and even better than it was for Lord of the Rings" and with the Matamata landowners permission, use the same location.

"It is unlikely we will need any locations outside of New Zealand which has always been the perfect Middle Earth," Jackson said.

More here .