Hobbit cast return to Middle Earth

The cast of 'The Hobbit' are returning to New Zealand to film the next 'Hobbit' movie. Photo / AP

The cast of The Hobbit is believed to be back in New Zealand to start filming on Sir Peter Jackson's next instalment.

The onering.net website says it can confirm that filming starts today on The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

The website says a number of cast members are tweeting they're on their way back to New Zealand after spending recent months in their home countries.

Hobbit production company 3 Foot Seven has placed an advertisement on TradeMe, looking for extras to work on the set between May and July.