Capital frenzy as stargazers comb town

By JAMES GARDINER and NZPA

Hobbit-watchers staked out Wellington venues yesterday, hoping for a glimpse of Lord of the Rings stars.

Onslow College students Tom Dorman, Ollie Allen, Ryan Leger and James Graham, all 18, spent the afternoon outside the Hotel InterContinental on the off-chance of meeting their heroes.

Many of the biggest stars of the film trilogy are staying at the hotel in the lead-up to Monday's world premiere of the final instalment, The Return of the King. And who did they most want to see? Liv Tyler, perhaps?

"The hobbits, man," said Ollie.

"I'd love to see Legolas and shake his hand," said James. "Then I can tell the girls I met Orlando [Bloom]."

But for staff in the clothing shops of Wellington, Tyler was definitely the main attraction.

The actor is a regular customer - and, naturally, a popular one - at stores such as Zambesi and Starfish.

"She loves clothes," said a Zambesi staff member. "She usually does the rounds of all her favourite shops."

Tyler has also been known to frequent restaurants Logan Brown and the White House with her co-stars.

After her arrival in Wellington, she admitted she must have "been to Zambesi about a hundred times".

Although Tyler was thrilled to be back, the trip was tinged with regret.

"This welcome is incredible, but it's sad to be saying goodbye to all of our experiences and friends."

Tyler said she thought all three Rings films should have premiered in Wellington. While not giving away any secrets about current projects, she said she hoped to work with director Peter Jackson again.

Up to 100,000 people are expected to pack city streets when members of the cast and crew join a 2.5km parade from Parliament to the Embassy Theatre, venue for the premiere.

Celebrities, actors, reporters and camera crews from throughout the world will be attending.

The city's top hotels are plumping pillows and arranging flowers in their most expensive rooms.

The InterContinental's presidential suite - the size of a small three-bedroom house - costs $2200 a night, and the two presidential suites at the Duxton are $1700 each.

All were booked months ago for the premiere.

Sir Ian McKellen was among Rings stars in the capital last night.

He made time to give a speech at Premier House for a $10-a-person function organised by gay Labour MP Tim Barnett.

Sir Ian, who makes no secret of his homosexuality, said homophobia was "still a virus in the air". He said he should not be used as a role model because he took 49 years to come out.

* It's a Lord of the Rings weekend at nzherald.co.nz. Join us throughout this weekend for updates from Wellington as the city prepares to host Monday's world premiere of Part 3 in the Rings trilogy: The Return of the King.

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings

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