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Ruapehu Press
Jackson & Crew

Lord of the Rings Crew Visits Mountain

Article Reads: Film director Peter Jackson and his production team for LOTR have visited the Tongariro National Park to research possible sites for filming.

Mountain Air flew the eight-members team from Wellington where it is based at Miramar, to Turangi where they were met by vehicles.

Mountain Air spokesman Bruce Rollinson said after a day's touring and researching the Lord of the Rings team was flown from National back to Wellington.

"They had planned to look at Tokina but they found a couple of other sites they were happy with," Mr Rollinson said, "You can say features of Tongariro National Park will be appearing in the film."

Ironically the brush with movie stardom hasn't opened up any opportunities with Mountain Air staff as they are all too tall, says Mr Rollinson, with the movie featuring hobbits.

It's the second time in past weeks Mountain Air has ferried famous passengers. The company flew world class Kiwi boxer David Tua and trainer Kevion Barry to Great Barrier Island recently. Tua is a world heavyweight title contender.