Rings Crew Heading Back to Central
Regan Horrell

Production crew and cast from The Lord of the Rings will return to Central Otago for filming at the end of the month.

The crew left Queenstown in December to resume filming in Wellington.

Publicist Claire Raskind said about 300 people involved in the $360 million trilogy would be in the South Island for shooting.

The production crew and cast will be based in Queenstown at the end of August until the middle of September for filming in the surrounding areas before heading to areas around Te Anau and Wanaka.

A variety of filming was planned, ranging from large outdoor battle scenes to scenic settings and the cast and crew were looking forward to working in the elements again, Ms Raskind said.

"We've been shooting a lot of interiors on stage in Wellington lately so it will be nice to get back into some location work that showcases the beauty of the country."

Alexandra and Districts Promotions manager Martin McPherson said accommodation booked in Clyde and Alexandra by the production company for the last week in August and first week in September had been released.

"They have not been cancelled but it's a question of when they will be needed due to the vagaries of the film industry," Mr McPherson said.