Thanks to Peter! FILMING: The Hobbit is on location in Ohakune and dozens of heavy trucks carrying filming gear, horse floats for horses, utes and other vehicles are parked on the Atihau Whanganui’s Ohotu farm where some filming is taking place. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

The Hobbit is on location in the Waimarino, but security is tight and everyone involved with the film company 3 Foot 7 Limited sworn to secrecy.

At Atihau Whanganui’s Ohutu farm a few minutes east of Ohakune, dozens of heavy trucks are parked in the fields, and adjacent to the road is a large dining marquee for the crew that is known to number in the hundreds. At the lower carparks of the Turoa Ski area on Mt Ruapehu another marquee has been erected above a stream lined with volcanic rocks. Locals have reported that thousands of dollars was spent one night on meals for the crew at a local restaurant. It was also reported another 250 crew were expected at the site yesterday. More..