ANNA PEARSON from stuff.co.nz: The Hobbit film crew are pulling out of the Nelson region due to lousy weather, but it is highly likely they will return next year. Production company 3 Foot 7 publicist Ceris Price said it was too wet for filming, so they were leaving. “We were relying on beautiful weather. It’s just a real shame, because everybody loves Nelson. We have been having a lovely time here, but the weather in the last couple of days has made it very difficult. It’s time for a Christmas break,” she said.

Ms Price said it was “extremely probable” they would return to film at Canaan Downs next year. The film crew packed up and left the Pelorus Bridge campground in a hurry last night. Campground manager Stephanie Neal said a team of workers were removing a scaffolding structure – a walking platform – from near the Pelorus River this morning. More..