More news from the intrepid Dynamo:

TV 3 news had footage from the slopes of Ruapehu, footage of extras practicing with swords, humans with black/dark blue capes, about 20 of them. Had a picture of “the Hobbit” restaurant in Ohakune too! They also talked to some local trampers who had walked past the filming and been surprised, some had taken some pictures. TV 3 also reckoned that someone had filmed enough to sell on the net for $40,000!

Thanks to Xtem

$40,000 eh? Little to rich for my blood.