Wellington will hold the world premiere of The Hobbit in late November next year, Sir Peter Jackson announced in Hobbiton today.

He also welcomed Prime Minister John Key to the Hobbit set - but said it was not a political endorsement.

Sir Peter and Key struck up a relationship last year after the Hobbit movie became embroiled in an employment dispute.

The filmmaker today expressed his gratitude for the Government's help.

But he was not endorsing Key in the upcoming election campaign and he had worked with the Labour government as well.

Sir Peter and the Hobbit crew started filming on location in Hobbiton five days ago, after having already shot 110 days of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Part 1 in his Wellington Weta studios.

The movie will premiere in Wellington and will then go on general release around the world on December 14 next year.

It was also announced today that Hobbiton on the outskirts of Matamata, will remain as a permanent visitor attraction after filming is completed.

The set will include 44 Hobbit holes, a stone bridge, and a local hostelry called The Green Dragon.

The attraction will be run by Shire Tours.