A plane-load of Hobbit fans has touched down in Wellington ahead of tomorrow's premiere.

Air New Zealand redecorated a Boeing 777-300ER specifically for the special flight.

In 2003 the airline flew a specially-decorated 747-400 over the premiere of the third Lord of the Rings movie at just 300 meters.

The 777-300ER is the second-largest aeroplane to land at Wellington Airport.