We take a look back when our big 'stunt' ring flew to Japan for the opening of The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug. Tourism New Zealand, and Warner Bros Japan are hosting the ring and have made him feel very welcome as he travelled from Nelson, around New Zealand and on to Japan. The following are translations of the original @PureNZinJapan twitter feed posts.
Not long until the Japan release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug! A very special item, with the power to rule Middle earth, will make its way from NZ to Japan! Details to follow!
More than 40 sizes of the “One Ring” with the power to rule them all, were created for the filming of the LOTR and Hobbit. Now, the biggest version of them all will make its way to Japan, stopping at various New Zealand locations along the way.
The One Ring was created by Ringmaker Jens Hansen.
Sadly, Jens himself passed away before he could see his ring in the LOTR, but his son, Halfdan Hansen, continues the legacy today, as the original creator of Middle earth jewellery. Time for the giant ring to leave the ringmaker, and begin its journey to Japan.
The ring takes a chopper ride above Mt. Olympus and Mt. Owen and other locations that featured in the LOTR and Hobbit films.
The scenery in the Hobbit movies is all real, and exists here in New Zealand. Now, where will the ring head to next?
The ring has just done a tandem skydive with skydive master Evan. It has definitely been a thrilling adventure so far.
The ring is resting after its skydive. Skydiving is a popular activity in New Zealand and the views from several thousand feet up are second to none.
Next up, the ring has made its way to the Pelorus River in Marlborough. This is where the dwarves were filmed floating in barrels down the river in the Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
This morning, the giant ring visited a famous golden sand beach in Nelson. Paddleboarding is a popular activity here. Be careful with the ring!
Next up, the giant ring has stopped at Boat Shed Café, a favourite restaurant among cast from The Hobbit Trilogy. Time for a NZ wine before getting back on the road.
The ring is now on an AirNZ domestic flight, making its way north. Where will it visit next?
The giant ring has arrived in Hobbiton, the starting point of Bilbo’s journey. Hobbiton is located in Matamata in the North island, and is home to a total of 44 Hobbit holes.
Hobbiton staff member Shayne with the giant ring.
The time has come for the ring to begin its journey from NZ to Japan.
Check in went smoothly, and the ring is now enjoying the superb service onboard the Air NZ plane.
After a little negotiation, the captain has let the giant ring into the cockpit. With the power to rule them all, this ring gets treated like a VIP wherever it goes!
The giant ring has been passed over to Warner Brothers Japan, and will be on display at Shinjuku Piccadilly Theatre in Tokyo! Go and take a look!