The Hobbit world premiere in New Zealand – in pictures

CAST! Here's Elijah Wood, stepping out to pick up his milk and paper Photograph: Stephen Barker/Rex Features

CAST! Cate Blanchett blends in with the red carpet Photograph: Reuters

FAN! In lieu of Ian McKellen, who was stuck in London, Derek Carver of Wellington went full Gandalf Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

CAST! This is William Kircher, who plays Bifur in the movie, and his wife
Photograph: David Rowland/Rex Features

Now it starts getting difficult. This is an actor dressed as Shire folk, employed to warm up the crowd on the red carpet. So, both CAST and FAN Photograph: Ross Setford/AP

CAST: Yao Chen, the one cast member who's given a nod to fan attire with her elf ears Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

Director Peter Jackson exits the hole Photograph: Stephen Barker/Rex Features

… and makes a speech while New Zealand prime minister John Key and Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown look on Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

CAST! Andy Serkis, channeling his chimpy roles, as much as Gollum, speaks to reporters Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

… before heading down the carpet with wife Lorraine Ashbourne Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

CASTing a spell! Here's Sylvester McCoy, who plays wizard Radagast the Brown Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

FANS! Big hats, no cattle Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

CAST! Barry Humphries! And wife Lizzie Spender! Photograph: David Rowland / Rex Features Photograph: David Rowland / Rex Features/David Rowland / Rex Features

CAST! Actors Jed Brophy and James Nesbitt relax on the back of a golf cart Photograph: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images

Before forging his director's autograph Photograph: David Rowland / Rex Features/Photograph: David Rowland / Rex Photograph: David Rowland / Rex Features/Photograph: David Rowland / Rex

Before snuggling up to Hugo Weaving Photograph: Ross Setford/AP

FANS! Maidens by a carpet Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

FAN! A workman makes last-minute adjustments to a troll's loin cloth Photograph: David Williams/EPA

FAN! Mike Hurrel is dressed as a ranger Photograph: David Williams/EPA

CAST! The biggest film star in the world today, Martin Freeman
Photograph: Reuters

CAST! Evangeline Lilly brings the bling Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

FANS! A big ear and a big smile Photograph: David Williams/EPA

FANS! Punning lust Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

FANS! James Cameron and wife Suzy Amis Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty

FANS! No! Not fans … Peta protesters go grim reaper chic Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images