The Hobbit World Premiere

IT MAY not be tipped for Oscar glory, but New Zealand movie fans have voted The Hobbit as their best film of 2012.

AUSTRALIANS are tipped to flock to cinemas today in what is expected to be one of the biggest Boxing Days in box office history.

THE Hobbit is already in the running for an Oscar despite being weeks out from its official cinema release.

PUNTERS waited for hours, some overnight, in the sun on an uncharacteristically non-windy day in the capital for the world premiere of The Hobbit.

COURTENAY Place was packed with thousands of cheering fans who waited for hours to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars.