AN Acton woman, who won a trip to visit the home of The Hobbit and meet director Peter Jackson, describes it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Laura Sindall, 25, originally from Ealing, was one of 75 Hobbit fans from around the world chosen to meet the Lord of the Rings director.

They also watched a preview screening of the third and final movie in the filmmaker’s epic, The Hobbit Trilogy, at his production studio in Wellington.

The expenses-paid adventure was the fulfillment of a dream for the special effects artist and costume designer, who was one of six enthusiasts - and the only winner from London - who were successful in The Hobbit Fan Fellowship Contest.

She said: “We were so spoilt by all the wonderful people of New Zealand and were taken to some breath-taking locations.”

Each winner was invited to choose a friend or family member to share the journey.

Laura embarked on the seven-night trip with her mum and they were welcomed by a Maori cultural display and a traditional feast.

They took part in mini-workshops, making chainmail for dwarves and orc blood at the Weta Workshop. They also visited Queenstown, location of countless battle scenes from The Hobbit Trilogy, including Paradise, backdrop for Isengard and Beorn’s house.

Laura said: “Visiting the studios that inspired so much of my career was incredible.

“All of Queenstown really was stunning. Every view looked like it came straight out of the films. New Zealand really is Middle Earth.”

After a tour through Hobbiton in Waikato - the picturesque home of Bilbo Baggins - they finished with a pint at the Green Dragon with actors including Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) John Cullen (Oin) and Stephen Hunter (Bombur).

The journey ended in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and Peter Jackson’s hometown, for a private screening with him of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, which will be released on December 12.

A long-time fan of Jackson, she said: “It’s a real honour for all of us, to be the first in the world, before the press or even the rest of the cast and crew, to have seen the film.”

Laura, who has been sworn to secrecy over what happens in the final instalment, says she is looking forward to the release next month so she can talk about it with friends.

More than 140,000 people from around the world entered The Hobbit Fan Fellowship Contest, to find the most ardent fans of the trilogy.

The contest invited fans to complete a series of Hobbit film-related challenges, including sending a postcard to Peter Jackson explaining why they belonged in the Fan Fellowship, answering a Hobbit quiz and submitting a video message sharing their passion for all things Hobbit.