The world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey pumped $11.8 million into the Wellington economy during premiere week.
A report commissioned by Wellington City Council estimates 60,000 people attended the red carpet event and an artisan market throughout the week.
The council spent $1.1 million on the premiere and other activities across the city.
The world premiere of the third Lord of the Rings film in 2002 in Wellington generated $9.5 million.