Peter Jackson - Jackson To Fly In Style In New Private Jet

Filmmaker and aviation buff PETER JACKSON will be taking off from Middle Earth in style the next time he flies - the LORD OF THE RINGS mastermind has purchased a new private plane.

The director has reportedly spent $50 million (£33 million) on a Gulfstream G550, which can fly non-stop from New Zealand to Los Angeles.

The G550 can accomodate up to 16 passengers, with seats that can be converted into beds.

The craft replaces Jackson's Gulfstream IV, which could only make the journey with a refuelling stop in Samoa or Hawaii, reports Stuff.co.nz.

Jackson collects vintage airplanes and currently has approximately 29 World War I and replica crafts in his fleet.