Photo: www.dailymail.co.uk.

Oscar-winning New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson is saying goodbye to Middle-earth, but he’ll always have a place in Hollywood.

The director and producer of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies was joined by his family, colleagues, film executives and fans on Monday morning as he received his well-earned star on Hollywood Boulevard.

“It was 1974 and 40 years ago, I walked along the street and looked at these stars and never, ever in my wildest dreams thought I would ever find myself here today to receive a star,” Jackson said.

Warner Bros studio boss Kevin Tsujihara joked New Zealand should be renamed New Jackson. And in the words of Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, “His groundbreaking and award-winning films are part of the legacy of larger-than-life, Hollywood-style entertainment that is beloved the world over.”

Well done, Sir Peter Jackson!