Scarlett Johansson watch: Cafe owner told to zip it

Scarlett Johansson with her daughter Rose in Wellington. Photo / BackGrid

The Wellington suburb of Seatoun is abuzz after Scarlett Johansson touched down in the capital - and it seems she's come with a protective entourage.

The actress was spotted at Miramar's Stone Street Studios on Monday, where she will soon begin shooting the sci-fi epic Ghost in the Shell.

She is said to be living in luxurious house in Wellington's eastern suburb of Seatoun with her husband Romain Dauriac and their baby daughter Rose.

Image 1 of 10: Actress Scarlett Johansson with baby Rose is seen in Wellington, New Zealand for filming of her role in a new film 'Ghost In The Shell' with Sam Riley. Photo / BackGrid

When asked by the Herald if he had seen the star, an owner of a nearby cafe said he had already been asked by Johansson's lawyer to remain tight-lipped.

"I've heard she's around but I've been asked by her lawyer not to say anything."

He wouldn't provide any more details on who the lawyer was and where he came from.

When the Herald approached the nearby City Fitness Lyall Bay to ask if she had been in, an employee said he "I can't discuss our clients with you".

The house she is believed to be staying in is in a quiet area overlooking Wellington Harbour.

Neighbour Peter said he hadn't seen the star yet but hoped to. "I'd like to see anyone famous."

His house, and the pad the actress was rumoured to be staying in, were owned by the same person.

Peter said the owner had mentioned the star was in town but didn't know if she was staying in the area.

Another neighbour, who didn't want to be named, said she hadn't seen Johansson, but had spotted supermodel Miranda Kerr when she was in town.

"I saw her in Strathmore Park. I respected her privacy though. I didn't want to overwhelm her."

He said actor Orlando Bloom and his former wife, supermodel Miranda Kerr came in for dinner while the actor was staying in the area when shooting Lord of the Rings.

"They were down to earth and blended in here."

He said any stars who popped into the cafe were treated as ordinary customers.

"We don't make a big deal out of it or they won't come back," he said.

Johansson landed in Wellington by private jet at the weekend with her husband Romain Dauriac, plus a nanny and security guards. The family have already been spotted shopping in Oriental Bay.

"She arrived at a south Wellington gym fairly innocuously with a group, she was wearing trainers, training gear and a hat," said a source.

"To the uninitiated no one would have known she was a star."

It was previously reported many A-list stars had come into Seatoun clothing store Harry's Boutique.

But manager Wendy Croskery said she "didn't want to make a fuss".

"We've had Miranda Kerr and Evangeline Lilly come into the store.

"They were so nice. So lovely," she said.

She said she didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable.

"They don't want to make a big fuss."

Ms Croskery said she hoped Johansson would make an appearance at her store.

She said Seatoun locals gave the stars privacy during their stay.