Kong's the box-office king

King Kong has recorded the biggest midweek movie opening in New Zealand, grossing $415,960 in 72 cinemas.

Peter Garner, head of King Kong distributor UIP, said it was unusual to launch a movie on a Wednesday but it had been done before.

"We're delighted. It's certainly going to be one of the very big movies of all time. It's terrific news for New Zealand in particular," he said.

The Peter Jackson movie is expected to screen until at least February.