Taika Waititi has revealed he is mad about a little-known hidden beach in the South Island.
The Thor director told Australian outlet news.com.au Tunnel Beach in Dunedin is one of his favourite spots in Aotearoa.
"The little beach with the little secret tunnel with the steps that you go down is amazing," Waititi said.
"I like the little hidden-away places where you have to walk to get to them."
The Department of Conservation's website describes Tunnel Beach as: "This short walk goes through an excavated tunnel kids will love, to a secluded beach and a spectacular, rocky coastline. The walk includes access through a historic 1870s tunnel to a small but beautiful beach nestled amongst towering cliffs."
Waititi also praised other parts of New Zealand, including Jurassic Park star Sam Neill's contribution to the local wine industry.
"There are so many places that I love in New Zealand: out of Queenstown and up into the valleys where you can go horseriding, Sam Neill's vineyard and Clyde's Two Paddocks vineyards," he said.
"Those areas I really love and are fantastic.
"The bottom of the South Island, Otago, with all the rolling hills looks like those old landscape paintings of New Zealand.
"The light is very specific, it feels like there are two or three suns out all at the same time from different angles. I love the light in New Zealand, in particular in those areas."
Waititi also used the opportunity to rave about some of Auckland's eateries.
"Prego is an institution. Same with SPQR. Those are two solid choices. And Honey Bones, my favourite place," he said.
Earlier this week, the Our Flag Means Death star helped Tourism New Zealand launch a new promotional campaign to get foreign visitors excited about what's on offer in the country.
The video showed footage of white water rafting and a scenic flight over Fiordland, as well as a dolphin encounter boat on the Kaikōura coast.
