US director and local resident James Cameron is starring in a new tourism video promoting New Zealand to the world.
Tourism New Zealand's latest video celebrates the country's epic scenery and is narrated by the famous filmmaker, known for Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar and Titanic.
It comes as holiday arrivals increase by more than 15 percent compared to 2015.
"Having someone of the calibre of James Cameron sharing his personal stories and insights while exploring some of New Zealand's most beautiful places is of immeasurable value for New Zealand," Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said in a statement.
"I am sure that this video, which perfectly captures James's passion for exploration and his curiosity, will inspire many more people to travel to New Zealand and discover it for themselves. After all, it's unlike anywhere else in the world."
The video shows Mr Cameron and his wife walking on the Tasman Glacier, kayaking through a Dart River canyon and take in the views of Blanket Bay by helicopter.
They hike on the alpine Routeburn Track, cycle beside Lake Pukaki and visit Mount Alfred in the Glenorchy area near Queenstown.
Mr Cameron has lived with his family for four years in the Wairarapa.
"I came as a stranger, I knew very little about New Zealand, and I left in love with it," he says.
"Not just the beauty of the land that is very seductive, but the dynamic spirit of the people. I had never felt a connection to a place that strongly before. And I never really lost that dream."
The advert will be mainly targeted at browsers online, looking for somewhere to spend their holiday.
"For a small country like New Zealand promoting all around the world, digital is our main platform," says Mr Bowler.
He told Paul Henry on Wednesday morning there is growing interest in New Zealand, with some tourists using their holiday to scope out a potential new home.
"People are just falling in love with New Zealand - it's a place that's considered safe when the world's less safe."
Newshub.
