Mount Maunganui's Main Beach is expected to be packed on Thursday as thousands flock to get a glimpse of the "The Hoff".
David Hasselhoff, best known for his roles in Baywatch and Knight Rider, will visit the Bay as part of an endorsement deal for a new ice-block.
Although he is believed to be in Mount Maunganui for most of the day, he will make his grand entrance onto the beach at 11am for a 30-minute public appearance.
The actor is expected to be conducting media interviews all day - but reporters should beware not to "hassle the Hoff".
Media are required to sign a disclaimer before being issued a pass. Hasselhoff's management have issued a list of suggested subject matter for the interviews, including his involvement with Splice Real Fruits, his new role as judge on Britain's Got Talent, and his role in a London production of Peter Pan.
At a similar appearance at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Tuesday, the Hoff arrived at the beach in an IRB, flanked by surf lifesavers.
A local newspaper reported he threw ice-blocks at beachgoers, and was accompanied by a troop of "Splice savers" - models in red swimsuits.
The actor was wearing red shorts and jacket, Baywatch-style, and the show's theme music played.
He said his favourite thing about Australia was "the two things that are walking next to me," - referring to the swimsuit-clad models by his side.
He told the Herald Sun: "Wherever I go, I'm no longer David Hasselhoff, I'm 'The Hoff'. So my message is - don't hassle the Hoff!"
The Bay of Plenty Times understands the Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club has been paid a fee to host Hasselhoff and will offer uniformed lifeguards as security. The club plans to take advantage of the 3000-strong crowd expected by fundraising with a bucket collection.
The Hoff had earlier posted on Twitter: "Exciting news... Hoff To Australia very soon!!! DH x." He added: "I may also be coming to New Zealand ..."
Hasselhoff is on a promotional trip Down Under with Streets Ice Cream, which is launching a new range of ice blocks called Splice Real Fruits.
GO SEE THE HOFF
WHO: David "the Hoff" Hasselhoff
WHAT: Promoting a new ice-block from Streets
WHERE: Mount Maunganui Main Beach by the surf lifesaving club
WHEN: Hoff will make his "grand entrance" at 11am tomorrow and will be on the beach until 11.30am
BRING: Your camera and a donation for the Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club, which will be collecting money from star-spotters
Don't hassle the Hoff
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.