Chinese reality show encourages safety on NZ roads

Chinese reality TV star Huang Lei. Photo / Getty

A Chinese reality TV star is pairing up with Tourism New Zealand to encourage overseas tourists against self-driving.

Actor, director, singer, screenwriter and university teacher Huang Lei will be making a short video with Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand during a promotional trip to the country.

He is the star of Dad, Where Are We Going? - which is China's number one show and has been filmed in New Zealand before.

The video will raise awareness about driving conditions in New Zealand and encourage Chinese tourists to think carefully before deciding on a self-drive holiday.

"We know that driving in New Zealand is totally unique and that visitors may be unprepared for what awaits them, particularly in terms of our roads and driving conditions," said Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler.

"Huang Lei's commitment to the safety of his family meant he was happy to deliver our key message as part of his trip - that whilst self-driving is a great way to see New Zealand, driving here is very different to driving in China and visitors should consider all their transport options before booking self-drive".

The video will be distributed through channels in China and will also be aired on Air New Zealand's inflight entertainment system.

On Tuesday, Chinese tourist Jing Cao, 32, was sentenced to 18 months jail for causing the crash that killed a 5-year-old Oamaru girl.

He had hired a Ford Ranger in Auckland to tour New Zealand with his partner and parents.

The accident happened on State Highway 1, near Moeraki on February 21.