James Corden apologises: 'I LOVE New Zealand...I was just being silly!'

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 12: Host James Corden speaks onstage during the 70th Annual Tony Awards at The Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards

Late night television king James Corden has apologised for describing New Zealand as a "little bit boring" - declaring to the world that he is in "love" with our slice of paradise.

The host of CBS' smash hit show The Late, Late Show with James Corden raised the ire of his New Zealand fans after a less than complementary description of New Zealand during an interview with Bryce Dallas Howard.

The pair were talking about the Disney-produced Pete's Dragon movie, which Dallas Howard stars in and was filmed in the South Island - primarily in the small town of Tapanui.

"New Zealand ... it's a little bit boring," Corden told his guest.

Corden said climbing up and down hills was necessary for any ventures around New Zealand.

He later repeated his assertion that New Zealand was "boring".

But this afternoon Corden relented, tweeting: "To be clear, I LOVE New Zealand. Saw whales there, sky dived there, did a play in Wellington. I was just being silly! X".

To be clear,I LOVE New Zealand. Saw whales there,sky dived there,did a play in Wellington.I was just being silly! X https://t.co/PcwjH0sbuP

— James Corden (@JKCorden) August 6, 2016

Attached to his apology was a link to the New Zealand Herald's online coverage of his earlier comments.

Pete's Dragon will premiere in the US next week.

A special showing of the movie will also be held in Tapanui to thank locals who worked on the movie and helped out its cast and crew.

The movie's cast also includes Hollywood A-lister Robert Redford.

Last weekend Corden revealed he had teamed up with Kiwi comic Bret McKenzie, posting a picture of the two on Twitter with the message: "Loved being in the studio with Brett [sic] McKenzie last night! What a guy! X."

Loved being in the studio with Brett McKenzie last night! What a guy! X pic.twitter.com/3Xila6nA0u

— James Corden (@JKCorden) July 29, 2016