Reese Witherspoon to visit New Zealand

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actress Reese Witherspoon attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by C Flanig

Oscar winning Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon will visit New Zealand in July as part of a speaking tour.

The Legally Blonde star will be the headline speaker for The Simpatico Conference which aims to inspire women "to be more ambitious, self-aware, and confident".

The US actress and film producer will visit Auckland on July 18.

Simpatico Connection managing director Jacqueline Nagle said in a statement: "The Simpatico Conference goes across two days and will be inspirational, aspirational and educational in its content.

"We are bringing a lineup of six incredible women who will inspire each delegate to be more ambitious, self-aware, and confident.

"Reese Witherspoon embodies the philosophy of The Simpatico Conference. She is talented, intelligent, passionate, diverse and committed to making a difference."

Witherspoon's last visit down under was in 2011 to promote her film Water For Elephants.

- AAP