Asian film crew captures the region's beauty

The Chinese film crew were spotted at the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market with celebrity chef Al Brown. Photo/Warren Buckland

A film crew of up to 75 people have been visiting Hawke's Bay from Shanghai, China, in what is believed to be a tight-lipped three day shoot in the region.

The film crew are filming episodes for Chinese food travelogue show Chef Nic that features singer, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur, Nicholas Tse, with different celebrity guests.

Since Friday, they have been seen at local spots including the Napier Soundshell on Marine Parade, St Georges Restaurant and Black Barn Vineyards - enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.

A Te Mata Peak Rd resident, who did not wish to be named, said a few people had been filming in the village outside Bellatinos on Friday evening.

On Saturday afternoon, two cameramen were seen filming on Waimarama Rd for about 10 minutes.

Cameraman and director Pan Cheng said they were filming a white Volvo car driving along the road, as it was the programme's principal sponsor.

He said there were pockets of people filming throughout the region and they were scheduled to spend three days in Hawke's Bay, before heading to Auckland.

Waimarama residents also saw "six van loads" of people enjoying food and beverages at Kuku Rocks Restaurant on Waimarama Rd during the day.

Owner Donie McMahon said about 90 people, including their hosts from Auckland, used the restaurant as their base from 9am before having lunch between 1pm to 3pm.

"Ten people travelled to the region two months ago on a scouting mission and came by the restaurant. They came again two Saturdays ago and booked it for last Saturday, after tasting the food for themselves," Mr McMahon said.

During their visit the restaurant was still open to the public.

He said they were thinking of spending a fourth day in the region, prior to filming in Taupo.

Mr McMahon said they were seen diving for paua, before filming cooking segments on Waimarama Beach.

Yesterday, cameramen were seen accompanying Chef Nic and New Zealand celebrity chef Al Brown around the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market.