Children enjoy an Epic film premiere

Rotorua rolled out the green carpet for the New Zealand premiere of the new children's animated film Epic.

Reading Cinemas Rotorua complex manager Adam Morrison said it was the first New Zealand premiere to be held at the cinema and was a lot of fun.

"It was a fantastic film with a good environmental message and was really funny, too. Plus, it had some great animation.

"It was a bit daunting to put this all on, but looking back it was well worth it, we had a lot of fun," Mr Morrison said.

A number of guests were brought to Rotorua after winning a trip away from children's television show What's On and other nationwide giveaways.

The Knutson family from Christchurch were one of those lucky enough to win flights, accommodation and visits to some of Rotorua's top tourist attractions.

Special guests included Darcey-Ray Flavell-Hudson, of Mt Zion and Ghost Chips fame, and his sister, who brought a group of youngsters with them.

The children's movie tells the story of a teenager who finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place.

She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world - and ours.