The unique experiences and people of Rotorua and New Zealand take centre stage in the United Kingdom on Christmas Day with the airing of James Nesbitt's documentary River Deep - Mountain High.
The one-hour show is dedicated to New Zealand and follows Nesbitt as he takes in some of thecountry's most unique landscapes and tourism experiences along the way. Nesbitt plays the dwarf Bofur in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy.
The show will be broadcast to an estimated four million viewers in the UK on ITV at 2pm on Christmas Day, before screening a second time an hour later on ITV+1.
The production was supported by Tourism New Zealand's international media programme, which co-ordinated his itinerary with regional tourism organisations and provided support for the production.
Tourism New Zealand Director of Trade, PR and Major Events, Justin Watson, said the return for supporting such high-profile international broadcast opportunities was achieving endorsement of New Zealand as a visitor destination from popular celebrities.
"James Nesbitt is hugely popular at the moment and with the current hype around The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, having him film this travel programme here was a huge coup for us.
"Endorsement of this nature and through this medium will reach millions of viewers and is bound to stimulate the desire for a New Zealand holiday in all those British folk experiencing a wintery Christmas day," Mr Watson said.
In Rotorua Nesbitt stayed at the Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel and Spa and visited Whakarewarewa The Living Maori Village. Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan said it was fitting he chose to come to Rotorua to experience Maori culture. While at Whakarewarewa Mr Nesbitt got a temporary ta-moko, learned how to use a taiaha and met with elder Nanny Chris for a tour of the village.
"Hosting a star like James helps Rotorua reinforce its image as a must-visit destination during any trip to New Zealand," Mr Nathan said.
In a press release for the show, Nesbitt said New Zealand was a country of contrasts.
"From its extraordinary, untamed landscapes to its modern cosmopolitan cities, from tribal warrior traditions to the world's third most peaceful nation. And yet, despite being so far away, it feels surprisingly familiar," he said.
