Otago locations feature strongly in a new tourism video starring Canadian film-maker James Cameron.
The man behind the Terminator movies, Aliens and Avatar is filmed in Blanket Bay and Glenorchy ruminating on the importance of curiosity and the inspiration of nature in a new global campaign for Tourism New Zealand.
Cameron was also filmed on glaciers, in high country, native forest and in a helicopter in locations including the Dart River, the Routeburn Track and Lake Pukaki.
A Tourism New Zealand spokeswoman said yesterday the video would show in all New Zealand's key and emerging tourism markets through social media channels.
"It's mainly digital, because that's the majority of the way we do things now. There's huge PR kicking off tomorrow, so we'll be seeing stories all over the world about it.''
Cameron moved to the Wairarapa with his wife and family four years ago, where he is involved in the development of the next Avatar movie.
The family divides its time between New Zealand and California. In the video, he is shown with his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron. The couple spent four days filming the video in January.
The spokeswoman said apart from the video, the campaign, which would go live overnight, would show Cameron talking about New Zealand culture, other areas including Rotorua, and food and wine.
She would not reveal the cost of the video, or what Cameron was paid, but said he was "very generous with his time'', and would have cost more to hire if he had charged commercial rates.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said he was confident the video would inspire more people to visit New Zealand.
"Having someone of the calibre of James Cameron sharing his personal stories and insights while exploring some of New Zealand's most beautiful places is of immeasurable value for New Zealand.
"James and his family have chosen to have a home in New Zealand and continue to be inspired by our beautiful landscapes and welcoming, creative people.''
Mr Cameron said in a press release he came to New Zealand "as a stranger'' but left in love with the country.
"I had never felt a connection to a place that strongly before.
"If you happen to like helicopters like I do, you could see 10 of the most stunning places you'll see in your lifetime in a day.
"If you are driving, an hour and a-half or two hours, the country just unrolls toward you like an Imax film.''
