Now, she is spreading the love as the country's newest tourism ambassador in the United States - and Wakatipu features prominently.
The actress, director, producer and writer said she joined her father, actor and film-maker Ron Howard, on a set in the resort when she was just 5 years old.
''I have this extremely vivid memory of standing at the centre of this house and looking out and just seeing fields and oceans and mountains and colours and just thinking to myself, like, 'Oh, this is the world'.
''In a way ... I think I've kind of been chasing that moment ever since.''
In 2015, she spent time in Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Southland during filming of Pete's Dragon.
''When I spend time in New Zealand, I always admire the importance Kiwis place on embracing nature and being outside.
''Just as much as the setting, it's the gratitude for the planet and the lifestyle formed from it that makes me love this country so much.''
It was that love which led her to team up with National Geographic Travel and Tourism New Zealand in a $2million partnership, resulting in a six-part video series and online content exploring the country in April.
She will also star in Tourism New Zealand's digital ad campaigns in the United States and Canada and promote New Zealand in media appearances in the US.
The videos show her in Wakatipu, on a trip with the Dart River Funyaks, in the Mount Aspiring National Park, described as being ''so pristine ... it feels like we're on a different planet''.
She also did a half-day tramp on the Routeburn Track before a heli hike - the latter, she said was ''heaven''.
Also featured in the videos are the Waipoua Forest and Cape Reinga, Wellington and the Bay of Islands.
Howard was the creative director and the locations were built around her favourite places and experiences.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Stephen England-Hall said Howard was a ''perfect fit'' for New Zealand's tourism ambassador in the United States.
''When you have someone of Bryce's calibre who genuinely loves your country and you pair that with National Geographic Travel, world renowned destination storytellers, magic happens.
''The videos are very natural and a perfect reflection of the very special experience New Zealand has to offer.''
He said there was ''significant potential'' to grow the United States market, assisted by the increase in airline capacity.
At present it is New Zealand's third largest international visitor market as 210,000 Americans holidayed in New Zealand in the year ended May, a 32% increase on the previous year.
