Tourism New Zealand has embarked on an innovative collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures, Mojang Studios, and Piki Studios to unveil a new tourism-centric Minecraft downloadable content (DLC) that celebrates the breathtaking natural landscapes of New Zealand. While this partnership may initially raise eyebrows, it is rooted in the synergy created by the filming of the upcoming movie adaptation, A Minecraft Movie, which took place in the stunning locales of New Zealand.
Exploring New Zealand Through Minecraft
Starting from March 19, Minecraft enthusiasts will have the opportunity to download the complimentary “Aotearoa New Zealand DLC.” This exciting addition invites players to engage in a variety of activities and exploration experiences. Imagine paddling a traditional canoe (waka) through the serene waters of Abel Tasman, marveling at the glow worms in the enchanting Waitomo Caves, or exploring the picturesque landscapes of Rotorua, Kapiti Island, Tekapo, and Doubtful Sound.
The DLC goes beyond mere exploration; it offers players a chance to immerse themselves in Māori culture and traditions, encounter regional wildlife, and enjoy the melodious sounds of taonga pūoro, traditional Māori instruments.
René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm about this unique initiative, stating, “This is our chance to invite the world to play Aotearoa New Zealand and show just how much fun people can have here. We want to give people an immersive taste of what New Zealand has to offer.”
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Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Creative Director of Original Content & Entertainment at Minecraft and Producer of A Minecraft Movie, highlighted the collaboration as a delightful extension of their successful filming experience in New Zealand. He commended the crew and talent involved in the project, describing the newly released DLC as a vibrant representation of the region and its stunning landscapes.
Ólafsson shared his personal experiences during the film’s production, stating, “For those of us not local, whenever we were not holed up on the sound stages at the studio, we used every opportunity we could to explore the magnificent beauty of New Zealand. We did countless day trips around Auckland, and many went on deeper excursions on the South Island.”
He further emphasized the uniqueness of New Zealand’s offerings, noting, “There is so much to experience here that you can’t do anywhere else in this world. We’re excited to give Minecraft players a glimpse of it in the upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand DLC.”
For those eager to embark on this virtual journey, the Aotearoa New Zealand DLC will be readily available on the Minecraft Marketplace.
