doudou5Embark on a Pure Adventure Blending Virtual and Real Worlds with “Minecraft: The Movie”
March 19, 2025, Shanghai—In celebration of the forthcoming release of “Minecraft: The Movie,” which was filmed in New Zealand, the country has teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mojang Studios to launch the world’s first New Zealand-themed mod for “Minecraft.” This allows players to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand within the game.
Players will embark on an extraordinary exploration journey in this New Zealand-themed mod, experiencing a variety of real-world activities. They can paddle traditional Maori canoes (waka) across the bays of Abel Tasman National Park; explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see countless glowworms creating mesmerizing displays within the caves; or gaze at the Milky Way under Tekapo’s starry skies, soaking in New Zealand’s tranquility and grandeur. While this adventure is virtual within the game, players can turn it into a real-life dream trip by booking the same routes and experiences available in Minecraft.
In this game, players will get a firsthand experience of traveling through New Zealand’s unique charm by participating in various adventure activities. They will delve deep into the rich culture of “The Land of the Long White Cloud,” marvel at its breathtaking natural scenery, and feel the warm hospitality of the locals. The game features six iconic destinations and experiences across New Zealand: Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Waikato region, Rotorua in Bay of Plenty region, Kapiti Island near Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park in Nelson Tasman region, Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie region, and Milford Sound in Fiordland region.
Besides completing adventure activities and missions, players can explore Maori culture within the game. They can learn about traditional customs and valuable cultural heritage while enjoying beautiful melodies played on Maori traditional instruments (taonga pūoro) and observing New Zealand’s unique native wildlife.
“Minecraft,” being the world’s best-selling video game with over 300 million copies sold globally due to its widespread appeal. This collaboration allows Tourism New Zealand to reach 70% of its core target audience in major markets—active “Minecraft” players—making it a crucial channel for their global promotion efforts.
René de Monchy , CEO of Tourism New Zealand, hopes this innovative partnership will transform virtual gaming experiences into real-life travel inspirations. He stated: “This is an invitation we’re extending to gamers worldwide to come to New Zealand and enjoy all that this land has to offer. Through the game, we aim to provide an immersive experience that showcases New Zealand’s many wonders.”
This game mod will be released at the same time as “Minecraft: The Movie,” co-produced by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures. Starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, it was filmed entirely in New Zealand and is scheduled for release in mainland China on April 4th, 2025.
Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Creative Director for Original Content & Entertainment at Minecraft as well as producer for “Minecraft: The Movie,” expressed his excitement about this collaboration: “Filming ‘Minecraft: The Movie’ in New Zealand was an unforgettable experience. The local team’s talent and creativity perfectly embodied Minecraft’s core values: positivity, creativity, and curiosity.”
“During our downtime while filming,” Ólafsson added,”we explored many breathtaking landscapes around Auckland through countless day trips; some even ventured further into South Island for more extensive exploration. By wrap-up time we were all reluctant to leave because there were still so many places left unexplored! Like many others on our team though I’ve already started planning my next visit back here as a tourist.” He continued saying,”New Zealand offers unique experiences unlike any other place globally—we’re thrilled that gamers can now also appreciate its beauty via this new mod.”
The successful production was also aided by support from NZ’s Screen Production Rebate Policy (NZSPR). Administered by NZ Film Commission (NZFC), it aims at attracting large-scale international productions into NZ locations—requiring producers not only invest economically but also contribute socially locally under its ‘additional incentives’ clause which saw ‘Minecraft’ actively participating & supporting creation/promotion efforts behind NZ-themed mods showcasing Kiwi charms worldwide!
With upcoming launch dates soon approaching—Chinese version MINECRAFT users will get free access downloading/experiencing these Kiwi-themed mods across Android/iOS devices plus PCs too!
For further details regarding NZ mods/game routes/tourism info—visit official websites/social media handles managed directly under Tourism NZ authorities!
About NZ Mod:
This particular addition brings Maori Culture alive digitally within gameplay where players begin their journey inside Wharenui named ‘Te Kete nui o te Moana’—a special gift crafted exclusively towards gamers courtesy NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute(NZMACI). Its name/theme/design—all tailored intricately embedding Maori cultural essence deeply within every aspect possible!
Collaboratively developed alongside award-winning Maori Game Design Studio-Piki Studios who hold official partnership status under MINECRAFT franchise banner itself; spearheaded development led personally via Chief Business Officer-Whetu Paitai working closely together alongside representatives hailing straight outta tourism industry/mana whenua regions ensuring authentic yet engaging experiences await eager adventurers alike!
About Movie:
Co-production between Legendary Pictures/WB Pictures featuring Vertigo Ent.(US)/Roaming Ent.(US)/Mojang Studios(Sweden); Directed By Jared Hess slated simultaneous releases across Mainland China/North America-April04th/2025 respectively!
About NZ Screen Production Rebates:
Enabling smooth sailing throughout entire shooting process thanks largely due supportive measures extended via NZ’s SPR Policies administered directly under jurisdictional purview handled efficiently via NZFC aimed primarily drawing major global productions onto scenic locales scattered abundantly throughout picturesque countryside ensuring not just economic influxes but tangible societal contributions too thereby fostering collaborative synergies ultimately culminating fruitful partnerships benefiting everyone involved mutually!
