Users of Minecraft can ‘play’ New Zealand as a destination as the country’s tourist office seeks to capitalise on a new film based on the video game.
The ‘A Minecraft Movie’ was shot in New Zealand and is due for release in cinemas from April 2.
The country has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mojang Studios to create a “world-first” destination downloadable content (DLC)) for Minecraft, that enables fans to ‘play’ New Zealand as a destination in the game.
The images capture an original movie prop portal, placed in the real-world landscape in Milford Sound in a bid to inspire fans to explore New Zealand both in the game and real life.
Prospective visitors can explore a variety of real-world activities in the Minecraft Aotearoa New Zealand DLC – such as paddling a canoe in Abel Tasman, visiting glowworm caves in Waitomo, or stargazing in Tekapo.
The virtual quest can be turned into an actual trip, as users then craft their real-life adventure by booking New Zealand’s official 100% Pure Minecraft Itinerary.
Six iconic New Zealand locations star in the game, including Waitomo Caves (Waikato), Rotorua (Bay of Plenty), Kāpiti Island (Wellington), Abel Tasman (Nelson/Tasman), Tekapō (Mackenzie) and Doubtful Sound (Fiordland).
Another portal has also appeared in London in the form of a hand painted mural, providing a gateway to the scene in Milford Sound.
Located at 96 Whitechapel High Street, the artwork can be scanned to learn more about the Aotearoa New Zealand DLC and access the 100% Pure Minecraft itinerary.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said: “This is our chance to invite the world to play 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.”