Tourism New Zealand has launched an interactive walk-through multimedia installation in Los Angeles overnight.
'The Book of New Zealand' at the Beverly Hilton hotel spans the length of two tennis courts, bringing the New Zealand visitor experience to life.
It showcases four New Zealand filming locations, along with four actual film sets from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Guests were treated to Kiwi food and wine, as well as director Sir Peter Jackson and the stars of the newest Hobbit film, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Dean O’Gorman, Aidan Turner, and Luke Evans.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler says they are aiming to promote the country as a fun, must-see tourism destination, as well as an innovative and creative nation, and a great place to make films and do business.
"People who step into the pages of the book are taken on a unique journey that combines the magic of Middle-earth and The Hobbit Trilogy with the reality of New Zealand, bringing the tourism experience of New Zealand to life," says Mr Bowler.
The display that will be open for five days.
"Step into the set of Beorn's house and be dwarfed as you climb up onto his magnificently carved chair and admire the view from out of his window onto the majestic Paradise Valley near Queenstown.
"Or you might walk the streets and cross the bridges of Lake Town set against the backdrop of Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook."
Tourism NZ expects it will create considerable worldwide media coverage for New Zealand.
While the installation is by invite-only, fans will have a chance to browse its pages as part of a special public day tour set for December 4.
"All our campaign work aims to connect the fantasy, movie landscapes of Middle-earth with the actual experiences of New Zealand and demonstrate how easy it is for people to come to New Zealand, see Middle-earth first-hand and experience all the country has to offer.
The locations in 'The Book of New Zealand' are:
- Lake Town - Lake Pukaki/Aoraki-Mt Cook;
- Forest River - Pelorous River/Marlborough;
- Beorn's House - Paradise/Glenorchy;
- Hidden Bay - Turoa/Central Plateau.
3 News
source: newshub archive
