Imagine paddling a traditional waka (canoe) through the golden waters of Abel Tasman, marvelling at the glowworms of Waitomo Caves, or stargazing beneath Tekapo’s famously clear night sky—all within the world of Minecraft. In an innovative move, Tourism New Zealand has teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mojang Studios to bring the country’s landscapes to the digital world, inviting players to ‘play’ New Zealand like never before.
This innovative destination DLC (Downloadable Content) for Minecraft, the world's first destination DLC, lets gamers explore Aotearoa’s iconic locations worldwide before crafting their real-life adventures.
With the upcoming release of "A Minecraft Movie" filmed locally, this collaboration is an exciting opportunity for players to experience the magic of New Zealand through the beloved game.
Six of the country’s most scenic locations—Waitomo Caves (Waikato), Rotorua (Bay of Plenty), Kapiti Island (Wellington), Abel Tasman (Nelson/Tasman), Tekapo (Mackenzie), and Doubtful Sound (Fiordland)—have been intricately recreated in the blocky universe of Minecraft. Players can embark on thrilling quests, from uncovering Māori cultural treasures to witnessing New Zealand’s unique wildlife and landscapes in pixelated form. But the adventure doesn’t stop there.
Tourism New Zealand is turning virtual experiences into real-world journeys through strategic partnerships with travel giants like Thomas Cook, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip.
These collaborations make it easier than ever for Indian travellers to transition from gaming mode to the great outdoors. The official 100 per cent Pure Minecraft Itinerary enables players to step out of their screens and into real-life adventures, following in the footsteps of their digital explorations.
Adventure seekers in India will get an extra dose of inspiration from popular travel content creator Radhika Sharma, also known as Radhika Nomllers, who will be experiencing and showcasing the best of New Zealand’s thrilling activities. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene natural landscapes, her journey will highlight the essence of Aotearoa beyond the pixels.
This collaboration is more than just a game; it’s a new way to connect travellers with a destination. With over 300 million copies sold, Minecraft is the world’s best-selling video game, and it serves as a powerful tool to engage global audiences. By tapping into this vast community, Tourism New Zealand is ensuring that the country remains at the top of every traveller’s bucket list.
As Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy puts it, the goal is simple: inspire people to convert pixels into plane tickets.
“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,” added de Monchy.
