The world of Minecraft just got a whole lot bigger—and more adventurous—with the release of the brand-new Aotearoa New Zealand DLC. This innovative, world-first collaboration between Tourism New Zealand, Mojang Studios, and Warner Bros. Pictures allows players to explore New Zealand in a virtual format, offering an immersive gaming experience that captures the natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure-packed activities of the country.
The DLC arrives just in time to celebrate the highly anticipated “A MINECRAFT MOVIE”, set to premiere globally in April 2025. Filmed in New Zealand and featuring stars like Jason Momoa and Jack Black, the movie brings Minecraft to the big screen while the DLC invites gamers worldwide to experience the magic of New Zealand firsthand—before booking a real-world trip to explore it in person.
The Ultimate Virtual Adventure in Aotearoa
New Zealand’s 100% Pure Play initiative brings six iconic locations to Minecraft, allowing players to partake in a range of adventures that showcase the country’s stunning landscapes and rich indigenous culture. These locations include:
- Waitomo Caves (Waikato): Navigate the underground world illuminated by glowworms.
- Rotorua (Bay of Plenty): Experience the geothermal wonders and Māori traditions.
- Kapiti Island (Wellington): Discover the rich biodiversity of one of New Zealand’s most treasured nature reserves.
- Abel Tasman (Nelson/Tasman): Paddle a waka (canoe) through crystal-clear waters.
- Tekapo (Mackenzie): Stargaze under one of the world’s clearest night skies.
- Doubtful Sound (Fiordland): Explore the dramatic landscapes of this remote, untouched fjord.
This collaboration is more than just a game expansion—it’s an interactive cultural journey. Players will not only see the beauty of these locations but also experience Māori traditions, taonga pūoro (traditional musical instruments), and native wildlife within the digital realm.
A Game-Changer for Tourism
With over 300 million copies sold, Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time. Research conducted by Tourism New Zealand (January 2023) reveals that nearly 70% of its target audience actively engages with Minecraft, making this initiative a powerful tool to inspire travel to New Zealand.
René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm about this virtual-meets-reality approach:
“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.”
Alongside the DLC, Indian travelers can take this experience a step further with the 100% Pure Minecraft Itinerary, available through partnerships with Thomas Cook, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip. This initiative transforms the digital adventure into a real-life journey across New Zealand’s Great Outdoors.
The Making of the Aotearoa New Zealand DLC
The DLC is a remarkable showcase of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the digital realm. Players begin their adventure at a wharenui (meeting house) named Te Kete nui o te Moana, a specially crafted digital structure created in partnership with the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI).
To ensure authenticity and cultural respect, Tourism New Zealand collaborated with Piki Studios, an official Minecraft Partner and award-winning Māori game design studio. Led by Whetu Paitai, the studio worked closely with local iwi (tribes), tourism experts, and mana whenua (indigenous authorities) to develop an experience that remains true to New Zealand’s heritage while providing thrilling gameplay.
A Star-Studded Film Ties It All Together
“A MINECRAFT MOVIE” was filmed in New Zealand, made possible through the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR), which attracts global productions to the country. Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Creative Director at Minecraft & Producer of the film, praised the experience:
“Shooting ‘A MINECRAFT MOVIE’ in New Zealand was an amazing experience. The talent and boundless creativity of the local crews embody the values we at Minecraft hold dear: positivity, creativity, and curiosity.”
With stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into Minecraft’s world, New Zealand is poised to captivate gamers and travelers alike.
How to Play (and Visit) New Zealand
The Aotearoa New Zealand DLC is available for free on the Minecraft Marketplace starting March 19, 2025. To learn more about the in-game experience, book the 100% Pure Minecraft itinerary, or plan your dream trip to New Zealand, visit:
🔗 www.newzealand.com/AMinecraftMovie
With pixels now transforming into plane tickets, this partnership is redefining travel inspiration—one block at a time.
