A Minecraft Movie is a bona fide sensation, earning over $163 million in its opening weekend alone and creating a viral trend to cause absolute chaos in theaters the moment Jack Black says, “Chicken Jockey!” But fans of the film might not know that its beautiful landscape and its stunning Overworld (iykyk) are all thanks to its filming location: The breathtaking country of New Zealand. Comprising of two main islands, called the North and South islands, the country is a treasure trove of unique and gorgeous landscapes.
From active volcanoes to snowy mountains, rainforests, beaches, and more, New Zealand has virtually every ecosystem in the world. So it's no wonder so many movies choose to film there. On top of Minecraft, other films shot in NZ include King Kong, Mulan, The Lord of the Rings, and Mission: Impossible, among many others.
To celebrate the country being highlighted in A Minecraft Movie, New Zealand has just launched an interactive DLC for the Minecraft game. Now, hopeful travelers from around the world can explore New Zealand from their computers, consoles, and phones thanks to the Aotearoa New Zealand DLC.
The DLC says that you’ll play “as a filmmaker and complete a variety of challenges across its destinations. During your adventures, you’ll get to capture unique wildlife, geothermal activity, and awe-inspiring constellations.”
It also says you’ll get to experience both islands in the DLC, exploring a multitude of locales. “Paddle a waka in Abel Tasman, discover glowworms in Waitomo, four-wheel drive in Tekapo, navigate a boat in Doubtful Sound, spot rare native birds in Kāpiti Island, and experience geothermal activity in Rotorua!”
Each area has its own gameplay mechanic too, so it will be fun for a wide range of players, even those who might not normally be Minecraft experts. Levels include parkour activities, exploration, seafaring, photo expeditions, and collect-them-all challenges. The DLC ensures that you’ll come for the fun, but stay for the stunning sights.