Minecraft Brings NZ’s Landmarks to Life

Players of the popular video game Minecraft can now explore some of New Zealand’s most famous tourist destinations in the game’s blocky world.

Six locations, including Abel Tasman National Park, Lake Tekapo, and Waitomo Caves, are now available for download. This project, created in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, aims to introduce the country and Māori culture to millions of players worldwide, with hopes that some will visit in real life.

This is the first time that real-world tourist sites have been recreated as playable areas in Minecraft. The launch comes just before the release of A Minecraft Movie, which was filmed in New Zealand and is set to premiere next month.

One of the featured locations is Waka Abel Tasman, where visitors learn to paddle waka. Lee-Anne Jago, who co-directs the business, was amazed by Minecraft’s global reach. She is now a Minecraft character paddling a double-hulled waka along the Abel Tasman coastline. Jago believes the game can help educate people about Aotearoa and tikanga Māori.

Other destinations in the game include:

• Waitomo Caves, where players can go blackwater rafting
• Rotorua, featuring the Te Puia geothermal park
• Kāpiti Island, home to native birds and wildlife
• Lake Tekapo, known for its breathtaking night sky
• Doubtful Sound, a glacial fjord in Fiordland

Tourism New Zealand’s chief executive, René de Monchy, said these locations were chosen because they are iconically New Zealand and reflect the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. He hopes that by experiencing these places in Minecraft, players—especially from Australia, China, and the U.S.—will be inspired to visit in person.