Fascinating New Zealand

1 x 90 min and 2x52 min TV documentary
In co-production with ZDF in association with ARTE

There are landscapes that hardly anyone has seen or entered: We embark on a journey across journey across both islands of New Zealand, from the southernmost tip to the northernmost point—and get to know the islands by land, by sea and from the air, discovering the astonishing diversity of this natural paradise. Aerial shots, navigated by "Lord of the Rings" legend Alfie Speight, tell the story of how New Zealand originated: rugged fjords, high mountain peaks, steaming volcanic landscapes and bizarre cave systems. These are crossed with lush rainforests and fields that profit from the fertile volcanic soil. New Zealand is a piece of land that is still as preserved as when the ocean and earth created it.

The country is isolated in the streams of the Pacific Ocean—allowing the development of unique flora and fauna. The viewer […]

Fascinating New Zealand

1 x 90 min and 2x52 min TV documentary
In co-production with ZDF in association with ARTE

There are landscapes that hardly anyone has seen or entered: We embark on a journey across journey across both islands of New Zealand, from the southernmost tip to the northernmost point—and get to know the islands by land, by sea and from the air, discovering the astonishing diversity of this natural paradise. Aerial shots, navigated by "Lord of the Rings" legend Alfie Speight, tell the story of how New Zealand originated: rugged fjords, high mountain peaks, steaming volcanic landscapes and bizarre cave systems. These are crossed with lush rainforests and fields that profit from the fertile volcanic soil. New Zealand is a piece of land that is still as preserved as when the ocean and earth created it.

The country is isolated in the streams of the Pacific Ocean—allowing the development of unique flora and fauna. The viewer will explore the cold rainforest, impressively giant trees, huge eels and grasshoppers, predatory snails and running birds such as the Kakapo or the Kiwi. Since time immemorial, the face of the country has changed steadily—up until this very day.

A journey through the middle of New Zealand —in search of the essence, the source of life. The beauty of the country makes us aware of the treasures we destroy. In New Zealand, too, climate change is causing huge damages, glaciers melt, forests were replaced by pastureland, cleared for the agricultural industry, the most important economic pillar alongside tourism. New Zealand is facing major challenges and is responding with a radical environmental policy…

A film by
Tuan Lam
Bruce Morrison
Mark Strickson

Director of Photography
Scott Mouat

Drone
Alfie Speight
Andy Salek

Editing
Oliver Szyza

Producer
Kerstin Meyer-Beetz

Junior Producer
Julia Krampe

Line Producer
Kathrin Isberner

Produced by
Christian Beetz

Commissioning Editor
Marita Hübinger

Koproduktion

Kooperation

  • Premiere Fascinating New Zealand

    ARTE
    25 April 2020 at 8:15 pm