Celebrities who loved their trips to New Zealand

Taylor Swift posted a picture of herself and brother Austin Swift during their trip to the South Island. Photo / Instagram

Following Jeremy Clarkson's online outburst against Waiheke Island, one of our most popular tourism destinations, we look at some of the famous faces who love our little country.

James Cameron

Hollywood film tycoon James Cameron may one day own the whole of Wairarapa but his devotion to New Zealand is more than land: he wants to become a permanent resident. He and wife Suzy Amis have previously said they enjoy the privacy Downunder and feel "emotionally drawn" here. The movie mogul also rates the Kiwi work ethic, fairness and respect for the land and indigenous people.

Shania Twain

The Canadian-born queen of country pop fell in love with our country and bought a chunk of the South Island in 2004 with record producer former husband Robert "Mutt" Lange. The marriage foundered but the Twain Track, which runs through the high country station property, remains a lasting legacy of her love affair with central Otago.

Taylor Swift

Dotterels and vengeful bugs aside, international superstar Taylor Swift recently made a point of flying not once but twice to Middle Earth between Australian gigs.

On the return leg, the Grammy winner even brought brother Austin and mum Andrea to take in the sights.

And let's not forget her special Kiwi gal pal Lorde.

Justin Timberlake

When A-list superstar couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel flew to Auckland for three concerts last year they were determined to keep a low profile. But that didn't mean they didn't get out and enjoy our fabulous countryside. The couple went for a bush walk and took time to relax, commenting how they needed to stop and take in the view.

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"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." --Ferris

A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Oct 13, 2014 at 9:45pm PDT

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#OnTopOfTheWorld

A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on Oct 13, 2014 at 8:23pm PDT

Michael Crawford

Better known the world over first as the hapless Frank Spencer before taking centrestage in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, Michael Crawford enjoys a quiet life in the Far North where he moved in 2007 after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Crawford told a British newspaper in 2012 he was enjoying days without worry, spending time fishing and gardening.