Weekend Rewind: Classic NZ tourism films

A scene from Frosty Man and the BMX Kid. Photo / NZ on screen

Opinion

Tourism NZ found themselves in hot water this week, after releasing a video showing a campervan driving on the wrong side of the road. As NZ On Screen’s Nicky Harrop discovers, it’s perhaps not the first time we’ve taken creative license when it comes to producing tourism films.

Tourism has long been a mainstay of our economy, and over the years agencies have been charged with finding increasingly inventive ways to sell New Zealand to offshore travellers. This selection of films spans 50 years, highlighting how far we've come in our approach - from desperately trying to show how worldly and sophisticated we are, to celebrating exactly what makes Aotearoa unique - with the odd eyebrow-raising moment along the way. Note: the vehicles do all seem to be on the correct side of the road in these films.

Holiday for Susan

Clearly made pre-man drought, 1962's Holiday for Susan highlights husband hunting as one of New Zealand's attractions. Young globetrotter Susan and her Kiwi pal Lorraine travel the length of the country, conveniently landing Susan a spouse en route. Footage of our 'scenic wonders' seems to encompass a large number of shots of Susan's legs, accompanied by narration that would have Kate Sheppard turning in her grave.

C'mon to New Zealand

Things get a little more racy in 1969's C'mon to New Zealand. Shot for an Australian travel agents seminar, the film attempts to present a hip and happening destination for jet-set Aussies, just "two-and-a-half hours and a five course meal away." Partying is high on the list of enticements: "We tossed out six o'clock closing and loosened up the drinking laws ages ago." Strippers are amongst the 'relaxation' options suggested after a hard day's sightseeing.

New Zealand is Yours - Nightlife

There are more hijinks to be had in New Zealand is Yours, part of a mid '70s campaign promoting New Zealand to Kiwis. Champagne, cocktails and some highly self-conscious dance scenes combine to paint a picture of a veritable boogie wonderland, right on our doorstep.

New Zealand is Yours - Oldies

Targeting a somewhat more sedate sector of the market, this companion piece was made with elderly New Zealanders in mind. This time round it's all bus tours, gardens and photo stops, not a nightclub to be seen.

Right Next Door

"I always thought that Kiwis lived next door to the Antarctic, nothing was ever open, and the whole place was constantly shaking." So begins 1985's Right Next Door, once again pitching Aotearoa to our friends across the Tasman. John Sheerin (McLeod's Daughters) plays an Aussie dad, taking his family on holiday for a smorgasbord of sun, sea and snow. Features a cameo from Barry Crump.

Frosty Man and the BMX Kid

Made in 2010 as part of a filmmaking contest to "capture the spirit of 100% Pure New Zealand," Frosty Man and the BMX Kid sees a young boy meet an old bearded man who claims to be God. In true Kiwi fashion, the 'BMX Kid' challenges him to a bomb competition to prove it. The short quickly went viral off the back of its signature line "Eat Some Ice Creams! Do Some Bombs!" - possibly our best tourism catchphrase yet.

• You can see more vintage New Zealand tourism films here. http://www.nzonscreen.com/spotlight/nz-tourism-films