Air New Zealand is launching its first ever global brand campaign in the UK today. Featuring acclaimed New Zealand actor Sam Neill, the campaign will showcase to travellers why the airline is a better way to fly to New Zealand.

Neill, familiar to British audiences from hit films Jurassic Park and most recently, roles in The Tudors and Peaky Blinders, takes centre stage as the voice of CGI character Pete – a kiwi bird who wants to see the world but is hindered by his inability to fly. That is until Air New Zealand steps in. Pete takes viewers on a journey, seeing the flying experience on-board Air New Zealand through the eyes of a kiwi bird.

Speaking about his debut as the voice of Pete the Kiwi, Neill explains; “Air New Zealand were kind enough to ask me, and in all humility, I thought I was the best person for the job. I am very proud to be a New Zealander and I guess that’s what being a Kiwi is.”

The film highlights the many ways you can fly to New Zealand with Air New Zealand, including its daily service from London Heathrow to Auckland via Los Angeles, as well gateway options across Asia and North America operated in conjunction with its partner airlines.

Pete samples the airline’s famous Kiwi service dubbing it ‘New Zealand in the sky’ as well as enjoying the delicious award-winning on-board food and wines, and even bumping into Sam Neill himself in the Business Premier cabin. Pete also tells other passengers about all the best things to do in New Zealand – inspiring British travellers to book their next adventure on-board Air New Zealand.