News release: Strictly embargoed until NZT 3pm, Monday March 4

The Amazing Race throws spotlight on Canterbury

Fans of the hit reality TV show The Amazing Race are in for a taste of Canterbury’s stunningly beautiful landscapes and adrenaline pumping activities.

In an episode being broadcast across US prime-time TV tonight (Monday 4 March NZT) contestants in The Amazing Race will be seen adventuring their way across the expansive Mid Canterbury region in a race to their next pit stop, at the spectacular golf resort of Terrace Downs.

The contestants will go jet boating on the mighty Rakaia river, quad biking through high country streams, and pilot rally cars around one of New Zealand’s oldest high country stations.

“We couldn’t ask for better publicity for our region,’’ says Experience Mid Canterbury Tourism general manager Nigel Birt. “The Amazing Race has a huge audience in the United States and many other countries and this kind of exposure is invaluable.

“It will really give viewers a taste of the adventure activities and breath-taking scenery we have to offer and hopefully inspire them to jump on a plane and come visit,’’ Mr Birt says.

Many local tourism operators assisted during the filming, which took place last November.

It is the fourth time New Zealand has featured in The Amazing Race but the first time contestants in the award-winning show have visited Canterbury.

Phil Keoghan, the award-winning host of The Amazing Race, grew up in Canterbury and as a proud ambassador for the region is thrilled to introduce it to viewers in America and around the world.

“I am very proud and, of course, very excited about letting people understand what makes Canterbury such a fantastic destination,” Mr Keoghan says.

“I felt tremendous pride being able to share Canterbury with not only the crew but of course the millions of people around the world who will see what a special place we have. Places are about people and that will come through loud and clear during this very special episode.’’

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter is thrilled Mr Keoghan chose to feature Canterbury so prominently.

“Canterbury offers the perfect adventure environment for The Amazing Race. We are delighted with the outstanding audience reach that this opportunity provides in the high value US market. Hopefully it will lead to more Americans putting the Canterbury region on their must-visit list,’’ Mr Hunter says.

The Amazing Race episode featuring Canterbury goes to air on major American broadcast channel CBS today Monday 4 March NZT (Sunday US time) and will also be broadcast in several other countries. New Zealand viewers should get to see it later this year.

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