Kapiti Island has long been a jewel in New Zealand’s conservation and tourism landscape—but now, thanks to a unique collaboration with Tourism New Zealand and Minecraft, it’s stepping into a global spotlight like never before.

Minecraft’s Aotearoa expansion, launched to coincide with the upcoming Minecraft: The Movie, brings Kapiti Island to millions of players worldwide. This project is more than just a digital experience—it’s a strategic opportunity for local businesses, tourism operators, and our wider economy.

This campaign positions Kapiti Island among New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, alongside Rotorua, Fiordland, and Waitomo. With Minecraft’s 140 million active players, the exposure is significant. The question is: how can we convert this digital buzz into real-world benefits for Kapiti?

Local business can play a role to leverage the campaign.

• Align with the Marketing Push – Tap into the ‘100% Pure Play’ campaign messaging to showcase Kapiti’s unique value.
• Engage Your Networks – Tourism operators, local businesses, and industry groups can amplify the story to attract visitors.
• Think Beyond the Island – While Kapiti Island is the star, this is a chance to position the entire region as a destination worth exploring.

To encourage virtual explorers to experience Kapiti in real life, Kapiti Island Nature Tours is offering 20% off self-guided tours in April. This is a great hook to attract both domestic and international visitors—businesses can share, promote, or package this offer to extend visitor spend across the region.

Kapiti Island Self-Guided Tour Special: 20% off in April
Use code KIWI20 when booking at www.kapitiisland.com

With global eyes on Kapiti, the time is now to think strategically about how we turn digital discovery into economic opportunity. Let’s work together to make sure visitors inspired by Minecraft don’t just play the game—they book the trip, stay the night, and experience all that Kapiti has to offer.