Bollywood star and Tourism New Zealand’s ambassador to India Sidharth Malhotra starts his second visit to New Zealand

Sidharth Malhotra and All Blacks legend Richie McCaw take in the Canterbury sights together.

 

Christchurch ,New Zealand, 2016-Nov-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Sidharth Malhotra, Tourism New Zealand’s ambassador to India, touched down in Christchurch this morning to a welcome from two sporting greats and members of the local Indian community.

The Bollywood star is starting his second visit to New Zealand, experiencing more of the country, visiting places he hasn’t been before and sharing his adventures with his followers back home.

Former Black Cap stars Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming were in Christchurch to greet Sidharth and will join him on the Canterbury leg of his visit.  Brendon McCullum met Sidharth during the Prime Minister’s visit to India last month and Stephen Fleming accompanied Sidharth on activities during his highly successful visit last year.

Sidharth was greeted by a dance troupe who performed for the superstar and was happy to join in, much to the delight of his fans.

“It feels great to be back to this beautiful country! The very start of my trip has been fantastic, I received such a warm welcome from Stephen and Brendon at the airport. I was ecstatic to see the children dance on my songs, it was a great surprise. I can’t wait to further explore New Zealand this time and have an amazing holiday.”

Sidharth, who is a brand ambassador for Tourism New Zealand, also expressed how proud he is to promote the country that is known for its scenic beauty, hospitality and adventure.

Day one: Cricket with Black Caps legends
On Sidharth’s first day in New Zealand, he took on former Black Caps captains Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming at the cricket nets at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The Bollywood superstar showed off his skills, playing some fine shots with the bat.

Following the match, they headed to Curator’s House in Christchurch Botanic Gardens for some lunch. The Spanish-style tapas restaurant was the perfect spot for the group to share some cricket tips and take in the beauty of the spring flowers.

“It’s a huge honour to have shared the pitch with Stephen and Brendon. We played at Hagley Oval, which has to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world,” Sidharth said.

Day 2: Dolphins, motorbikes and flat whites

During Sidharth’s visit to Akaroa Harbour, he took the plunge with Black Cat Cruises and swam with the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Native to New Zealand, the inquisitive dolphins played around Sidharth and put on a show for the actor.

Following his dolphin encounter, Sidharth took to the open road with Bularangi Motorbikes on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. For a rider, roads don’t get any better than those in New Zealand, with scenic views on both sides and long, endless stretches that ensure you get a cruising experience that leaves you wanting more.

Sidharth, who owns a Harley Davidson in India, said riding with the Bularangi crew was an experience he wouldn’t forget.

“I am very passionate when it comes to bikes and love the adrenaline rush that I get out of it. New Zealand is the best place for adventure junkies, especially because it offers the safest and the most exciting places for every possible adventure activity.”

No trip to New Zealand would be complete without sampling the amazing coffee. Sidharth tried his hand at whipping up one of New Zealand’s favourite hot drinks for Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming.

One of the Christchurch’s best cafes, C1 Espresso, played host to the trio, teaching the Bollywood star the tricks of the trade and the secrets to making the perfect flat white.

“Christchurch has such an exciting vibe to it, there are so many cool places to hang out, or eat at, I feel very spoilt for choice,” Sidharth said.

From swimming with dolphins, riding motorbikes and making a specialty coffee, it was an action-packed day in the Christchurch-Canterbury region.

Day 3: Taking the TranzAlpine train and a helicopter ride with rugby royalty

Sidharth continued his journey in New Zealand with a ride on the famous TranzAlpine train. The star was in awe as the train made its way across the beautiful farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the mighty Southern Alps.

“It is very easy to lose your heart to these serene views. It indeed is one of the most peaceful and relaxing train experiences.”

Sidharth was so impressed with the train ride that he added he would love to include a train sequence in his next film.

Sidharth Malhotra joined All Black legend Richie McCaw for a helicopter ride high above Canterbury after his train trip. Richie, who recently retired from rugby, is a skilled pilot and was happy to take the star on a guided flight, pointing out some of the local secrets.

“First meeting Stephen Fleming, the great New Zealand cricket captain, and now I have met Richie McCaw, the best rugby player ever, can this get any better?” Sidharth said.

Day 4: Sidharth arrives in Rotorua

After an action-packed time in Christchurch, Sidharth headed to the central North Island to geothermal and cultural hotspot Rotorua. New Zealand’s oldest tourist destination, Rotorua is home to amazing geothermal activity and some of the country’s most popular tourism activities.

Sidharth didn’t slow down once he arrived and went straight up the gondola to Skyline Rotorua. Skyline Rotorua is a great way to get amazing views of the lakes around Rotorua.

“Heading up the gondola at Skyline Rotorua was great. The best part though was coming back down on the luge ride, it was such a rush going so fast down the hill.”

The luge, which is like a toboggan, is an action-packed option to head down from Skyline, and Sidharth took to it like a natural. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced courses so everyone can have a go.

About Sidharth

Sidharth’s first visit resulted in a massive increase in the number of Indians likely to visit New Zealand for a holiday. During his time in New Zealand, 2.8 million people engaged with him via social media, including 57,000 people engaging with each of his Facebook posts.

Sidharth will spend three days in Christchurch and the Canterbury region before travelling to Rotorua and the Waikato and Auckland regions.  He leaves New Zealand on 20 November.

Source: 100 % Pure New Zealand

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