The Real New Zealand

Made before websites like Airbnb spurred a massive jump in homestay-style accommodation options, this documentary from 2000 visits New Zealanders who have chosen to open their houses to tourists. From Warkworth to Stewart Island, from farm stays to a gay-friendly house in Golden Bay, Kiwis talk about the positives of homestays — and the long hours. Two of the couples mention how their own relationship benefits from having visitors. Narrated by Jim Mora, The Real New Zealand was directed by Shirley Horrocks (hit documentary Kiwiana). 

What happens is that you learn to live around people's coming and goings; their needs, your wants. You do have to work hard to make sure you don't lose your own life ... probably the most disadvantaged thing is that you feel sometimes you've lost your own space.

– Stella Lovering, on her homestay in Wellington

Key Cast & Crew

Bill Toepfer

Editor

Shirley Horrocks

Director, Writer, Producer, Research

Jim Mora

Writer, Narrator

Grahame Thorne

Subject

Geoff Steven

Executive Producer

Terry Murphy

Sound Mix