Taranaki’s Hollywood ambassador

Tom Cruise sang the praises of Aotearoa to the US on his promotional tour for The Last Samurai, the Japanese military epic filmed largely in Taranaki. As well as the beautiful scenery and friendly locals, he was particularly taken with the adventure tourism the region had to offer, namely surfing, caving and sea kayaking. Age: “Qantas has John Travolta as its Hollywood face. Perhaps New Zealand should sign up Tom Cruise.”