Gary Barlow has described the Māori welcome he received while filming his new ITV series in New Zealand as "spine chilling". The 55-year-old singer is joined by his friend Jason Manford for the third instalment of his global food and wine exploration, following earlier trips to South Africa and Australia.
Moving welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
A synopsis for the show reads: "Gary and Jason's thirst for life, adventure and exploration will take viewers on an unforgettable journey across this epic country." It adds: "From a deeply moving welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, precarious tandem biking, and rescued penguins to exploring olive groves and vineyards - this series brings to the table joy, diversity and some hidden treasures."
Speaking about the welcome, Barlow said: "For us, the one thing we wanted to do while filming a show predominantly about food and wine was to make sure we also show the foundations of the country, the history and the generations of families." He added: "We wanted to get that from the word go and ingrain in people's minds the truly historical place it is with massive family trees, and to give some of the heritage."
Learning about heritage
Barlow said: "So to experience a welcome from Ngāti Whatua was very moving actually. To be there on the day and hearing those voices and that tradition, it was just wonderful. Spine chilling actually!" He also said: "I met two generations that day. A father and daughter and it was just brilliant and just good to know something about the heritage and the history that I didn't know before, so I was learning too."
The six-part series begins this weekend, with viewers taken to Auckland for the Māori welcome before heading across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke. Other locations include Queenstown, Central Otago, Blenheim, Marlborough and Hawke's Bay.
Excitement over New Zealand scenery
Teasing what viewers can expect, Barlow said: "Well, I love New Zealand! It's one of the few places that I've always enjoyed and wanted to spend more time there." He added: "And in the world of wine, New Zealand is right up there with some of the best vineyards and areas in the world, so I know if we went there it'd be absolutely stunning."
He continued: "A lot of TV is how it visually looks and we knew that if we got to go to New Zealand that this part would be fulfilled immeasurably by the incredible scenery and landscapes. The difference between the North and South Island and the East and West Coast is just unbelievable and so much is packed into these two tiny islands in the South Pacific, so it was a very exciting call when I realised we'd have the opportunity to go and film our beautiful show there."
Gary Barlow's Food and Wine Tour: New Zealand airs at 12.30 on Sunday 30th August on ITV1 and ITVX.
