Gary Barlow has described a traditional Māori welcome he experienced while filming his new ITV series as "spine chilling", ahead of the show's debut this weekend.
The 55-year-old is travelling across New Zealand alongside his close friend Jason Manford for the latest instalment of his food and wine exploration, following earlier trips to South Africa and Australia.
A 'moving' welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
A brief description of the programme states: "Gary and Jason's thirst for life, adventure and exploration will take viewers on an unforgettable journey across this epic country."
"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."
Discussing certain highlights from the show, Gary reflected on the welcome they received from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, reports the Daily Star. When questioned about its significance and how it established the programme's atmosphere, the 55-year-old acknowledged it was profoundly touching.
He explained: "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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
A six-part journey across New Zealand
The six-part series gets underway this weekend, whisking viewers off to Auckland for a traditional Māori welcome, before crossing the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke. Among the other destinations the pair will venture to are Queenstown, Central Otago, Blenheim, Marlborough and Hawke's Bay.
When quizzed on what audiences can look forward to, Gary revealed: "Well, I love New Zealand! It's one of the few places that I've always enjoyed and wanted to spend more time there."
"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."
"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.
