America's reality TV star, Jason Mesnick and his partner Molly
Malaney of The Bachelor fame, have become engaged during a
romantic return visit to New Zealand.
The couple, who filmed two episodes of the show in New Zealand
earlier this year, announced their decision at the very place they
got together - Queenstown in the South Island.
Matchmaking flight
Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney flew to New Zealand on a special
Air New Zealand matchmaking flight and have been touring the
country.
The Bachelor's two New Zealand episodes filmed in
Queenstown and the Bay of Islands, proved a ratings bonanza,
drawing 14 million and 15 million viewers respectively in the
United States.
Tourism New Zealand wanted to build on the profile the programme
had created for New Zealand, said Chief Executive George
Hickton.
"Awesome" Queenstown
The magic of Queenstown apparently captivated Jason and Molly
just as it did when the couple enjoyed their first romantic episode
together, 11 months ago.
"Seriously, one day we're going to buy a place. I love it. New
Zealand is awesome and Queenstown is the best of the awesome," said
Jason Mesnick.
Molly Malaney agreed saying: "It's so beautiful and quaint, and
the people are so friendly."
Likely to last a while in their memories was a helicopter visit
to Mt Quill, Fiordland, for a champagne picnic. Jason Mesnick said
the pair were having lunch when they were visited by four keas -
native parrots known for their intelligence and curiosity.
"They were nibbling on the champagne cork, they were biting into
my shoe. We were there sitting drinking wine and the camera crew
was filming. It was hilarious."
The couple also went on the Shotover Jet and experienced
skydiving before leaving Queenstown.
US coverage
As well as Milford Sound and Queenstown, the couple were filmed
on Waiheke Island near Auckland, in the famous thermal region of
Rotorua, and at the Waitomo Caves in the Waikato region.
Strong coverage of their latest New Zealand visit is expected in
the United States.
"We struggle to be noticed in the United States because of the
size of the market. (Mesnick) likes New Zealand, and he's done a
good job of promoting us," said George Hickton.
Destination Queenstown marketing general manager Graham Budd
said The Bachelor had provided the town with its greatest
exposure in the United States since The Lord of the Rings was
released.
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