The Bachelor stars engaged in NZ
22 Oct 2009
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 and Molly 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 Mesnick.
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. 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, Jason and Molly 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 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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