Peter Elliott, one of New Zealand’s best known actors and presenters, goes on a journey through time to unravel New Zealand’s ancient past, and for the first time reveals the surprising origins of our most iconic animals… be prepared to be shocked!

Featuring stunning high definition action and startling super-slow motion images filmed by award winning documentary maker NHNZ and state of the art 3D modelling and CGI graphics produced by Weta Workshops NZ. To trace the origins of the kiwi, kakapo, kea and tuatara Peter Elliott travels back through time to reveal their ancestry and sheds new light on the lesser known species: the kaka, New Zealand falcon, giant meat-eating snails, prehistoric giant weta, takahe and penguins.

NHNZ’s HD cameras enliven the magic of our natural world and ultra-high-speed cameras show animals in super slow motion. Using Weta Workshop’s 3D modeling and computer graphics, the legendary moa walks again; we reveal the terrifying attack of the extinct Haast’s eagle and prototype an aquatic bird that pre-dated penguins.

Primeval New Zealand is a spectacular celebration of the origins of life in New Zealand, and a scandalous exposé as the shocking past of some of our best loved animals is revealed.

As seen on TV ONE. A Platinium Fund production by NHNZ supported by New Zealand on Air.

Duration Approx 44 min Number of discs: 1 All Regions – Wide screen 16:9 – Stereo sound - Colour – PAL