Tourism New Zealand said Dharma Productions’ major feature film, I Hate Luv Stories featuring Bollywood stars Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor would screen in front of as many as 150 million viewers.

The tourism body will host the 65-strong crew during two weeks of filming in the southern tourist resort.

Acting chief executive Tim Hunter said it was a huge opportunity for tourism product placement in the film as well.

One of India’s leading fashion magazines was also interested in using the lead actors in a major fashion shoot, using Queenstown as a backdrop.

“The movie itself will attract a huge audience but the media surrounding the filming and the release will also present great opportunities for promoting New Zealand as a visitor destination.”

Tourism New Zealand’s public relations programme in India this year has included coverage of the Indian cricket team during the March cricket test, which reached an estimated 320 million across online, print and broadcast outlets.