BBC Worldwide and Great Southern TV have teamed up with New Zealand TV network, TVNZ, to produce a Kiwi version of its factual series, Coast.

A New Zealand version of Coast goes into production this week for TV ONE.

Hosted by internationally renowned British archaeologist and television presenter, Neil Oliver, Coast New Zealand will showcase Aotearoa’s different coastlines over six one hour episodes.

The series is being produced by Great Southern Television, who are also makers of the hugely successful Australian series on Foxtel’s History channel.

BBC Worldwide ANZ head of business development, Helen Pendlebury, said: “With its incredible coastline and rich stories, New Zealand is the obvious next stop for the Coast format and we’re delighted that Neil Oliver and Great Southern TV will be bringing it to life for a TVNZ audience.”

TVNZ’s general manager of commissioning and acquisitions, Andrew Shaw said: “Coast is a compelling, intelligent series with massive broad appeal. We’re thrilled to have the Great Southern team producing this for a local audience, and want to thank NZ On Air for their support.”

Said executive producer Philip Smith: “As a Kiwi company, it was a thrill to make the Australian series and give Australia a global profile, so as you can imagine we are very, very excited that we can now turn our attention to New Zealand.

“It will be stunning, fascinating, fun – and best of all fresh and insightful.”

For the first time in Coast history, four New Zealand academics will host the series alongside Neil Oliver, telling the story of the formation and evolution of our nation: our history; our people; and our culture.

“This isn’t just journeymen examining the New Zealand coastline. These are leading experts. And this is a very rare opportunity to give them a voice in primetime,” said Smith.

Oliver, who also hosts the Australian series, visited New Zealand last year on holiday to scope out a possible Kiwi version.

“I had a small taste last year and I marveled at New Zealand’s diversity, both physically and culturally. Big, big differences to Australia on both fronts. The magnitude of the beauty is breathtaking – and I must say my week in New Zealand was good for my soul. It’s our goal to dig out amazing new stories – whilst putting the history of New Zealand in context for a local and global audience to enjoy.”