A new add-on for Minecraft, titled “Aotearoa,”has recently been launched, showcasing the breathtaking landscape and vibrant culture of New Zealand. This downloadable content (DLC) serves as an engaging tourism experience, allowing players to explore many iconic locations across the island nation. With its rich features, the Aotearoa add-on promises to be an impressive addition to the Minecraft universe.
Developed by Mojang, this initiative is part of their broader mission to celebrate diverse cultures and environments through interactive gameplay in Minecraft. The highlight of this add-on? It’s completely free, making it accessible to all players without any financial barriers.
How to Obtain the Aotearoa Add-on for Minecraft

If you’re new to downloading add-ons from the Minecraft Marketplace, follow these easy steps:
- Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
- Go to the Marketplace section.
- Look for “Aotearoa”by either browsing the free add-ons or using the search feature.
- Download and install the add-on.
You can directly access the add-on’s Marketplace page here: Minecraft Aotearoa New Zealand add-on.
Highlighted Features of the Aotearoa Add-on

Before diving into the Aotearoa experience, it’s important to note that this add-on operates solely in Adventure Mode, meaning players cannot switch to Creative or Survival modes. This design choice is intended to preserve the educational and explorative journey offered by the add-on.
The Aotearoa add-on includes:
- A comprehensive map reflecting real-life locations in New Zealand.
- Eight customizable new character skins.
- Activities that allow exploration of Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Kāpiti Island, Abel Tasman, Tekapo, and Doubtful Sound.
- Engaging activities to learn about the culture and traditions associated with various New Zealand sites.
Gameplay Aspects of the Aotearoa Add-on

Your adventure begins by speaking with two key NPCs, who will provide you with critical items:
- A camera – This is an essential tool for capturing photos of significant cultural and environmental landmarks throughout the game.
Each locale introduces NPCs modeled after real historical figures, providing valuable insights about the surroundings. Interacting with them will lead you to photography quests, where players are encouraged to document key objects, landmarks, or cultural icons.
In addition to these photography missions, each site features mini-games that enhance the overall gaming experience. For example, players can enjoy side-scrolling challenges in the Waitomo Caves. As you capture images, more information about the subject becomes available, adding educational value to the fun.
Insights on the Aotearoa Add-on

The Aotearoa add-on for Minecraft invites players to immerse themselves in the beauty and traditions of New Zealand. This offering successfully merges entertainment with educational value, providing an enriching experience without any associated costs. The meticulously crafted environments and the inclusion of NPCs inspired by real-life figures enhance the exploration journey.
Despite minor gameplay quirks, such as occasional clunkiness during boat rides, the Aotearoa add-on remains an exceptional avenue for players to discover and appreciate the wonders of New Zealand within the Minecraft framework.