Best New Zealand documentary series

The three-part documentary series, compiled from over 60 hours of unseen footage, captures the warmth, camaraderie, and creative genius that defined the legacy of music's most iconic foursome. The series also includes – for the first time in its entirety – The Beatles' final performance at London's Savile Row.

The definition of "tourism" is redefined as New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier sets his sights on the world of dark tourism. From nuclear tourism in Japan to Pablo Escobar-inspired tourism in Columbia to frontier tourism in Turkmenistan, David visits the world’s grisly and offbeat destinations, meeting travelers drawn to them, and the people telling these stories day after day.

Plunge into the Pacific with researchers and cinematographers and see the ocean’s rare and dazzling creatures in a way never before seen on television. The show examines an ocean that covers a third of the Earth’s surface.

Uncover New Zealand’s most extreme religious cult, Gloriavale, and the true stories of people attempting to break free, including current and former members that have never gone on record before. Made with support from NZ on Air. WARNING: Deals with the issue of sexual abuse.

Beyond the Darklands is a New Zealand true crime television series that airs on TVNZ's TV One. It is narrated and presented by clinical psychologist Nigel Latta, with each episode focusing on a certain criminal. The show has run for five seasons. Inspiration for the series came from Latta's 2003 book Into the Darklands: Unveiling the Predators Among Us, which dealt with Latta's work as a forensic psychologist. An Australian series of the same name based on the New Zealand show has been running since 2009. The TVNZ series was previously shown in Australia on the ci channel on Foxtel.

One of New Zealand's most loved comedians and broadcasters, Dai Henwood, offers an open and honest look into his courageous fight against cancer.

Sensing Murder is the New Zealand's and Australian psychic investigators on TV2 NZ/AU. Presented by Rebecca Gibney, the 90-minute episodes follow the team of gifted psychics – Australian Deb Webber and Kiwi’s Kelvin Cruickshank and Sue Nicholson – as they attempt to uncover new leads in more of New Zealand’s most intriguing unsolved cases. Each case puts two psychics to the test to see what they can uncover with a team of private investigators analysing their findings. The program recreates the victims’ last known living moments in a dramatic and stylised production. The reconstruction is based on forensic information, extensive research with case experts and family, along with interviews from police who were involved in the investigation. With no prior knowledge about the crime, the psychics reveal astounding new information about the victim, case and perpetrator – groundbreaking information that has the potential to break these cases wide open.

A 3 year journey to the extremes of all 7 continents to meet the extraordinary people and animals on the front line of climate change. They reveal how science, nature and traditional knowledge can prepare us for a fast changing future.

One chef, one truck and a whole heap of new ideas on how to tackle our addiction to junk food. The Food Truck is open for business.

The all favourite Border Patrol follows staff at the New Zealand Customs Service and Ministry for Primary Industries as they work the frontline checking for drugs and illegal goods and monitoring the border for potentially harmful diseases that could cripple New Zealand's economy overnight.

Black Coast Vanishings is a true-crime mystery series about the disappearance of six people in a small town on the wild west coast of New Zealand that has given rise to fear and suspicion among the locals.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be struck by lightning or be propelled by hurricane-speed winds? What is it really like inside a burning house? In this fun (and funny!) science series Nigel Latta subjects himself to a variety of 'don't try this at home' experiments to explore some of the more dramatic aspects of fundamental science.

A team of specialist detectives re-look at some of New Zealand’s most chilling unsolved murders.

The story of the evolution of a game, from its medieval roots to the global sport it is today. Discover the larger-than-life personalities and little known behind-the-scenes stories of world rugby.

It's New Zealand - but not as you've ever seen it before! Marvel at the majesty of Aotearoa and discover a world you didn't know existed.

Deep under Antarctica’s blanket of ice lies traces of a lost world of Dinosaurs and pre-historic creatures. Great forests once covered the now frozen Antarctic continent; gargantuan titanosaurs roamed its valleys, and proto-mammals darted through the undergrowth. It was also home to the largest carnivore of its day, the Cryolophosaurus – Antarctica’s T-Rex.

Each of Mexico Untamed distinct colorful landscapes is characterised by the animals who live there. Charismatic travelers roam the oceans, forests and deserts, revealing drama and surprising behaviors. Predator and prey fight age-old battles for survival. Males and females of the most iconic species go to extreme measures to ensure the safe arrival of a new generation.

A series that examines modern military conflicts.

This award-winning programme has total access to the men and women who patrol the main arteries of Auckland City. Each series has a whole new helping of adrenaline packed stories and lunatic motorists.

1000 Kiwis, studied for 40 years - to help uncover the science of all of us. What makes you, you? It's time to find out..

New Zealand families, couples and adventurous individuals, transporting their dream homes to their ideal locations.

Steve Logan and Al Brown trade the comfort of their fine dining restaurant for life on the road as they head for the hills, hook up with some great Kiwi characters and chase down some of New Zealand's finest and freshest food - bringing us dishes of wild game and seasonal delicacies.

Neil Oliver takes a fascination journey around the coast of New Zealand, uncovering stories that make us the island nation that we are today.

The most spectacular vehicles in the world are milestones of engineering that have changed land, water, and air transport for good. Each episode features a different class of vehicle, from the breathtakingly fast to the impressively powerful.

The biodiverse nation of Peru is home to several habitual species fighting for survival. Explore otters, sloth and macaws of the rainforest, penguins and sea lions along the coastal deserts and bears, guanacos, pumas and tapirs in the Andes foothills.

Hosted by local chef Michael Van de Elzen and restaurateur Ganesh Raj, Eat Well For Less NZ is here to help New Zealanders shop, cook and eat better – and save on their household bills along the way.

Join Eli Matthewson for a journey through the untold history of New Zealand's queer community, celebrating the resilience of trailblazers who pushed for an inclusive Aotearoa

This highly entertaining series follows two famous cricketers, Brendon 'Baz' McCullum and Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, travelling the length and breadth of New Zealand playing golf and discovering the country's most famous and picturesque courses, playing the game they love, sharing great stories, eating the finest food, drinking the finest wine and meeting New Zealand's wonderful people.

This new ten-part series follows the daily ups and downs of two veterinarians - Dr Mark Young and Dr Stacey Tremain.

Asia is the most diverse region on Earth, home to a remarkable collection of iconic animals. Elusive snow leopards hunt in the Himalayas, orang-utans dwell deep within humid rainforests and wild horses graze the stony Gobi Desert. The Wild Asia series reveals the incredible range of Asia’s environments and wildlife.

The Hard Stuff sees Nigel Latta tackling the key issues facing NZers. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Dog Squad is a reality TV show following working dogs and handlers as they go about their daily duties. It is set in New Zealand and focuses on dog-handler pairs working for the Department of Corrections (New Zealand), New Zealand Customs Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand), Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, Department of Conservation (New Zealand), and Search and rescue.

Infamous comedy duo Jono & Ben are on the hunt for Aotearoa's most unique sports. From roller derby to chilli eating and speed cubing, our country is overflowing with unsung sporting heroes.

Looking at the sheer determination and inner drive of a concert pianist, a pilot and a young mathematician graduating university before his peers even finish high school, Brainboxes examines the burden of being gifted in New Zealand. Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Six courageous and charismatic characters battle the tempestuous elements of Southern New Zealand, in search of sea urchins for fine diners around the globe.

Paddy Gower breaks free of his news reporter shackles for an impartial investigation of the world of medical and recreational marijuana, and what this untapped billion-dollar industry could mean for New Zealand. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

The Zoo is an award winning New Zealand observational documentary series, made by Greenstone TV, that follows the lives of Auckland Zoo's animals and zookeepers. The series explores the new arrivals and births of Auckland Zoo, to the fights, illnesses and mating rituals, how the animals are fed and how they live. The series' production crew are based full-time at the zoo, but the series also follows zookeepers overseas on zoo-related trips. The Zoo will be returning to New Zealand's TV One in 2013 for its 13th season.

Nadia Lim & husband Carlos Bagrie take on their biggest project yet - taming 1200 acres of rugged Central Otago farmland at Royalburn Station. Follow them on their dream of becoming one of the best farms in the South.

Scotty Morrison explores the history of the Maori people.

How the Silk Road Made the World 3 x 60' NHNZ/CCTV (China Central Television) The Silk Road is one of humanity’s greatest enterprises. For thousands of years across the vastness of Eurasia, a trade route linking east and west has deeply influenced history. Silk Road trade has helped to build and break empires, fed revolutions and profoundly affected civilisations. Humanity as we know it, and all we have created, owes much to the legendary Silk Road. This is true of objects as basic yet revolutionary as a piece of paper, to the complex metropolis of New York City. Travel through time to witness the evolution of ancient warfare, experience the horror of the Black Death, see the explosive impacts of innovations and live through radical social change. Embark on a dramatic historical journey throughout Eurasia and delve into the captivating tales of this world-famous trade route. Discover How the Silk Road Made the World.

Welcome to the Gloriavale Christian community on New Zealand's west coast that functions with a hierarchy that keeps men in control and women obedient.

They took MasterChef by storm, now Karena and Kasey are taking their cooking skills on a global world tour! Made with support from NZ On Air.

I Am tells the real-life events of people whose experiences are unique and diverse. These are their accounts, in their own words, taking viewers on a powerful journey via emotional true stories, providing insight into worlds many of us will never be privy to. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

We proudly present your very own brand shining new lifestyle programme that is here to kick start your weekend. Whether we teach you a new DIY trick, help you start that untouched health resolution or insipre you to try your hand in the garden, we have something to cater for everyone. Hosts Miriama Kamo and renowned chef Michael Van de Elzan, joined by the Kiwi Living, team will share practical tips inspiring you to try something new and make the most of your weekend. We present the best of New Zealand's food, travel, living spaces, health and well-being, fashion and the outdoors.

This heart-warming local series follows a group of remarkable individuals as they pursue their life goals. Unbreakable features a cast of twelve Kiwis with disabilities as they shoot for the moon, their ambitions are huge but so are the obstacles. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Journey back through the hardships and triumphs of some of Aotearoa's earliest Anglo Indian, Cook Island, Chinese & Bohemian settlers through the lens of their modern day descendants.

Intrepid Journeys is a New Zealand television series, which screens on TV ONE. Making its debut in 2003, the show focuses on New Zealand "celebrities" who travel over to exotic countries to see the country's history, culture and people. It is a multi-award-winning travel series. It is not a “Survivor” style manufactured “challenge” show. It is about meeting real challenges in the real world, travelling to lesser-known places and then getting around the way locals do… by foot, bus and camel. Aside from being physically challenging, Intrepid Journeys also acts as a conduit to other cultures and countries that may otherwise only be seen on the news when all hell is breaking loose. This series is a chance to get past stereotypes, myths and bad press, to get out into the real world and experience life challenging and changing travel. Across each hour-long episode, Intrepid Journeys follows a celebrity traveller for two weeks in a rough and ready destination. The appeal of the show is two-fold. Aside from seeing a personality rise to a real challenge, there is also the chance to gather real working knowledge and understanding of places, lives, events and happenings foreign to Western culture.

Follows the life-threatening and emotionally charged situations encountered by St John Ambulance Officers as they tend to and save the lives of people in their homes, work-places and on the streets. Delivers diverse and moving real-life medical emergency stories.

The Lion Man was a New Zealand television documentary series about a New Zealand big cat park called Zion Wildlife Gardens. The series was named after Craig Busch, the park's founder, who had styled himself as "the Lion Man". The series followed Busch and the park's employees as they managed the park and its collection of approximately 30 lions and tigers of various species, and other animals. As well as first-hand comment from Busch and his staff, the series was narrated throughout by Paul Casserley in New Zealand and actor Miles Anderson in the United Kingdom. The series also showed Busch during related promotional activities as well as his various wildlife missions abroad, including trips to Africa and Thailand. The Lion Man was one of New Zealand's most successful television series, showing in 93 countries worldwide, including Sky1 in the United Kingdom. Three series were produced, the first of which began screening in New Zealand on 17 June 2004. The first two series were commissioned by state broadcaster TVNZ, but a third series looked in doubt following Busch's conviction in 2007 for assaulting his partner at the park in 2005. Independent funding was found to produce the third series and TVNZ decided to broadcast it after determining that there was still popular demand for the show. The show was produced by Great Southern Television. All three series' music was composed by Peter Blake and the theme tune lyrics written by Bob Smith.

24 hours of one wild location among many from around the world.

"We started in Bluff and ended up in Opua and, in-between, we've been on coal trains, freight trains, steam trains, railcars, even a jigger or two". This highly popular series, produced by Jam TV, has garnered awards across most production categories, and rightly so. All aspects of the programme, from filming, to editing, to the soundtrack, make this a stand-out series, and Marcus Lush is the perfect minstrel to tell the tale. On his journey along the railroad, Marcus catches the train wherever he can, but if the tracks are gone or out of use, he walks, rides, cycles and pedals his way along the old railway line tracks. Along the way he meets locals and recounts the social history of the area, all with his trademark mix of warmth and wryness.

What's Really In Our Food investigates the food we eat, exploring the benefits and risks and debunking some of the popular myths or misunderstandings surrounding so many food products. We look at where our food comes from and how it is made, and along the way we demystify the science, test the ingredients and translate the labels. The series is presented in a lively, entertaining style and the menu will appeal to a wide range of eaters – we cover everyday produce such as cheese, eggs, beef, wine, chocolate and nuts just to name a few! Petra will speak to both local and international food experts - leading medical professionals, scientists, and nutrition experts - unraveling the processes involved in the production of our food.

Following on from the success of Lost & Found, David Lomas is back in this brand new series for Three, investigating New Zealand's family secrets. David travels across the world to find the answers and to reunite families. Have a box of tissues at the ready!

Inconceivable, follows eight Kiwi couples for two years as they attempt to get pregnant through assisted conception.

Lost & Found is a new ten part documentary series that sets about reuniting families, uncovering cultural identity and discovering lost family heritage. Each week seasoned investigative journalist David Lomas, along with a specialist search team of genealogists and researchers, tackles the cases of up to three seekers who are on an emotional journey to discover their family members and cultural pasts that they have not been connected to. Lost & Found is real, raw and - at times - heartbreaking as each episode showcases a basic primal need – just how important it is to know who we are and where we’ve come from. Tissues advised.

The Pacific is the largest and deepest ocean on our planet. This series showcases the many incredible creatures that call the Pacific home.

Worzel Gummidge Down Under, adapted from the books written by Barbara Euphan Todd and the children's television programme produced and broadcast in the United Kingdom named Worzel Gummidge, starring Jon Pertwee. The story continued in New Zealand when Aunt Sally was sold to a Museum owner.

Reality Trip is a documentary series (seven one hour episodes), which takes five young Kiwi consumers to three different countries to see where the products they buy come from – computers, bananas, costume jewellery, clothes, and tea. They’re products most New Zealanders buy without thinking about their origins and who makes them.

Hear from fascinating New Zealanders about why they live where they do and their connections to their locales.

The average New Zealander spends one third of their life working, but how well do we really know the boss we devote so much time to? Eight Kiwi employees invite their boss to live under their roof, in a bid to make a connection and hopefully improve workforce conditions. Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Our Big Blue Backyard travels from Northland to Stewart Island, exploring six very special marine environments and features the colourful and varied inhabitants as they interact in their unique locations. From the giant to the tiny and the acrobatic to the rock scrapers, the range and behaviours of these species in such close proximity is fascinating. There is plenty of action in these aquatic communities as the lives of these close neighbours weave together to reveal entertaining animal dramas. It’s predator versus prey as surfing orcas travel the golden harbours of Northland; quality time with the big old snapper and crayfish of Goat Island; drama in the egg nurseries of the stunning Poor Knights Islands; a day out with the athletic Dusky Dolphins of Kaikoura; a fur-seal summer off New Zealand’s wild west coast and great white shark versus little blue penguins in the southern oasis of Stewart Island From acclaimed documentary filmmakers NHNZ comes the latest blue-chip series Our Big Blue Backyard, as seen on TV One

The great Kiwi tribe is a tremendous mix of cultures, each bringing their own unique personality and character to the national blend. The settlers have brought us much of what we hold dear from Earl Grey to olive oil, sheep dogs to fish and chips, scones to war heroes. In Here To Stay six well known Kiwis explore the idealism, sense of humour and 'can do' attitude their own pioneering people have brought to these shores. Was there a laugh, a song or a national obsession to be had from the Germans, Chinese, English, Scots, Dalmatians or the Irish? Travelling the country in search of their own ethnic roots, comedian Ewen Gilmour, entertainer Jackie Clark, rugby legend Frano Botica, reporter/director Bernadine Lim, and actors Michael Hurst and Theresa Healey, take a revealing and entertaining look at what it means to be a Kiwi.