A 2m-tall replica of the Nasa Mars rover Curiosity makes a memorable appearance, trundling on a dusty track on Queenstown Hill with snow-capped mountains behind, then navigates a cattle grid on a muddy farm road and encounters a herd of sheep, to reach the rugby playing field of the Queenstown Events Centre.
The Remarkables range is visible and Qantas and Emirates jets take off from Queenstown Airport.
The 30-second clip, posted on YouTube, was devised by advertising agency Droga 5 and produced by Heckler, both of Sydney.
Nasa granted special permission for Qantas to create the fully motorised sedan-sized rover, which was built out of materials including steel, plastic and wood and weighs 350kg.
Qantas marketing director Stephanie Tully said the campaign ''is a significant investment and reflects the importance of the New Zealand market to Qantas Frequent Flyer.
''The concept is based around using the ultimate explorer, the Nasa Mars rover, to inspire both current and potential members to discover the many benefits of the programme.''
