A South Korean film crew which visited Whakatane last month, has given high praise about their experience in the region.

The crew, from the South Korean Channel A network, spent two days filming aboard a charter fishing trip with Cascade Charters; followed by a cooking shoot at Ohope Top Ten Holiday Park.

The footage will be aired as part of television show, The Fisherman, which will screen to over 2.5m viewers in South Korea and several other countries.

The film crew's New Zealand-based coordinator, Kris Lee, says it was great experience for everyone involved.

'Everyone agreed it was one of the most beautiful places they had been to. It was a dream-come-true experience for the entire crew, including the celebrities, and they will be returning to Whakatane again for sure.”

Whakatāne District Council Events and Tourism Advisor Nicola Burgess says hosting the group had far-reaching positive effects.

'Showcasing our stunning district to a large and completely new international audience has the potential to bring many new visitors and business opportunities to Whakatane.

'Their experience was also enhanced by the warm welcome shown by their hosts, Cascade Charters and Ohope Top Ten Holiday Park.

'They went all-out to ensure the crew had everything they needed and had a fantastic time,” she says.

The television show will go to air in South Korea later this month.