The Lakewood Cultural Center and filmmaker Rick Howard take us on a travelogue adventure to one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Real World of New Zealand at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008.

Adult tickets are $8 and are available by calling 303-987-7845, online at www.Lakewood.orgor at the Lakewood Cultural Center Box Office, 470 S. Allison Parkway (Wadsworth Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue). Senior, student and child discounts available. Free parking on site.

New Zealand has been called the most beautiful place on earth. There are two large and spectacular islands located just over 1200 miles off the eastern coast of Australia. These islands offer the visitor an entire gamut of action, adventure, history and beauty.

Auckland, which is on the southern island, and is the capital city, is filled with open, friendly people, but by far, most of the New Zealanders live on the North Island with its warmer climate, thriving action and adventure sports. The South Island of New Zealand is colder and much less populated, but the most beautiful scenery can be found here. Helicopter flights to huge glaciers and winding roads through breathtaking mountains are a big draw. The South Island is truly one of nature's wonderlands.

New Zealand also has a fascinating history. The Maori, New Zealand's native people, have one of the richest and most interesting cultures of any South Sea Island civilization. Both warlike and artistic, the Maori influence is everywhere. Captain James Cook first arrived in New Zealand in the middle of the 1700s and told the rest of the world of his discovery. This caused a flood of adventurers, explorers, whalers and missionaries to come to the Islands with their own agendas. In the 1860s, New Zealanders also experienced their own gold rush, which also brought more people.

Rick Howard is a Southern California native who grew up surfing, scuba diving and sailing. These skills came in handy when he began producing adventure films.

As an actor, Rick, appeared in numerous commercials and TV shows but after his graduation from California State University with a degree in communications he forgot about acting and went into the production of documentary and training films. His quest for adventure led him to the Philippines and his first travel-adventure film. He has moved through the countries of South East Asia, the Pacific and Europe, seeking out the fascinating stories of the people and their land.

The Lakewood Cultural Center 2007 - 2008 Performing Arts Season is generously supported by Aura Spa and Wellness Center at the Sheraton Denver West and the Rocky Mountain News - Closer to Home. Programs are made possible in part through funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)- Metro Denver's unique commitment to its nonprofit art, scientific and cultural institutions, and The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado- Supporting community nonprofits while highlighting the contributions of gay men and lesbians.