Real Pitt-stop in Rotorua?

Kristin Macfarlane | 29th July 2010

Rumours are that Brad Pitt is in New Zealand - and apparently he has been spotted in Rotorua.

An internet report carried the rumour that Pitt dined with director Sir Peter Jackson at Wellington Indian restaurant Tulsi this week. Manager Mukesh Bartwal said it was only after a man wearing a cap left the restaurant with two or three other diners that another customer told him it was Pitt.

Mr Bartwal said he and the other staff, not being followers of Hollywood movies, would not have instantly recognised Pitt.

Rotorua is also jumping on board to get the rumour mill going - with a photograph of Pitt at the Rotorua Museum on the internet.

The photo, featuring Pitt walking away from the Rotorua Museum, has been posted on the Rotorua NZ Facebook page. The photograph has attracted a lot of comments including, "Is it true?", "Haha hard out photoshop! well done tho!".

Destination Rotorua Tourism marketing manager Dave Whorwood is fuelling the rumour further by saying there is no reason for Pitt not to be in Rotorua as he was researching for a movie. He said the movie role required him to do a hongi, so he was in the best place to learn.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Pitt was spotted in Dunedin.