Benedict Cumberbatch calls New Zealand home after spending lockdown here

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has said he was "so lucky" to spend lockdown in New Zealand with his family.

The 45-year-old spent 2020's alert level 4 lockdown in New Zealand after accidentally getting caught in border closures while filming Netflix's Western drama The Power of the Dog with Kiwi film-maker Jane Campion.

And he "loved" being in lockdown in New Zealand with his wife, his three sons - Christopher, six, Hal, four, and Finn, three - and his elderly parents.

He said: "I loved [lockdown]. I was with my wife and children and my mum and dad had come over to have a three-week experience with us and see their boy riding a horse and steering some cattle.

"And then they stayed for five months! We were so lucky. Far away from home, but we found a new one."

The Sherlock star, who is now back in London, previously could not say enough good things about the hospitality of Kiwis.

"One of the greatest of your national characteristics - if I may be so bold as to analyse it - is your welcomeness, your hospitality, your open-arm care of all comers.

"We felt so, so privileged to be in your company, we really did, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart."