Kiwi actor Sam Neill has been knighted

Kiwi actor Sam Neill has officially been awarded a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to film.

The Jurassic Park star was made a Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro in a redesignation ceremony at Government House.

Taking to Twitter following the ceremony, Neill said: "Greatly honoured today by the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro at Govt House Auckland.

"Dame Cindy was kind enough to tap me with the sword. Big day, very grateful."

According to the Governor General's Facebook post, Neill's new title was approved by the late Queen Elizabeth earlier this year.

Neill, who was born in Ireland but moved to Christchurch where he attended Christ's College, is best known for his starring roles in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park and Jane Campion's film The Piano.

The former made him one of the first Kiwis to crack Hollywood, some 32 years ago.

He's also been nominated for a slew of awards including Emmys and Golden Globes and won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Australian Movie Convention.