Following the Australian Survivor revival, the Kiwis weren’t content with letting their Antipodean neighbors have all the fun, and last year launched the first ever edition of Survivor New Zealand. Now, TVNZ have confirmed the show is returning for a second season on Sunday April 22, with new players, new rules, and a brand new location.

In a video uploaded to the official Survivor New Zealand Facebook page, host Matt Chisholm promised that Season 2 will feature “bigger challenges,” “more contestants,” “hidden immunity idols,” and “a quarter of a million prize money.” The Seven Sharp reporter also confirmed that the new season will take place in Thailand.

Ko Tarutao, Satun Province.

The news of a location change was first reported last week by Stuff.co.nz , who revealed that production wrapped up filming in Lake Vajiralongkorn, in Khao Laem National Park earlier this year. Thailand has been used as a location for many international editions of the show, including the much-maligned fifth season of the American version, which filmed in

Season 1, which finished airing in July 2017, saw 16 Kiwi castaways marooned in Nicaragua where they battled it out for $100,000 and the title of Sole Survivor. The show was met with some criticism due to its slow pace and the inclusion of Redemption Island, a divisive twist which allows eliminated players the chance to win their way back into the game. Those worries should be put aside for Season 2, as Chisholm not only confirmed that Redemption Island is no more, but promised eliminations in every episode.

The new seasons will also feature a twist called the Outpost, a location where, according to the official Survivor New Zealand website, “one member from each tribe will be sent to at regular intervals to compete in head to head challenges for the chance to win rewards.”

Stay tuned to Inside Survivor over the coming weeks for more news on Survivor New Zealand.

Photo Credit: TVNZ

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