Air New Zealand has been criticised by aviation authorities for a light-hearted safety video.

In response to the airline's Surfing Safari video, the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the four-minute clip included content that detracted from the essential safety message.

The video was shot on the beaches of New Zealand, US and Australia and stars nine famous surfers, including three-time world champion Mick Fanning.

Air New Zealand release new safety video - Safety in Hollywood

To demonstrate the brace position, two pro-surfers sit in aeroplane seats on the beach with surfboards stuck in the sand to represent the seat in front.

In an email obtained by One News, the CAA deemed the video acceptable but said: "As we have commented previously, the video diverges materially from the 'safety message' at times, and whilst I appreciate the need to engage the viewers, the extraneous material detracts from the scope and direction of the safety message."

The airline has long been known for its celebrity-filled safety videos starring the likes of Bear Grylls, Gene Simmons and Betty White.

The Surfing Safari video was retired in July and replaced by Safety in Hollywood, starring Rhys Darby and Anna Faris.

Safety in Hollywood has already clocked more than 1.4 million views on YouTube.