APIATASAURUS is the RNZAF's prototype giant-cybernetic-tuatara super-weapon. Controlled from a cockpit inside its brain, the monster is undergoing secret field trials on the central plateau. To the annoyance of their instructor, the seven-person crew of rookies has divided into factions and refuses to get along, throwing training scenarios into chaos.
The crew are thrust into action prematurely when a horde of pheromone-driven GARGANTUAN ANTARCTIC KING CRABS make their scuttling assault on New Zealand. After embarrassing infighting leads to defeat in Dunedin, APAIATASAURUS is badly damaged and forced to hide in lake Manapouri for repairs. As the crabs advance on the capital, the crew of APIATASAURUS must race against time to find common ground so they can save our nation from its deadliest catch yet.
APIATASAURUS is the crowd-pleasing disaster-daikaiju film New Zealand deserves: Mechagodzilla with shades of 'Top Gun'.