Gabe Newell has been in New Zealand since March and seems to be loving it. Today he appeared on a New Zealand morning TV show to announce a free concert to thank New Zealand for its hospitality.

New Zealand is increasingly famous as a haven for billionaires, but that's not why Newell is there: after shipping Half-Life.After shipping Alyx, he took a 10-day vacation with his friend, Spanish racing driver After shipping Alyx, he took a 10-day vacation with his friend, Spanish racing driver Alex Riveras, and the latter's partner, Teagan Klein. Klein said this morning that the vacation was supposed to last 10 days, but "then the global pandemic broke out and we only had 48 hours before New Zealand closed its borders.

In a TV spot, which can be seen here, Newell said, "The hardest thing [about being in New Zealand] is worrying about friends and family who aren't there."

Compared to the situation in the U.S., "it's very different," Newell said. 'It's a very strange time and very difficult when you talk to people back in Seattle. They are very isolated and can't take advantage of the environment that New Zealand has created for itself and visitors like us."

Newell, along with Liberace, Klein, and others, announced a free concert in Auckland on August 15. It will be a full-scale affair with live music, VR stands, food trucks, and more. The daytime is for all ages and the evening is for 18+.

Asked why he likes New Zealand, Newell responded: "For me, it's the community spirit and the sense that everyone is coming together to solve this super challenge and welcoming us, who are essentially COVID refugees. There is natural beauty, there is fun, but it is the people who have really changed our lives."

Since the pandemic began, 22 deaths and 1,555 infections have been confirmed in New Zealand.