The new third-generation Apple TV set-top boxes announced at Apple’s iPad event this morning will be available in New Zealand on Friday, March 16, Apple NZ says.

The boxes have received a boost in peak resolution, from 720p to 1080p, and run on a new user interface, also available for second-generation Apple TV users right now via a free software update.

In conjunction with iCloud, movies purchased via Apple TV can also be watched on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac or PC, while with AirPlay, users can stream or mirror content from their iPhone or iPad back to their Apple TV (the device must be running iOS 4.2 or later).

The new Apple TV has an RRP of $159. Go here for more.