25/05/12 0:00
by Shahlin Graves

Sir Paul McCartney recently described UK boyband ONE DIRECTION as "the next terrific band". That's pretty high praise from one of The Beatles.

One Direction's LOUIS TOMLINSON says that it is "almost like it's not real. It's crazy that someone of his caliber... to give us such a compliment. It's amazing!"

His band-mate LIAM PAYNE adds in: "And to know about us as well. It's quite mad!"

Not to mention, a double-platinum certified debut album in New Zealand, Australia and the UK - which has shifted over 4.2 million units worldwide in the last six months alone - as well as a 'BRIT' Award, and over 344 million YouTube views.

Did I mention that their 'Up All Night' album bestowed upon the band a historic feat that even The Beatles didn't manage to achieve? One Direction are the first ever British group to have debuted at Number One on the American albums chart with their debut album release.

Armed with celebratory/congratulatory presents, Coup De Main attempted to find out what all the fuss is about [and departed rather smitten] on Payne, Tomlinson, ZAYN MALIK, HARRY STYLES and NIALL HORAN's very first visit to New Zealand...

Watch our 'THE ADVENTURES OF ONE DIRECTION & COUP DE MAIN' interview below!

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Special thanks to: AUCKLAND ZOO [Zayn's Zebra], MATTEL [Liam's 'Toy Story' toys], WHITTAKERS [chocolate!].

P.S. Click HERE to find out how you could win yourself a SIGNED copy of One Direction's 'Up All Night: The Souvenir Edition' album.

See video