Two Little Boys, the New Zealand-made comedy starring Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie, has opened to number one spot at the box office ahead of blockbuster Madagascar 3.

Producer Vicky Pope said it was no mean feat for a New Zealand film.

"We're absolutely thrilled the film has opened at number one. The story has everything - a crazy road trip, a love story, wild animals and even a bit of attempted murder."

The comic "bromance", which opened in theatres around the country on Thursday, is set in Invercargill in the early 1990s and directed by Robert Sarkies (Scarfies, Out of the Blue). It also stars Australian comedian Hamish Blake and Maaka Pohatu, who recently played a lead role in the celebrated stage play Strange Resting Places.

It has received glowing reviews since its red-carpet premiere in Invercargill last week.

Troy Lum, the managing director of the distributor, Hopscotch Films/eOne, said it was a fantastic opening-day result and a credit to all involved.

"It's wonderful that New Zealand audiences have embraced such a distinctive local production."