Best New Zealand Filming Locations

Hobbiton, Matamata (The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies)

Hobbiton is home to the Shire, where you can visit the famous Hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn. This iconic set was featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

The Hobbit Trilogy Release Dates:
14 December 2012 – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
13 December 2013 – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
18 July 2014 – The Hobbit: There and Back Again

Paradise, Glenorchy (The Lord of the Rings trilogy)

Near Glenorchy, Paradise provided the backdrop for many memorable scenes in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, showcasing New Zealand’s beautiful mountain landscapes.

Lake Moke, Glenorchy, and Queenstown (TV series Top of the Lake)

The TV series Top of the Lake extensively used these picturesque locations. Their serene beauty and remote settings make them ideal for filming gripping scenes.

Hobbiton, Matamata (The Hobbit)s

The same set used in The Hobbit can be found in Matamata, where fans can visit the real-life version of the Shire.

Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park (The Lord of the Rings)

Famously known as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings, Mt Ngauruhoe’s rugged terrain made it the perfect location for these epic films.

Ida Valley, Otago (The Power of the Dog)

This remote valley provided the perfect backdrop for The Power of the Dog. Its desolate beauty enhanced the film’s portrayal of isolation and the rugged wilderness.

Hokitika, West Coast (TV series The Luminaries)

Hokitika, a historic town on New Zealand’s West Coast, was used to recreate the 1860s gold rush era in the TV series The Luminaries.

Milford Sound, Fiordland (Mission: Impossible – Fallout)

The dramatic fjords of Milford Sound were featured in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. Its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

Skippers Canyon & Nevis Valley (Mission: Impossible – Fallout)

These stunning and remote locations provided breathtaking backdrops for the action sequences in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

Ahuriri Valley, Canterbury (Mulan)

The dramatic landscapes of Ahuriri Valley were used to depict ancient China in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Mulan. Its wide-open spaces and mountainous backdrops were ideal for epic battle scenes.

Rees Valley, Tasman Glacier, and Central Otago Region (TV series Sweet Tooth)

These diverse locations were key in creating the post-apocalyptic world for the TV series Sweet Tooth. Their contrasting terrains helped bring the dystopian narrative to life.

Cathedral Cove, The Coromandel (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)

This beautiful cove was used as the magical entrance to Narnia in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Its natural rock arch and stunning coastal views make it a popular tourist destination.

Flock Hill (The Chronicles of Narnia)

The epic battle scene in The Chronicles of Narnia was filmed at Flock Hill. Its dramatic landscapes provided the perfect stage for this climactic moment.

Redwood Forest, Rotorua (Pete’s Dragon)

The towering trees of Redwood Forest provided a mystical atmosphere in Pete’s Dragon. This lush forest added an ethereal feel to the movie.

Stirling Falls & Glenorchy – Routeburn Road Bridge (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)

Some of the dramatic scenes in X-Men Origins: Wolverine were filmed in Stirling Falls and along the Routeburn Road Bridge, offering beautiful scenery for the action-packed film.

KareKare Beach (The Piano)

KareKare Beach, with its wild waves and black sand, was a key location in The Piano. Its raw beauty perfectly complemented the film’s intense narrative.

Mt Taranaki (The Last Samurai)m of New Zealand

Mt Taranaki stood in for Japan’s Mount Fuji in The Last Samurai. The mountain’s symmetrical peak and surrounding lush greenery made it the perfect stand-in.

Oreti Beach, Lake Hawea (The World’s Fastest Indian)

These locations were featured in The World’s Fastest Indian, where Burt Munro tested his modified Indian motorcycle. The beautiful landscapes provided an inspiring backdrop for this true story.

Lake Pukaki (A Wrinkle in Time)

The vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki were featured in A Wrinkle in Time. This stunning location showcases some of New Zealand’s most incredible natural beauty.

Aoraki, Mount Cook (Vertical Limit)

Aoraki, Mount Cook, was used in Vertical Limit for its challenging climbing scenes. The towering peaks of this national park provided a thrilling setting for the film.

Lyall Bay (King Kong)

Aoraki, Mount Cook, was used in Vertical Limit for its challenging climbing scenes. The towering peaks of this national park provided a thrilling setting for the film.