New Zealand Filming Locations: New Zealand has some pretty well-known film locations, but there are many others you might not know. NZ’s diverse and breathtaking scenery continues to make it a favorite destination for filmmakers from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasies, historical dramas, or action-packed adventures, there’s a piece of New Zealand in many beloved films. Here’s a look at some of the stunning locations used in various movies:
The Hobbit
- Hobbiton, Matamata: This iconic location is home to the Shire, where you can visit the Hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.
- Paradise: Near Glenorchy, this area provided the backdrop for many scenes in the trilogy.
Top of the Lake
- Lake Moke, Glenorchy, and Queenstown: These picturesque locations were used extensively in this gripping TV series.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
- Hobbiton: The same set used in The Hobbit is located in Matamata.
- Kaitoke Regional Park: This park served as the setting for Rivendell.
- Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park: Known as Mount Doom in the films.
The Power of the Dog
- Ida Valley, Otago: This remote valley provided the perfect setting for the film’s rugged landscapes.
The Luminaries
- Hokitika, West Coast: This historic town was used to recreate the 1860s gold rush era.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
- Milford Sound, Fiordland: The dramatic fjords were featured in the film.
- Skippers Canyon & Nevis Valley: These locations provided stunning backdrops for the action sequences.
- Mulan
- Ahuriri Valley, Canterbury: This valley’s dramatic landscapes were used to depict ancient China.
- Sweet Tooth
- Rees Valley, Tasman Glacier, and Central Otago region: These diverse locations were used to create the post-apocalyptic world of the series.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Cathedral Cove, The Coromandel: This beautiful cove was used for the entrance to Narnia.
- Flock Hill: The location for the great battle scene.
- Pete’s Dragon
- Redwood Forest, Rotorua, Central North Island: The lush forest provided the perfect setting for the film.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine
- Sterling Falls, Glenorchy – Routeburn Road Bridge: These locations were used for some of the film’s dramatic scenes.
- The Piano
- KareKare: This beach was the setting for many of the film’s iconic scenes.
- The Last Samurai
- Mt Taranaki: This mountain stood in for Mount Fuji in the film.
- The World’s Fastest Indian
- Oreti Beach, Lake Hawea: These locations were used to depict the story of Burt Munro.
- A Wrinkle in Time
- Lake Pukaki: The stunning blue waters of this lake were featured in the film.
- Vertical Limit
- Aoraki, Mount Cook: This mountain was used for the film’s climbing scenes.
- King Kong
- Lyall Bay: This location was used for some of the film’s key scenes.
New Zealand’s diverse landscapes have made it a favorite for filmmakers, offering everything from lush forests and serene lakes to dramatic mountains and rugged coastlines. Whether you’re a movie buff or love beautiful scenery, these locations are worth a visit!
New Zealand Film Locations You Might Have Missed: Part One
New Zealand Film Locations You Might Have Missed: Part Two
ALTERNATE TITLES:
Where was The Lord Of The Rings Filmed?
Where Was The Hobbit Filmed?
What are the Best Film Locations to See in New Zealand?
The Movie-Buff Guide to New Zealand
Everything You Need to Know About Film Locations in New Zealand
Where Was Narnia Filmed?
The New Zealand Film and Movie Locations You Can’t Miss
Famous Movies Made in New Zealand
Which Movies Were Shot in New Zealand?