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A haunting, intensely beautiful period drama about a mute Scottish woman sent to colonial New Zealand for an arranged marriage, who expresses herself solely through her beloved piano and a passionate affair.

Why HereThe story is intrinsically tied to the dense, brooding New Zealand bush. The movie's most iconic visual — the piano sitting isolated on a vast, black-sand beach — was filmed at Karekare Beach on Auckland's wild West Coast.

A terrifying, bloody horror film based on the graphic novel miniseries. An isolated Alaskan town plunged into its annual 30-day winter darkness finds itself under siege by a pack of savage, bloodthirsty vampires.

Why HereThe production built a complete, purpose-made snow-covered town set at Auckland Film Studios to control the endless “night” atmosphere — since filming happened in the off-season, salt was used on the ground rather than real snow.

The blood-drenched, terrifying modern reboots of Sam Raimi's legendary horror franchise, unleashing the flesh-possessing Deadites via the ancient Book of the Dead.

Why HereLongtime franchise producer Rob Tapert lives in New Zealand and has made it a southern hub for horror. The 2013 film used the dark, dense woods of Woodhill Forest just outside Auckland, while the urban-set 2023 sequel was filmed entirely on massive sound stages in Auckland.

Also filmed on the Central Plateau.

A hilarious and deeply touching adventure film based on Barry Crump's book Wild Pork and Watercress. A defiant city kid and his grumpy foster uncle become the targets of a nationwide manhunt after getting lost in the wild New Zealand bush.

Why HereThe film is a love letter to the rugged, breathtaking, and dense New Zealand wilderness. Filming took place across the spectacular, volcanic landscapes of the Central Plateau and the dense, green forests of the Waitākere Ranges.

A gloriously fun, action-packed creature feature where a deep-sea rescue diver is called upon to save a submarine crew from the jaws of a massive, prehistoric 75-foot shark known as the Megalodon.

Why HereThe Hauraki Gulf and the warm coastal waters around Auckland provided the perfect open-water filming conditions. Massive, specialized deep-water tanks were also constructed at Kumeu Film Studios to pull off the elaborate underwater action sequences.

An anarchic, adrenaline-fueled action-comedy. A mundane video game developer wakes up to find guns bolted to his hands and himself forced to compete in a real-life, city-wide deathmatch streamed online to millions.

Why HereThough set in a gritty, unnamed American metropolis, this hyper-stylized film was shot right in the heart of Auckland. Movie buffs will recognize the neon-lit streets of the Auckland CBD and the industrial docks serving as the backdrop for the high-octane gunfights.

The viral, sci-fi horror sensation that took the world by storm. A brilliant roboticist builds a life-like, AI-powered doll designed to be a child's greatest companion — only for the doll to develop a terrifying, overprotective streak of lethal independence.

Why HereProduced by horror mogul Jason Blum and Kiwi icon James Wan, the film took full advantage of Auckland's modern suburban architecture and tech spaces. Local spots like the Auckland University of Technology stood in for the high-tech toy corporation.

The blocky, pixelated universe of the world's best-selling video game comes to life in a fun, live-action cinematic adventure. A group of misfits is pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld and must master crafting to protect it from Piglins.

Why HereThe production crew fell in love with Auckland's top-tier studio infrastructure and local creative talent. The cubic biomes were built practically inside Auckland Film Studios, while locations like Huntly in the Waikato and the historic Settlers Country Manor in West Auckland added real-world texture.

Also filmed at Huka Falls, near Taupō.

The ultimate cult-classic 90s fantasy adventure shows. These action-packed series brought ancient Greek mythology to life, following the demigod Hercules and the reformed warlord Xena as they traveled the ancient world fighting for the greater good.

Why HereThe production team discovered that the lush, diverse landscapes just outside of Auckland could effortlessly double for ancient Greece, Rome, and fantasy realms. The black sands of Bethells Beach and the forests of the Waitākere Ranges became iconic recurring backdrops.

For two incredible decades, the global phenomenon of color-coded, martial-arts superheroes piloting giant robotic Zords called New Zealand home. From Ninja Storm all the way through to Cosmic Fury, generations of Rangers saved the universe right here.

Why HereEfficiency, incredible local stunt talent, and diverse geography. The crew could film a futuristic city center, a volcanic alien landscape, and a lush forest all within a 30-minute drive of their Auckland studios.

A lavish, action-packed fantasy series based on Terry Goodkind's popular Sword of Truth novels. It follows a humble woodsman who discovers he is a fated hero destined to wield a magical sword and defeat a ruthless, magical tyrant.

Why HereThe fantasy world required vast, magical forests, medieval villages, and dramatic cliffs. The production utilized beautiful locations all around the Auckland region, including the rolling hills of Kumeu and the scenic Henderson Valley.

A stylized, visceral, and highly successful historical drama that charts the legendary story of Thrace's most famous gladiator, from his capture by Rome to his leadership of a massive, bloody slave uprising.

Why HereWhile the show features a heavily digitized, graphic-novel aesthetic inspired by the film 300, it was filmed entirely inside massive green-screen sound stages at Mount Wellington Studios in Auckland, employing hundreds of talented local actors and stunt professionals.

A vibrant, high-fantasy epic based on Terry Brooks' best-selling novels. Set thousands of years after the fall of human civilization, an elf princess, a human-elf hybrid, and a human rover embark on a quest to stop a horde of released demons.

Why HereThe show required an epic post-apocalyptic fantasy landscape where nature had reclaimed ancient structures. The production utilized locations across the Auckland region, including the dramatic cliffs of Auckland's West Coast and the sprawling grounds of the historic Auckland Domain.

A gripping, mystery-laden survival drama that plays like a modern Lord of the Flies meets Lost. A group of teenage girls from wildly different backgrounds are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash, unaware they are part of an elaborate social experiment.

Why HereThe entire first season was filmed along the rugged, windswept coastline of Auckland's West Coast, particularly around Bethells Beach (Te Henga), which perfectly provided the dramatic, isolated desert-island look required for the high-stakes survival story.

Also filmed across the Southern Alps.

A heartwarming, beautifully realized post-apocalyptic fairytale based on the DC comic book series. Ten years after "The Great Crumble" ravaged the world, a lovable ten-year-old deer-hybrid boy leaves his forest sanctuary to search for his mother.

Why HereNew Zealand's pristine forests and sweeping mountain ranges provided the ultimate "nature-reclaiming-the-earth" aesthetic. Filming spanned across the country, from the lush foliage of the Waitākere Ranges to the dramatic alpine backdrops of the Southern Alps.

The stylish, live-action adaptation of the legendary Japanese anime series. This space-western follows a ragtag group of bounty hunters as they chase down the solar system's most dangerous criminals while trying to outrun their own dark pasts.

Why HereThe production team needed an array of diverse, retro-futuristic urban backdrops. They built massive, intricate city sets across various sound stages and industrial warehouses in East Auckland, blending physical New Zealand locations with high-tech digital enhancement.

A glossy, binge-worthy high school mystery thriller based on Karen M. McManus's best-selling novel. Five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive — leaving everyone a suspect in a high-stakes whodunit.

Why HereWhile the story is firmly set in sunny Bayview, California, the entire first season was filmed around Auckland. Local schools, modern suburban neighborhoods, and coastal roads stood in seamlessly for the American high school experience.

A hilarious, heartwarming, and wonderfully queer pirate comedy loosely based on the true adventures of Stede Bonnet, an 18th-century aristocrat who abandons his wealthy life to become the "Gentleman Pirate," eventually crossing paths with the infamous Blackbeard.

Why HereFor its spectacular second season, the production packed up its sails and moved directly to Auckland. The dynamic coastal landscapes, combined with the state-of-the-art water tanks at Kumeu Film Studios, provided the perfect canvas for the show's chaotic, romantic seafaring adventures.

Also filmed extensively in Tongariro National Park (Mordor and Mount Doom).

The trilogy that put New Zealand on the global cinematic map and turned the entire country into Middle-earth. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary fantasy masterpiece, this epic saga follows Frodo Baggins on his perilous quest to destroy the One Ring.

Why HereJackson knew his homeland possessed the raw, primordial landscapes required to bring Tolkien's world to life. From the emerald rolling hills of Matamata (Hobbiton) to the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu (Mt. Doom), NZ is Middle-earth.

Also filmed at Turoa, Mt Ruapehu (Hidden Bay).

Return to Middle-earth for the prequel that started it all. Based on Tolkien's 1937 novel, this trilogy chronicles Bilbo Baggins' unexpected journey with a company of dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug.

Why HereWith Wētā Workshop already based in Wellington and the permanent Hobbiton set waiting in the Waikato, returning to New Zealand was a no-brainer. The production expanded into the dramatic alpine cliffs of Twizel and the surreal rock formations of Mangaotaki Valley.

Also filmed at Flock Hill in Canterbury.

Step through the wardrobe into a world of eternal winter, talking beasts, and epic battles. Based on C.S. Lewis's beloved classic novels, these films follow the Pevensie siblings as they fight alongside the great lion Aslan to liberate Narnia.

Why HereAdamson wanted a landscape that felt ancient and untouched by humans. Movie buffs flock to Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula — the unforgettable location where the children discover the ruins of Cair Paravel — and the dramatic, rocky landscape of Flock Hill in Canterbury.

A pioneering surf documentary that introduced the world to New Zealand's Raglan and its now-legendary left-hand point break, following two American surfers on a round-the-world hunt for the perfect wave.

Why HereBrown brought August and Hynson to Manu Bay as one stop on a round-the-world search for perfect waves. The point break's mechanical, rock-reef-fed left-hander turned out to be one of the longest and most consistent in the world, instantly putting Raglan on the global surfing map.

Also filmed near Tapanui, Otago.

A heartwarming Disney live-action reimagining about the touching friendship between an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot — who happens to be a giant, furry green dragon.

Why HereDisney wanted an enchanted, old-world forest feel. They found it in the towering, majestic redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua. Production also headed south to the historic, quirky town of Tapanui in Otago, which perfectly doubled as a sleepy Pacific Northwest lumber town.

Primarily filmed around Auckland.

The ultimate cult-classic 90s fantasy adventure shows, bringing ancient Greek mythology to life.

Why HereHuka Falls and the upper Waikato River near Taupō provided the dramatic, high-volume white-water backdrop for several of the shows' most memorable action sequences.

A deeply moving, globally acclaimed drama based on Witi Ihimaera's novel. It tells the story of Kahu, a young Māori girl who must fight against centuries of patriarchal tradition to fulfill her destiny as the new chief of her tribe.

Why HereThe film is a pure celebration of Ngāti Porou culture. It was filmed exactly where the story is set: the stunning, isolated coastal village of Whāngārā on the East Coast of the North Island, infusing the movie with deep, authentic local spirit.

A sweeping historical drama about an embittered American military officer who is captured by Samurai warriors in 19th-century Japan, ultimately embracing their code of honor.

Why HereMount Taranaki! The near-perfect volcanic cone of the Taranaki region bears an uncanny resemblance to Japan's Mount Fuji. Combined with the lush hillsides of the Uruti Valley, New Zealand provided the ultimate, tranquil backdrop for this deep dive into Edo-period Japan.

Also filmed in Wellington, Rotorua, and Waikato (Huka Falls).

A comedy about three childhood friends who reunite after a loss and set off on a treasure hunt for D.B. Cooper's legendary hijacking loot, deep in what the film calls the Oregon wilderness.

Why HereAlmost entirely filmed across New Zealand's North Island standing in for Oregon — the small town of Raetihi, near Ohakune, makes a genuine five-minute cameo as the trio's rural American pit stop, with the town's historic Theatre Royal visible in the background of one scene.

Also filmed at Matamata, Waikato (Hobbiton) — see the Waikato Guide.

The trilogy that put New Zealand on the global cinematic map. In the Central Plateau specifically, this is where Middle-earth turns dark: Mordor, Mount Doom, and the road to the Black Gate.

Why HereMount Ngauruhoe's near-perfect volcanic cone became the visual basis for Mount Doom. Whakapapa Ski Field hosted the Battle of Dagorlad prologue, and the sheer lava cliffs of Mead's Wall became the maze-like Emyn Muil, where Frodo and Sam wander before capturing Gollum.

Also filmed at Matamata, Waikato (Hobbiton) — see the Waikato Guide.

The prequel trilogy returns to the Central Plateau twice — once for the tussock plains of Hidden Bay near the Lonely Mountain, and once for the green outskirts of the Shire itself.

Why HereTūroa, one of Mount Ruapehu's ski fields, transforms into open tussock grassland once the snow clears — exactly the look needed for Hidden Bay. Nearby, the native forest of Ohakune Beech Paddock stood in for the outer borders of Hobbiton.

Primarily filmed in the Waitākere Ranges, Auckland.

A hilarious and deeply touching adventure film about a rebellious foster kid and his gruff foster uncle on the run through the New Zealand bush.

Why HereBeyond its main Auckland bush locations, the film also used the wider Central Plateau's rugged, remote forest terrain for parts of Ricky and Hec's long trek through the wilderness.

A spectacular, action-packed reimagining of the classic 1933 monster movie. An ambitious filmmaker drags his cast and crew to the mysterious Skull Island, only to discover a prehistoric world ruled by a towering, tragic giant ape.

Why HereJackson kept the mega-production local. Wellington's Miramar peninsula was transformed into the streets of 1930s New York, while the rugged, windswept coastline of Lyall Bay doubled as the perilous shores of Skull Island.

The highest-grossing cinematic epics of all time. Set on the lush, alien moon of Pandora, these sci-fi masterpieces follow Jake Sully as he defends the indigenous Na'vi people and their breathtaking oceans from human exploitation.

Why HereWhile Pandora is a digital marvel, it was entirely birthed in New Zealand. Cameron utilized the world-class digital wizardry of Wētā FX in Wellington. For the sequel, the live-action elements were filmed at Stone Street Studios, and Cameron loved the country so much he bought a permanent estate in the Wairarapa.

A visually stunning and emotional adaptation of Alice Sebold's best-selling novel. It follows a murdered 14-year-old girl who watches over her grieving family — and her killer — from the vibrant, surreal landscape of the "In-Between" afterlife.

Why HereWhile the real-world scenes were shot in Pennsylvania, Jackson chose his home turf to manifest the ethereal, dreamlike world of the afterlife. The stunning, rolling green hills of the Wairarapa region were transformed into a magical, shifting paradise.

A groundbreaking, gritty, found-footage sci-fi thriller about extraterrestrial refugees forced to live in slum-like conditions in South Africa, and the government agent who begins to mutate after being exposed to alien biotechnology.

Why HereWhile the gritty live-action was shot on location in Johannesburg, the movie's phenomenal, Oscar-nominated creature design and visual effects were entirely generated by the geniuses at Wētā FX in Wellington.

A riotously funny mockumentary following a group of centuries-old vampires who share a flat in modern-day Wellington, navigating the mundane horrors of chores, rent, and trying to get into local nightclubs.

Why HereThis homegrown comedy masterpiece leans heavily into deadpan Kiwi humor. It was shot entirely on location in Wellington, capturing the capital city's vibrant, eclectic nightlife and cozy suburban flats.

A visually spectacular, live-action cyberpunk adaptation of the iconic Japanese manga. In the near future, a cyber-enhanced super-soldier begins to question her past while hunting down a dangerous hacker who targets cybernetic minds.

Why HereWellington's Stone Street Studios provided the state-of-the-art infrastructure required for this effects-heavy blockbuster. The city's central business district was transformed into a neon-soaked, futuristic metropolis with towering holographic advertisements.

A wildly imaginative, comedic time-travel adventure series adapted from Terry Gilliam's beloved 1981 film. The story follows a brilliant 11-year-old history buff who discovers a time portal in his bedroom and joins a ragtag group of historical thieves.

Why HereWellington is the home turf for Taika and Jemaine, offering an incredible variety of locations within a short radius. Production transformed Wellington's CBD into 1920s Harlem, used the Remutaka Range to double for the Great Wall of China, and built a full-scale replica of Stonehenge in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Primarily filmed in Lyttelton, Canterbury — see the Canterbury Guide.

A delightfully campy, cult-classic supernatural comedy-horror starring Michael J. Fox.

Why HereInterior scenes were shot at Camperdown Studios in Miramar, with Wētā Digital — then a tiny operation — building the ghost effects that would later fund its expansion into Weta Digital proper.

A dark, visually dazzling psychological drama based on the infamous 1954 Parker–Hulme murder case in Christchurch. It chronicles the obsessive, fantasy-fueled friendship between two schoolgirls that takes a tragic, lethal turn.

Why HereBecause it happened there. Jackson shot on location in Christchurch, utilizing the exact spots where the real-world events unfolded, including the beautiful but haunting paths of Victoria Park.

Also filmed in Wellington.

A delightfully campy, cult-classic supernatural comedy-horror. A fraudulent psychic investigator who can actually talk to ghosts finds himself up against a malicious, Grim Reaper-like entity that is murdering both the living and the dead.

Why HereRobert Zemeckis executive-produced the film and originally intended to set it in the US, but Jackson convinced him to shoot entirely in New Zealand. The Victorian-style architecture of Lyttelton and the streets of Wellington doubled flawlessly for a quirky American town.

A high-altitude, edge-of-your-seat survival thriller. A retired climber must assemble a ragtag rescue team to ascend K2 — the world's second-highest mountain — to save his sister and her expedition crew trapped in a mountain crevasse.

Why HereWhile the movie is set on the lethal slopes of the Himalayas, the actual filming took place on the breathtaking, accessible peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook. New Zealand's alpine base camps provided the ultimate, treacherous visual terrain for the production.

Also filmed in the Tasman District.

Disney's visually spectacular, live-action reimagining of the classic Chinese legend. A fearless young woman disguises herself as a man to enlist in the Imperial Army, steps up to save her ailing father, and becomes one of China's greatest warriors.

Why HereCaro leveraged the epic scale of the South Island to stand in for ancient China. The spectacular battle sequences were filmed against the dramatic, clay cliffs of the Ahuriri Valley and the expansive, snow-capped vistas of the Tasman District.

Primarily filmed at Cathedral Cove, Waikato — see the Waikato Guide.

Step through the wardrobe into a world of eternal winter, talking beasts, and epic battles.

Why HereFlock Hill, a striking high-country limestone formation in Canterbury, provided additional dramatic terrain for the films beyond the Waikato coastline scenes.

Also filmed at Milford Sound, Fiordland.

The explosive backstory of Marvel's most iconic mutant. This superhero blockbuster traces Logan's dark past, his complex relationship with his brother Victor, and the sinister military experiment that bonded adamantium to his skeleton.

Why HereThe filmmakers needed a location that could convincingly double as the remote, breathtaking Canadian Rockies. They found their paradise in the South Island, filming around the jaw-dropping landscapes of Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Tom Cruise climbs, leaps, and flies his way through the most critically acclaimed installment of the high-octane espionage franchise, racing against time to stop a catastrophic nuclear threat.

Why HereNew Zealand's dramatic Southern Alps played host to the film's nail-biting, helicopter-chase finale. The production built a massive set in the remote Rees Valley near Glenorchy, utilizing the country's world-class helicopter pilots and vast airspace for Cruise's death-defying aerial stunts.

A tense, psychologically gripping drama based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel. Set in 1920s Montana, it explores the toxic brilliance of a cruel rancher who wages a war of intimidation against his brother's new wife and her son.

Why HereCampion knew the stark, wind-swept plains and dramatic hills of Central Otago could effortlessly double as the isolated, beautiful, yet unforgiving landscape of 1920s Montana.

A vibrant, visually dazzling Disney fantasy epic based on Madeleine L'Engle's classic novel. A young girl, her brother, and her friend are guided by three celestial beings on a cosmic journey across time and space to rescue her missing father.

Why HereWhen the characters travel to the utopian planet of Uriel, the filmmakers needed landscapes that looked heavenly. They chose the Southern Alps, filming around the dramatic mountain vistas of Lake Hāwea, the Hunter Valley, and the golden tussock plains of Central Otago.

A dark, moody, and critically acclaimed mystery-drama series. It follows an obsessive detective who returns to her remote childhood home to investigate the disturbing disappearance of a pregnant twelve-year-old girl.

Why HereCampion showcased the South Island's breathtaking but imposing, brooding isolation. The fictitious town of "Laketop" was filmed around the stunning, glacier-carved landscapes of Queenstown, Glenorchy, and the misty shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Also filmed in Fiordland and the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland.

The most expensive television production ever mounted. Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit, this sweeping epic chronicles the history of the Second Age of Middle-earth, the forging of the rings, and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron.

Why HereTo maintain the cinematic visual continuity established by Peter Jackson's films, Amazon returned to New Zealand for its massive first season. Production utilized the iconic Hauraki Gulf, the majestic peaks of Fiordland, and the golden fields of Central Otago.

Primarily filmed at Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua — see the Rotorua & Taupō Guide.

A heartwarming Disney live-action reimagining about the friendship between an orphaned boy and a giant dragon.

Why HereBeyond the Rotorua redwoods, additional forest scenes were filmed near Tapanui in West Otago.

Primarily filmed across Auckland and Waikato.

A heartwarming, beautifully realized post-apocalyptic fairytale based on the DC comic book series.

Why HereCentral Otago's stark, open landscape provided extensive filming locations for the show's wilderness and post-apocalyptic road sequences.

The ultimate, feel-good true story of Burt Munro, an eccentric, charming elderly man from the bottom of the world who spends years modifying his classic 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle, eventually traveling to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats to set a land speed record.

Why HereThe film celebrates a true-blue New Zealand folk hero. Filming took place in Munro's actual hometown of Invercargill and along the dramatic, wide-open expanse of Oreti Beach, where Burt used to test-ride his motorcycle at terrifying speeds.

Ridley Scott's thrilling, terrifying return to the dark sci-fi universe he created. The crew of a colony ship lands on a pristine, uncharted paradise, only to uncover a sinister threat that forces them into a desperate fight for survival.

Why HereScott needed an epic, untouched landscape that felt genuinely alien yet majestic. He found his answers in the dramatic Fiordland National Park, using the towering peaks and misty waters of Milford Sound to double as the mysterious colony planet.

Primarily filmed at Deer Park Heights and Glenorchy, Otago — see the Otago Guide.

The explosive backstory of Marvel's most iconic mutant, tracing Logan's dark past.

Why HereBeyond its main Queenstown-area locations, the production also used Milford Sound's dramatic fiord scenery for additional wilderness sequences.

Primarily filmed around Glenorchy, Otago — see the Otago Guide.

The most expensive television production ever mounted, chronicling the forging of the rings and the rise of Sauron.

Why HereSeason one filming also spanned Fiordland's dramatic landscape and the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland — proof that a single season's “filmed in New Zealand” rarely means just one corner of the country.