Feature Film
Without a Paddle
2004
Filmed In
Central Plateau · Wellington · Waikato · Rotorua & Taupō
Towns & Areas
Raetihi and Ohakune, near Tongariro · Hutt River, Wellington · Waikato River and Huka Falls, near Taupō · Rotorua
The Story
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.
The Stars
Seth Green, Matthew Lillard, Dax Shepard, and Burt Reynolds. This ensemble's improvisational chemistry carries much of the film's comedy across its North Island shoot.
Behind the Lens
Directed by Steven Brill. Brill built much of the film's comedy around his cast's improvisational chemistry rather than a tightly scripted approach.
Why NZ?
Almost 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. A five-minute cameo from a small town most audiences would never otherwise see is a reminder of how much of New Zealand quietly appears on screen without ever being named. A brief, blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo from a small town is a reminder of how much of New Zealand quietly appears on screen.
On Set
Dax Shepard has spoken warmly about director Steven Brill's improv-friendly approach on set, saying simply "that's who I am" about how much of his performance was unscripted. It's a small but genuine piece of New Zealand quietly written into an American road-trip comedy.
Legacy
A modest but reliable box office comedy on release, the film became a mid-2000s staple largely on the strength of its cast's improvisational chemistry.
Full in depth information, stories, anecdotes and fascinating facts of every movie in the regional guides.
Get The Full Guide
Secure Your Founding Member Access All 10 Region Guides, All 45 Movies