Explore Top Film Locations in New Zealand

From the mystical realms of Middle Earth to the stunning landscapes of Narnia, New Zealand has served as a backdrop for some of cinema's most magical worlds.

This captivating country, known for its diverse and mesmerizing scenery, has been a top choice for some of the world's best filmmakers. As you embark on your journey, you're not just visiting iconic film locations; you're immersing yourself in the stories that unfolded amidst these beautiful landscapes.

Indulge your inner film buff by exploring Wellington's Weta Workshop, where the magic of Avatar was brought to life. Or journey to the heart of Middle Earth at Hobbiton in Matamata, where the quaint hobbit holes of the Shire still stand.

Experience the ethereal beauty of Cathedral Cove, which served as the backdrop for key scenes in The Chronicles of Narnia. Or immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of Karekare, the setting for the critically acclaimed film, The Piano.

You can't travel all the way to New Zealand and not visit at least one of the filming locations from the setting of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy, Middle Earth. 

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of hobbits and wizards by exploring the iconic film locations of The Hobbit trilogy in New Zealand. Don't miss the captivating Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of Matamata, where the Shire came alive on screen. 

This meticulously preserved outdoor set takes you on a journey through the charming hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the party tree that made the Shire so endearing on the big screen.

Large chunks of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey were filmed in New Zealand, in Piopio near Waitomo. Hairy Feet Waitomo are the location tour specialists to talk to for a journey almost as exciting as Bilbo's, just without the orcs and trolls! Experience the thrill of walking through the very paths where Bilbo Baggins began his unexpected journey. 

Stay in the nearby city of Hamilton to be close to the must-see Middle Earth attractions as well as city amenities and excitement.

The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) was filmed entirely in New Zealand, a fact many Kiwis are very proud of. The trilogy serves as an unofficial Tourism New Zealand campaign, awash with ruggedly beautiful locales and spectacular views. 

If you're a stickler for detail, the exact filming locations such as Mt. Sunday, in the Canterbury region (the site of Edoras)- we recommend staying nearby at Fable Terrace Downs Resort by MGallery.

Others film locations like Mt. Doom (Mt. Ngauruhoe) are a bit of a trek to get to and can be seen whilst hiking the Tongariro Crossing near Taupo. 

For fans and movie buffs, be sure to also visit Kaitoke Regional Park, an oasis of natural beauty and outstanding scenery. Here, director Sir Peter Jackson depicted Rivendell, the Elvish city that Elrond called home in the first film: The Fellowship of the Ring. 

A little further off the beaten track is Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, located on the South Island. This impressive setting became the filming location for Lake-town in both the second film and the third film in the trilogy: The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

Explore Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and enjoy views of this scenic region from your Lake Tekapo accommodation.

There are also LOTR tours available, most of which offer transport from the nearest township or city to the locations, provide insider knowledge of the filming that took place, and even have costumes and swords to really get you in the mood!

The famed Peter Jackson, Kiwi director of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, also directed the 2005 remake of King Kong, which he filmed in New Zealand. The city of Wellington and its surrounds were used to recreate the city of New York and the legendary Skull Island (Shelly Bay), while the famous Weta Workshop worked on special effects. The ship ‘Venture' from the film was moored at Miramar Wharf for five years—its remains can now be found on the harbour floor.

The historic Auckland Civic Centre, just a short walk from the Pullman Auckland, also played host to the legendary King Kong under the guise of a New York Theatre called the Alhambra for the remake. This eccentric building, completed in 1929 now has category-one New Zealand heritage status and is the largest surviving atmospheric cinema in Australasia.

The majority of the Chronicle of Narnia movie series were filmed in New Zealand at some of New Zealand's most scenic filming locations. Two outstanding coastal sites served as key settings for the film—Cathedral Cove and Woodhill Forest.

Cathedral Cove, located on the eastern shore of the peninsula is where the main characters discover the ruins of 'Cair Paravel'. A breathtaking spot characterised by a deep river chasm book-ended by cascading waterfalls, Cathedral Cove is worth a visit even if you're not a film buff. And if you can't help but want to visit this stunning cove a few times, the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort offers luxurious accommodation just a short drive away.

The films also featured the serene Woodhill Forest, just northwest of Auckland, that were transformed into the dreaded camp of the White Witch of Narnia. The forest also houses a network of mountain biking trails and is a popular destination for riders of all levels.

Avatar wasn't shot in New Zealand as such, but its special effect work, props, conceptual design and costumes were the work of the incredible, award-winning Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. 

The actual workshop is located in Miramar, Wellington, where you can go on a guided tours and workshop experiences to discover more about film making and movie effects.

Stay nearby at the Mövenpick Hotel Wellington.

Written and directed by New Zealand's Jane Campion, the extraordinary film The Piano (1993) was filmed in Karekare, a popular surf beach about 40 minutes out of Auckland. 

This rugged west coast beach and its surrounding rainforest featured in the film, whose cast included an 11 year old Anna Paquin and established actor Sam Neill.

To make the most of your visit to Karekare, stay in nearby Auckland and enjoy the best of New Zealand's North Island alongside your cinephile tourism. 

Whether you're a fan of fantasy epics or indie dramas, there's a film location in New Zealand that will transport you straight into your favourite scenes. And at the end of your journey, unwind in the comfort of an Accor hotel, ready to dream about the unforgettable adventures that await you tomorrow.

New Zealand's ever-growing popularity as an international filmmaking destination among world-class directors means if you're a movie fan, you're most definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to film locations to discover. 

Famous films, Hollywood blockbusters, and beloved indie movies have filmed plenty of scenes in and around New Zealand. Key filming locations can be found the length and breadth of Aotearoa, and we hope this guide inspires you to start exploring some of the most popular – and fun – film locations in New Zealand.