For filming that involves the following location types: In and around Statutory Acknowledgement areas In and around Nohoanga sites In and around Topuni sites Where Māori cultural, historical or spiritual information/narrative will be used In and around significant landscapes In and around ‘major’ waterways Please contact Aukaha for consultation with local iwi: Website: https://www.aukaha.co.nz/

Filming in Queenstown | Queenstown NZ

Bring Your Cinematic Visions to Life

Queenstown is a dream destination for filmmakers, offering breathtaking landscapes and a rich local talent pool. It has been a premier choice for movies, television shows, commercials, and promotional work for over four decades.

Collaborating with Film Queenstown Lakes and Film Otago Southland, we support projects highlighting our region and inspiring visits to Queenstown.

You'll find essential information and contacts to kickstart your filming journey here.

Three camera crew filming on top of a mountain

Why film in Queenstown?

Get creative with Queenstown’s diversity of picturesque backdrops for any film genre. From rugged mountains to serene lakes, the region has it all.
Access a wealth of skilled local talent, from actors to technical crew.
Leverage landscapes capable of transforming into fictional worlds or showcasing New Zealand's natural beauty, the versatility is unmatched.
Access to high-calibre, internationally experienced film crews, production assistants, and state-of-the-art equipment.
Be inspired by the natural beauty that enhances on-screen aesthetics and stirs creativity among the cast and crew.
Mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, and charming towns are all within easy reach, offering varied locations close by.
An international airport offers direct flights to Australia and major New Zealand cities, enhancing connectivity.
World-class accommodation, dining, and entertainment options cater to visiting cast and crew.
Enjoy snow in July and hot sunny days in February, offering seasons opposite the Northern Hemisphere.
The region has a film-friendly council and a welcoming local community eagerly supporting film projects. It also has supportive film offices, with Film Queenstown Lakes and Film Otago Southland providing essential production assistance and resources.
Queenstown’s proven track record of hosting major films and TV shows assures confidence in its capabilities.

Hiking Earnslaw Burn in Summer

Some of the Notable Film and Television Projects in Queenstown:

The Power of The Dog: Queenstown Hill starred as the dramatic setting for a key picnic scene in Jane Campion's acclaimed film.
Mission Impossible - Fallout: Featured adrenaline-pumping helicopter chases across Queenstown and Glenorchy.
One Lane Bridge: All three seasons of this New Zealand crime drama were crafted and shot in the Queenstown Lakes District.
Under the Vines: This comedy-drama highlights the region's exquisite wineries and vineyards.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine: This blockbuster featured Queenstown’s Deer Park Heights
Top of the Lake: Glenorchy transformed into the eerie Laketop for this series.
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings: Queenstown's landscapes became the iconic realms of Middle-earth.
Netflix’s Sweet Tooth & The Letter for the King: Leveraged Queenstown’s landscapes to shape their fantastical settings.
Other Productions: Includes Disney's A Wrinkle in Time and Pete's Dragon, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Bollywood's I Hate Luv Storys, and commercials for global brands like Samsung and KitKat.

Permits

Queenstown Lake District Council land

Any filming of a commercial nature (i.e you’re set to make a commercial gain from using the footage) on Queenstown Lake District Council (QLDC) land requires a film permit, regardless of the size of the crew, or the equipment used. QLDC land includes footpaths, roads, parks, facilities, public places and reserves.

As part of your film permit application form, you will need to supply a copy of your public liability insurance certificate, maps and site specific H&S documents when you submit your application, so make sure you have this ready. You may also require a Traffic Management Plan, Waterways Safety Plan and/or a Part 102 Drone Certification if you're filming on a road, waterway or with a drone. Permits can take up to five working days to be approved after submission so it’s best to start working on this as soon as possible.

Any filming using a drone on QLDC land is only permitted if you have engaged the services of a licenced operator (they must hold a permit called a Part 102), and have obtained a film permit. You can find licenced operators listed in the Industry Directory.

Information about Queenstown Lakes District Council film permits can be found here and permits can be submitted online through QLDC's online film permitting platform, FilmApp.

Department of Conservation Land

Any filming of a commercial nature (i.e you’re set to make a commercial gain from using the footage) on Department of Conservation land requires a filming concession, regardless of the size of the crew, or the equipment used. You will need to supply a copy of your public liability insurance certificate when you submit your application, so make sure you have this ready.

Download the DOC Concession Application Form 5a – Filming.
Download the Application Information Form 1b – One-Off Process.

Basic concession applications can be turned around in a reasonable timeframe, but for larger and more complex projects, the process from submission to approved can take a number of months, So it’s best to start working on this as soon as possible - pre-application meetings with DOC are available.

If you are considering using a drone on Department of Conservation land, you must contact the DOC office and they will advise how to include this in your permit application (see more on drones below).

Concession forms and other relevant material such as information about fees can be found on DOC’s website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/business-or-activity/filming/

Contact: permissions@doc.govt.nz

LINZ Unalienated Crown Land (includes lakebeds and riverbeds)

Many New Zealand lakebeds and riverbeds are Crown property and are managed by LINZ on behalf of the Commissioner of Crown Lands. A recreation permit is required prior to filming on these.

LINZ Pastoral Land (includes stations or farms)

If you are filming on Pastoral lease land with the permission of the leaseholder (farmer) you will also need a LINZ Pastoral recreation permit from LINZ Pastoral.

Contact: crownproperty@linz.govt.nz

More information about applications here.

Māori Land

For filming that involves the following location types:

In and around Statutory Acknowledgement areas
In and around Nohoanga sites
In and around Topuni sites
Where Māori cultural, historical or spiritual information/narrative will be used
In and around significant landscapes
In and around ‘major’ waterways

Please contact Aukaha for consultation with local iwi:
Website: https://www.aukaha.co.nz/

Drones

Please be aware of the drone use rules in New Zealand, by familiarising yourself with the Airshare website.

The Queenstown aerodrome is surrounded with "controlled airspace" which extends much further than a 4km radius and goes right down to the ground. Please see the maps from controlled airspace in the Queenstown region.

When flying in controlled airspace, you must obtain an air traffic control clearance issued by Airways New Zealand (via Airshare). Please also visit the Queenstown Airport’s information page.

Any filming using a drone on QLDC land is only permitted if you have engaged the services of a licenced operator (Part 102) and have an approved QLDC film permit. A copy of their Part 102 must be included in the film permit application when this is submitted to the QLDC.

If you are considering using a drone on Department of Conservation land, you must contact the DOC office and they will advise how to include this in your permit application.

Flying drones over private land requires consent from the landowner.

Filming at Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport requires a permit from the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC).

For more information visit the Queenstown Airport website here: https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/corporate/media/filming-requests

Resources

Thinking about filming in Queenstown? Find all the essential information here.

Industry Directory

Film Otago Southland

Film Queenstown Lakes

Local Talent

New Zealand Film Commission

FAQs

What movies were shot in Queenstown?

Queenstown, celebrated for its scenic beauty, has been the backdrop for several movies, the most famous of which included The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Mission: Impossible - Fallout, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Its stunning landscapes offer filmmakers a versatile and captivating setting.

What television series were shot in Queenstown?

Known for its picturesque landscapes, Queenstown has been the setting for several TV series, including Top of the Lake, Under the Vines, and the New Zealand crime drama One Lane Bridge.

What locations can I shoot at in Queenstown?

Film locations in Queenstown include the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Whakatipu, Skippers Canyon, Deer Park Heights, and Glenorchy. These spots offer diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear lakes, making Queenstown a versatile and sought-after destination for filming and photography projects.

How to get filming permits in Queenstown?

To obtain filming permits in Queenstown, contact the Queenstown Lakes District Council or Film Otago Southland. They guide the application process, fees, and requirements. Apply well before your shoot, detailing your project’s scope and locations. Visit their official websites for specific instructions and to submit your application.

What are the best places for crew accommodation when filming in Queenstown?

When scouting crew accommodation in Queenstown, there are many hotels to explore near filming locations. Serviced apartments and holiday homes offer flexibility for longer stays.