Filmed Here

A world class film destination


The Otago Southland region has hosted international feature films, television commercials, TV series, documentaries and more for over forty years. 

Go behind-the- scenes of productions that have filmed in Otago and Southland in our YouTube showcase. Hear from cast, creatives and crew about their experience filming in this cinematic part of New Zealand.

Or take a look at some case studies below.

THE POWER OF THE DOG

Jane Campion's award-winning drama THE POWER OF THE DOG filmed on location in Otago, with Central Otago, Queenstown, Dunedin and Oamaru locations playing the role of 1920s Montana. Its accolades include an Academy Award for Best Director and Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Director.

NETFLIX.

"On the second day of sniffing around the South Island, which I know well, I was taken to a property near the Hawkdun Ranges area in Central Otago. I fell in love with it. It’s so remote and it’s 360 degrees empty with an amazing hill range behind it that felt very atmospheric. Ultimately, shooting in New Zealand wasn’t a compromise, it was the best choice for us." - Jane Campion - Writer, Director, Producer

UNDER THE VINES

Comedy drama UNDER THE VINES, starring Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards, filmed its first season in Queenstown and Central Otago wine country, and will return for a second season in 2022.

LIBERTINE PICTURES, ESSENTIAL MEDIA.

"The cast & crew loved working and living in the Central Otago region. The friendly locals welcomed us with open arms, the team enjoyed sampling the wonderful activities and events available in the area and we will be eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to shoot this series in what is one of the most beautiful places in the world." - Carmen Leonard - S1 Producer

ONE LANE BRIDGE

New Zealand crime-drama ONE LANE BRIDGE has filmed two seasons entirely on location around Queenstown and Glenorchy.

GREAT SOUTHERN TELEVISION.

"We have found the town incredibly open and welcoming and really generous, actually, in terms of connecting with us and giving us the space to do what we needed to do.
" - Lisa Chatfield - Producer

COCA-COLA'S THE LETTER

Coca-Cola filmed their Christmas 2020 TV commercial in Queenstown Lakes and Southland, with Taika Waititi directing the spot remotely from Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WIEDEN+KENNEDY, HUNGRY MAN, CURIOUS FILM.

"It’s always a privilege working with Taika, he’s incredibly inspiring and we all give our very best for him. And, as a bonus, we got to shoot in some of the most beautiful places in NZ." - Matt Noonan, Service Producer at Curious Film via Shots.net

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT

The sixth installment in the blockbuster Mission Impossible franchise filmed some impressive scenes in Otago and Southland during the winter of 2017.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES.

"...the helicopter sequence is just incredibly exhilarating and very dangerous. So there's really only one country that would allow us to do it." - Tom Cruise

MULAN

Disney’s MULAN filmed in various South Island locations, including Waitaki’s stunning Ahuriri Valley and Central Otago.

WALT DISNEY PICTURES.

"We took 900 people and all of our horses to the Ahuriri Valley to stage an epic battle. It was incredible, like being on the back lot of a gigantic Italian movie from the ’50s" - Niki Caro - Director

A WRINKLE IN TIME

The landscapes of Lake Hawea and surrounds became an otherwordly planet for Ava du Vernay's 2018 fantasy film, 'A Wrinkle in Time'.

WALT DISNEY PICTURES.

"Usually I can't wait to get home because I love my own backyard so much. New Zealand fills me up so deeply that I don't have the usual longing to get home." - Oprah Winfrey

See more on our YouTube Channel

See more on our Vimeo Channel

One of the highlights of my life was to involve that entire [Tapanui] community in the filmmaking process. - David Lowery, on filming PETE'S DRAGON in Tapanui

Film Otago Southland is funded and endorsed by

Central Otago District Council
Dunedin
Queenstown Lates District Council
Southern Institute of Technology
Great South
Waitaki District Council

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