Central Otago

Filmmakers love Central Otago.

Central Otago is an inspiring and timeless land of extremes. From Westerns to post-apocalyptic worlds, its landscape is versatile. Moonscapes, powerful rivers, rolling grasslands, mountainous backdrops and horticulture/viticulture have all helped Central Otago become a sought after location.

It featured prominently in productions including The Light Between Oceans, Good for Nothing, 50 Ways of Saying Fabulous and Lord of the Rings.

Central Otago is just a 45-minute drive from the crew base in Queenstown.

Message from the Mayor

Central Otago offers unique natural locations and historic townships to the film industry, but we have not rested on those gifts.  The Central Otago District Council has had an official Film Friendly Policy since 2011; a policy designed to ensure that the industry will find the official face of Central as welcoming as its natural face Tim Cadogan

Central Otago 2 Poolburn 2 DSC 6353 stitch etc central otago landscapes 38 etc omakau ophir landscapes 13 Copy Old man rock 100321 old cromwell town 011 100316 maniototo from ida Old Cromwell Town Period Masonic Stone Building Clyde Period Railway Station Wooden 12 Fraser Street Clyde Period Village Sunderland Street Clyde Period Western Mining Village Shop 13 Sunderland Street Clyde etc central otago landscapes 28 Maniototo mist Manitoto shed
Industry Directory Location Directory

When I first talked with Oprah about this film and said I wanted to film in New Zealand, before she was even cast, she said, 'If you shoot in NZ, I'll come and visit because I love New Zealand'...That's how we got her. - Ava DuVernay, on filming A WRINKLE IN TIME

Film Otago Southland is funded and endorsed by

Central Otago District Council
Dunedin
Invercargill City Council
Queenstown Lates District Council
Southern Institute of Technology
Venture Southland
Waitaki District Council

Receive regular Event Updates