New Zealand is a beautiful country south of the equator that often acts as the beautiful and fantastical backdrops of favorite film and television series around the world. The country has a wonderful film industry of its own and many worldwide franchises and American filmmakers find their way into New Zealand to utilize its miles of untouched mountainous regions, clear blue lakes, and special effects expertise.
Fans can even take a trip to New Zealand and tour some of the sets and landscapes that they've seen in films like The Lord of the Rings and King Kong. Because of its vast landscapes and unreal beauty, New Zealand is popular mostly amongst fantasy-type films. Below are just a few of the many wonderful fantasy films and television shows with landscapes in New Zealand.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine starring Hugh Jackman, was filmed in 2009 and follows the story of comic book hero, Wolverine, on his quest for revenge. This film was the first installment of a trilogy and attempts to outline Wolverine's origin story. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Hugh Jackman's performance was one to remember.
The movie was filmed primarily in Australia and New Zealand. New Zealanders might recognize Dunedin, the second-largest city in the South Island, as a familiar background in the picture. Dunedin was the location of the farm that Wolverine seeks safety on after his transformation. As an X-Men fan, this film is a must-see, and as a New Zealander, it's very cool to see something familiar on-screen.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy / The Hobbit Trilogy
It has almost become common knowledge that The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Hobbit trilogy following it, were filmed in New Zealand. The long treks through vast mountainous regions and epic battles on long stretches of flat land were all filmed in New Zealand's beautiful state and national parks, as well as on property outside of major cities on the North and South Island.
The Shire was constructed on rolling hills outside of Auckland and is still there today. Fans can go and visit Bilbo's house and even grab a drink at the Green Dragon. One of the most notable locations is Mount Ngauruhoe which doubled as Mount Doom in the films. The complex storyline, beautiful imagery, and dedication to the books make these films a significant part of cinematic history and a must-see as a fantasy film fan.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Bridge to Terabithia was released in 2007 as an adaptation of a novel by the same name. The movie is regarded as a wonderful story of youth and a great way for young kids to learn about grief and friendship. Following Jesse, as he learns how to use his imagination and escape from the world, this film is a beautiful depiction of love, loss, and learning.
The film was almost entirely shot in Auckland, New Zealand, and many residents of the city, if asked, may know someone who was an extra in the background. Many of the scenes involving the imaginary Terabithia, were shot in the rural forests outside of West Auckland, including Riverhead and Puhoi. Bridge to Terabithia is a must-watch for imaginative children and children learning to cope with grief, not to mention the beautiful NZ forests.
Sweet Tooth (2021)
Sweet Tooth, based on a comic by the same name, was Executive Produced by Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan. Susan says of the show's backdrop in New Zealand, "Filming in New Zealand gave us a really beautiful and exaggerated landscape [...] the central idea for Sweet Tooth was that nature was reclaiming everything."
In this post-apocalyptic tale of a young boy searching for a new beginning, viewers are taken along a beautiful journey full of mountaintops, forests, and trains - all located in Auckland, Waikato, and Otago. The television production also did a wonderful job including New Zealanders in the process, with 80% of the cast being NZ natives. This tale is a must-see, especially as a parallel to the world as it is now.
The Chronicles of Narnia (2005)
After they are transported into a magical world through a wardrobe, Lucy, Peter, Susan, and Edmond take viewers on a fantastical journey through Narnia as they fight with their allies against an evil White Witch. Based on a book by the same name, this tale is full of magical adventure, wonder, loyalty, and determination.
Both the first and second films were shot in New Zealand, with the most familiar location being Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. This beautiful spot by the sea served as the location where the siblings find the ruins of Cair Paravel in the second film. The Coromandel Peninsula is located east of Auckland and was also the location for the entrance to Narnia. The mystical beauty of New Zealand only adds to the amazing story and makes The Chronicles of Narnia one of the most magical fantasy films for children.
Legend of the Seeker (2008)
Legend of the Seeker created a very niche fan base when it was on air in 2008, but it remains a great fantasy tale about a hero's journey, the fight between good and evil, and familial loyalty. The story was adapted from a book series called The Sword of Truth and follows Richard Cypher on his quest to fulfill his destiny as the seeker.
Any fans of The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones will find Richard's story exciting and the elements of fantasy exhilarating. The show was canceled after 2 seasons, but die-hard fans have been lobbying for its return ever since. The show was shot primarily in Auckland, but also in some of the mountainous regions outside Queenstown.
A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
A Wrinkle in Time follows Meg Murry and her little brother as they travel to another planet in search of their father. The story was created and started as a book written by Madeleine L'Engle, but was adapted into a beautiful fantasy spectacle starring Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, and so many more big names.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but all agreed that the tale was visually beautiful and full of love, self-acceptance, and familial loyalty. The film was shot in New Zealand at Lake Hawea, Lake Pukaki, Twizel, and Mount Cook National Park. Although beautiful, many agree this L'Engle story was better as a book.
King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson returns yet again to film in New Zealand. As with his other films shot here, he utilizes the beautiful natural land, as well as a few spots in the city of Auckland, to capture iconic locations from the film. Lyall Bay in Wellington is the home of Skull Island.
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This epic tale of adventure, a giant gorilla, and not judging a book by its cover, is breathtaking, fun, and full of great acting. The film is regarded for its incredible CGI and action sequences. It's a must-see for fans of the classic King Kong tale.
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995)
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is just one of many adaptations of the classic Hercules story. This series, which ran for five seasons, takes place in a fantasy version of ancient Greece. This was Kevin Sorbo's breakthrough role, and a version of Hercules many fans remember fondly. Although now outdated, the filmography and special effects are remembered nostalgically, and the story itself is considered campy and fun.
There are many things that don't make sense in this adaptation of the Hercules tale, but for viewers who love a good story, great fight scenes, and nostalgia, this is a must-watch. The series was shot entirely in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Avatar Franchise
Since its release in 2009, the Avatar film and soon-to-be films have taken the world by storm. It's no secret that this sci-fi fantasy film located on an alien planet is visually spellbinding and narratively captivating. It broke box office records and continues to hold some of them to this day.
The first film was shot partially in New Zealand and utilized Weta Workshop in Wellington for the visual effects, which are regarded as some of the best ever. The newest films coming out are currently being filmed in New Zealand. This fantasy is brilliant, reflective of the hard work put in, and a must-see.