Filmed in Our Own Backyard
New Zealand is known for its beautiful, natural landscapes. Big mountains, rugged coastlines and rolling green hills – it’s no surprise that filmmakers from all over the world come here to shoot their latest movies! Some people even dubbed our capital city “Wellywood”!
We bet you’ve already seen some of New Zealand in your favourite TV shows and films (or maybe in your parent’s favourites). Well, move over Lord of the Rings; there’s another movie in town.
The Chronicles of Narnia. The mythical landscape of Narnia was filmed in some of the most stunning Kiwi locations! The Coromandel Peninsula featured as the setting for where the Pevensie children took their first steps back into Narnia.
Another iconic spot, Elephant Rocks in the rolling hills of Waitaki were transformed into Aslan’s Camp. Millions of years ago, the whole area was under the sea. Whales and other marine life sank into the soft sand resulting in an interesting place full of fossils and, you guessed it, a large limestone rock shaped like an elephant!
Yogi Bear. If you went out in the woods, the Woodhill Forest, you could be in for a big surprise. Auckland, Taupo and Woodhill were the home of Jellystone, Yogi and Boo-Boo. But be careful! It was also home to the dreaded White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia!
Wellingtons Wētā Workshop has been home to many movies, animated and live-action. They’re the best at creating special effects! You might recognise some of the films made here, like The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn, King Kong, and Avatar.
