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Filming in New Zealand

New Zealand reels in big budget features and high-end drama through its generous incentives, expert crews, and facilities throughout the country and its stunning locations.

The crew base has a high level of skills including award winning HOD's. There are soundstages, studios and pop-up spaces throughout the country and locations range from scenic countryside to dramatic coastlines, volcanic regions, and other worldly settings.

Recent productions to make use of the infastructure include BBC drama The Luminaries, Disney's live action Mulan, which doubled the country for China, and The Meg which used its marine locations. Currently, Amazon are shooting the Lord of the Rings TV series in the country.

The 20% baseline grant provides up to NZ25 million, and is thereafter calculated at 18%. If a production can demonstrate significant economic benefits to New Zealand they may be invited to apply for the 5% uplift. The VFX and post production sector is one of New Zealand's biggest drawing cards having worked on production such as Mortal Engine and Alita: Battle Angel.

There’s incredible opportunity in New Zealand: you go on one stretch of road and you’re in Scotland and you go on another stretch of road and you’re in Ireland, then another and you’re in Devon in the UK.

Iain Canning, Producer on Slow West

Climate

The north of New Zealand is sub-tropical and the south is temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February when average maximum temperatures range between 20C and 30C. The coldest months are June, July and August when average minimum temperatures range between 10C and 15C.

New Zealand experiences four distinct seasons with spring blossoms, golden autumns, serene summers and winter snows. New Zealand seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Crop harvests are generally between December and March.

Average daily daylight

Average daily sunlight

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Equipment

Local
Several generations of production experience and extensive investment have resulted in state-of- the-art facilities and an enviable post/digital/visual effects infrastructure to support filmmakers at world-class levels.

Digital post-production, film laboratory, sound and visual effects facilities in New Zealand are on par with the best anywhere in the world. One of the world’s largest digital and VFX post-production facilities is in New Zealand.

Complementing facilities at this level is world-class film equipment for hire at very competitive prices.

Entry requirements
New Zealand obviously has a massive industry with an abundance of filming equipment on hand. However, if you are planning on bringing equipment in at one of its many points of entry, the ATA carnet system would be the best approach.
The ATA carnet, also known as the merchandise passport, is an internationally-recognised customs document that allows goods to move into foreign markets free of duty and tax.
It also waives the need for Temporary Importation Under Bond documentation and removes the need to register with New Zealand Customs.

Filming in New Zealand

Climate

Average daily daylight

Average daily sunlight

Directory

Forum

Highlights

Incentives

Equipment

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