WELCOME TO WAIKATO SCREEN

Your Partner in Creating Cinematic Excellence in the Heart of New Zealand!

captivating new zealand film locations and production support

Discover Waikato Screen, your premier regional film office in the captivating landscapes of North Island, New Zealand. We’re your gateway to filming in this stunning region, offering access to unique locations that transport you to the realms of Middle-earth.

At Waikato Screen, we’re committed to simplifying your filmmaking experience. From connecting you with local professionals to navigating council permits and fostering collaborations with service providers, local iwi, and communities, we ensure every aspect of your production is supported through the process.

We’re dedicated to enhancing economic and cultural growth in the Waikato region. Our mission is to support the thriving film industry by creating opportunities and showcasing our region’s beauty through prestigious productions like “AVATAR – The Ways of Water” and “The Gone.”

Waikato Screen provides comprehensive support tailored to your needs. As your local film office, we facilitate relationships between the international film industry, government bodies, and our vibrant community within the mighty Waikato.

Join the ranks of acclaimed productions filmed against the backdrop of Waikato’s diverse landscapes. With favourable filming weather year-round, ranging from warm summers to mild winters, Waikato offers an ideal setting for your next cinematic endeavour.

Experience filmmaking excellence with Waikato Screen and unlock the full potential of your project.

Showreel Credit:  Miryam Jacobi, Producer/Director

Growing opportunities for waikato's screen sector

Check out
our showreel!

learn about our stunning waikato region

Explore the Mighty Waikato, a sprawling region just south of Auckland, encompassing vast expanses of the central North Island. From coast to coast, our landscape offers a stunning variety that can effortlessly mimic the serene English countryside, the expansive forests of Canada, or the picturesque shores of Spain. It’s a canvas ripe for transformation into fantastical realms akin to those in The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, or Disney’s Mulan.

Hamilton/ Kirikiriroa, our capital, is a pivotal hub strategically located and has grown into New Zealand’s fourth-largest city. It has a domestic airport, extensive railway links, and direct motorway connections to Auckland International Airport, a mere 90-minute drive away.

Specialising in the most stunning and unique locations that New Zealand has to offer, including its majestic mountain ranges, enchanting waterfalls, and distinctive local towns, we collaborate closely with national film location managers and scouts to provide a professional service tailored to your production needs.

Join prestigious productions like “Don’t Make Me Go,” “No Exit,” and “Sweet Tooth,” filmed against the backdrop of Waikato’s diverse landscapes, alongside blockbusters like “Mulan” and “The Hobbit,” as well as local gems such as “Rurangi,” “The Volcano – Rescue from Whakaari,” and “Trails Parker 5.” Unleash your creative vision in the unparalleled beauty of the Mighty Waikato.

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata

Waikato Landscape
Ngarunui Surf Beach, Raglan

Strength in Partnership:
Upholding Collective Success with Iwi, Hapū, and Whānau

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini 

My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective 

‘We value our relationships with iwi, hapū and whanau in our region and aim to maintain positive and enduring relationships.  We will work in partnership with iwi, hapu and other key Māori stakeholders in our region to ensure our mahi demonstrates benefits for Māori.’ 

Explore the Vast & Diverse Waikato Region

The Waikato is the fourth largest region in New Zealand, covering 25,000 square kilometres. It stretches from the Bombay Hills and Port Waikato in the north down to the Kaimai Ranges and Mt Ruapehu in the south and from Mokau on the west coast across to the Coromandel Peninsula in the east. The region has 1,138 km of coastline.

The Waikato region has:

  • Hamilton City/Kirikiriroa has an International Airport
  • 9.5 per cent of New Zealand’s population
  • The longest river in New Zealand (the Waikato River)
  • Internationally significant wetlands
  • The country’s most important geothermal systems
  • Extensive native and exotic forests and
  • Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, Airport drive to Hamilton City is 1 hr 15 mins

your partner in film production

Waikato Screen is your comprehensive resource for film production in our region of Aotearoa’s Waikato Region.

Whether you’re an experienced feature film production or commercial production, our platform is tailored to connect you with professional film production support who comprehend the unique complexities and service needs of shooting in a natural environment.

Waitomo film location
Narnia Prince Caspian
The Gone

Find your perfect Waikato film location, crew member or service provider

FILM LOCATIONS

No one knows home like the locals, and that's why we've compiled the best Waikato district filming locations.

FILM BUSINESSES

We have a comprehensive service provider database for your A-Z in supplying what you need.

FILM CREW

We have built our local Crew Directory from the very best film directors, producers, and crew members to up-and-coming filmmakers.

Sign up to our Directory

and be part of the Waikato Filmmaking Community

BELOW ARE A SELECTION OF SOME OF OUR STUNNING FILM LOCATIONS IN THE WAIKATO

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

Bridal Veil Falls, Waikato

Hauraki Waikino Station, Waikato

Ngarunui Surf Beach, Raglan

Nikau Caves, Waikato

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata

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