A filming paradise
The Bay of Plenty is an unparalleled filming destination in New Zealand and has been the choice of many well-known national and international productions. With experienced and talented crew based here, diverse and spectacular locations within short distances of each other, and the highest sunshine hours in the country, our region is perfectly positioned to support your production.
Take a look around
With our stunning, diverse landscapes, growing infrastructure, talented crew and amazing lifestyle it’s easy to see why so many national and international productions enjoy using the Bay of Plenty as their filming destination.
FREE Production Hours
Our best assets
Our attractive climate features some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Easily accessible from other New Zealand centres, especially Auckland, the region is well serviced by road and air transport with strong cellphone and data networks.
Locations
Your production in the Bay can access volcanic mountains, beautiful beaches, geothermal wonderlands, prehistoric native forests and bustling cosmopolitan cities.
Crew
From directors and production managers to camera, sound, lighting and service providers, the Bay of Plenty has got you covered when crewing and supporting your production.
Suppliers
Let us help you source film-friendly suppliers and service providers along with local equipment hire and infrastructure such as production hubs, warehouses, studio / soundstage spaces. Everything you need for shooting your next project in the Bay.
Captured on location
International productions
Local productions
Kannappa
The Rule of Jenny Pen
Shot at Wairakei Resort in Taupō. This psychological thriller was directed by Bay of Plenty local James Ashcroft.
Muru
Film Bay of Plenty assisted in sourcing locations, crew, equipment, services and connecting with local iwi, council and government entities.
Vegas
Shot around Rotorua, assistance included sourcing locations, crew and production hubs, which also led to the establishment of a Rotorua Studio.
International
Mulan
One of the most expensive productions ever made, Mulan was filmed here in New Zealand with scenes filmed in the Bay of Plenty.
Petes Dragon
Scenes for Disney’s Pete’s Dragon were shot in forestry areas near Rotorua and the suburb Ngongotaha.
Local
Muru
Film Bay of Plenty assisted in sourcing locations, crew, equipment, services and connecting with local iwi, council and government entities.
Vegas
Assistance included sourcing locations, crew and production hubs, which also led to the establishment of a Rotorua Studio.
A bit about us
Film Bay of Plenty is the regional film office for the Bay of Plenty, dedicated to attracting and supporting screen productions across the region.
We connect filmmakers with locations, crew, and local communities, while advocating for the Bay as a world-class filming destination. Our work helps generate economic, cultural, and creative opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of screen production are shared widely throughout the region.
Filming in the Bay of Plenty
Film-friendly and primed to support the screen industry, the Bay of Plenty offers a strong and inviting package to producers and content creators.
Regional information
The Bay of Plenty is situated in the eastern North Island of New Zealand and features a variety of diverse, untapped and easily accessible film locations.
Screen incentives
The New Zealand Film Commission administers incentive and co-production opportunities for both domestic and international screen projects.
Filming permits
Film Bay of Plenty has long standing partnerships with our local councils to help productions easily navigate the permitting process.
Crew placement
Our production enquiry process allows us to present lists of locally based crew for placement on productions.
Infrastructure
We can investigate and present options for production hubs and studio spaces once we know more about your project.
Giving thanks
It is only with the continued support of these local entities that Film Bay of Plenty can operate a successful regional film office, attracting productions through free production hours, running events and workshops, and supporting locally-based crew and businesses.
“Ka rarangi tahi tātou he whāriki mo āpopo. We are weaving this mat together for the future.”
– Maori proverb
