New Zealand is hands down my favourite country in the world.

And it’s rugged landscape and phenomenal scenery has made it the perfect location for dozens of famous films and shows. So if you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and you’re a film fanatic, here are my top 5 locations you NEED to visit!

1. Flock Hill – the Chronicles of Narnia

Located near Arthur’s Pass just outside of Christchurch, Flock Hill was used as the location for the epic battle scene at the end of the Chronicles of Narnia. The views here are phenomenal, I could easily have sat for hours taking it all in.

2. Aoraki, Mount Cook – Vertical Limit

Directed by Kiwi Martin Campbell, Vertical Limit was filmed on Aoraki (Mount Cook National Park). Reaching 3,754m, Aoraki is New Zealand’s highest mountain and is a great spot for an Instagram selfie!

3. Hobbiton Movie Set – The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

Of course this was going to make it on the list. Located in the Waikato Region, Hobbiton attracts thousands of international visitors every month. You can take a guided tour of the area, and even have a pint in the Green Dragon!

4. Lyall Bay – King Kong

Lyall Bay in Wellington was the location of ‘Skull Island’ in Peter Jackson’s King Kong. This Bay is also a popular surfing spot and had even been the site of surf lifesaving championships!

5. Mount Sunday – Lord of the Rings

A short drive from Christchurch is Mount Sunday – also known as Edoras to you Lord of the Rings fans. Whilst nothing remains of the set, you can still walk up the hillside and take in the breath-taking views and imagine Rohan for yourself.

Whilst there are many more filming locations you can visit across New Zealand’s two islands, these 5 were my favourite places to visit during my time in New Zealand! I loved getting out into the countryside, taking in the picturesque views and exploring some film history!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever visited any of these places!

Charley x