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Screen production - film and television

Filming in Auckland city | Location permits | Fees and conditions


Filming in Auckland city


Monte Cecilia House, Hillsborough-recent location for Lion, Witch and Wardrobe shoot.

Monte Cecilia House-back view, black and white

Sunset at Pt Chev Beach.

Symonds Street Cemetery.

Harbour View Reserve, Pt Chev, location for recent Shortland Street shoots

Auckland offers film-makers unique opportunities and huge potential. The diversity of locations within and around Auckland city is set within an environment geared to supporting the film industry.

As a city, Auckland has often been used to replicate other cities around the world. Within 40 minutes from Auckland, itself a modern international city, there is access to a variety of locations like

  • remote islands
  • bush
  • industrial belt
  • suburban housing
  • unique architecture and rural locations
  • volcanic craters
  • a harbour full of islands
  • subtropical gardens
  • crisp sand white beaches
  • parks and reserves
  • an architecturally varied cityscape

and many more attractive location options, all within close proximity.

The screen production industry in Auckland is highly skilled and enthusiastic. Crews are used to working on international drama, television and commercials. Rates are very accessible, equipment is broad based and production studios are state of the art.

Casting is easy in this metropolitan Pacific rim city. The mosaic of people includes Maori, Pacific Island, European, South East Asian, Indian, Africans and Americans.

We were one of the first councils in the Auckland region to be granted Film Friendly status by local Government New Zealand.

We are a key supporter and key partner in the establishment of the regional film office Film Auckland. We continue to work closely with Film Auckland to ensure the sustainable development of the screen production industry in the region.

Learn more about the economic benefits of our local screen production industry.


Location permits

The advantage of filming in Auckland city is its diversity of locations. you can obtain location permits quickly and easily through us. We recognise the importance of the screen production industry and have a fast turn around permit policy, without any red tape.

We assist film crews in the coordination of successful film shoots and have extensive experience in facilitating filming within Auckland city. We can also provide contacts and liaison with a range of services.

Applications can take between 5-30 working days to process, depending on the complexity of the proposal. In most cases approval takes a minimum period provided all required information is supplied and there are minimal impacts on the location and its users. We advise applicants to provide two weeks notification to ensure adequate evaluation and processing of the proposal.

You can download the form Permit application for filming (358kb) PDF

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We will provide:

  • a coordinating role
  • information, assistance and permits
  • booking of locations and outdoor venues
  • quick turnaround for approvals.

Find out how to obtain a permit in five easy steps.

Please contact us and ask for assistance.


Fees and conditions

There are competitive fees for filming within Auckland city. Fees are based on the nature of your project and the impact on the local area. Fees will be discussed when we book a location for you.

Related information

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Updated August 2008

Copyright © 2007 Auckland City Council. All rights reserved.