Filming New Zealand/Australia

The seasons in New Zealand/Australia are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. In New Zealand Summer is from December - February; Autumn (Fall)  March - May; Winter June - August; and Spring September - November. 

Australia offers almost year-round summer in some regions, while New Zealand offers the best winter locations.

The weather in both countries tends to be oceanic and temperate with warm summers and, in most regions, mild winters. There is moderate rainfall in most areas of New Zealand all year round, while Australia is a drier climate.

Winter snow is usually restricted to the mountainous areas of the South Island and the volcanic peaks in the North Island of New Zealand.

New Zealand crews speak English and are both highly skilled and flexible. Most film and TV industry personnel in New Zealand are based in Auckland and Wellington in the country's North Island, but there are also some experienced local crew in the South Island, based mainly in Queenstown and Christchurch.

Crew in New Zealand are not unionised and will negotiate on rates and hours of work. 

The standard shoot day in New Zealand is 10 hrs including 45mins lunch, with overtime payable after 10 hrs. There are no penal rates for shooting on weekends but penal rates are payable on some public holidays.

Australia has different standard shoot days, rates and regulations depending on which state you film in. Contact us for a full breakdown by state. 

The pool of acting talent in New Zealand and Australia includes experienced professional dramatic actors, models and extras. 

The ethnicity of the cast available reflects the varied demographics of each country. Both New Zealand and Australia are a diverse melting pots – European, Maori, Aboriginal, Polynesian, Asian, African American and Hispanic talent are all available.

Australia & New Zealand are so close we can easily bring across a huge range of additional talent should they not be found within the large talent pool either country. 

Minimum industry rates and working conditions have been negotiated with Actors’ Equity. By international standards rates are competitive and terms are flexible.

The New Zealand dollar is one of the most competitive filming currencies in the world. As it is significantly weaker than major currencies like USD & GBP, the currency gain makes filming in New Zealand very financially attractive. 

$1 USD = $1.75 NZD (average conversion) 

$1 GBP = $2.10 NZD (average conversion) 

$1 EUR = $1.80 NZD( average conversion) 

¥5 CNY = $1.16 NZD( average conversion) 

Agency & clients are not required to get a Temporary Work Visa when travelling to New Zealand. As Agency & clients are only entering the country to oversee a business event, they can travel to New Zealand on their entry card/visa.

Australian visitors will need to apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) this will allow you to travel for leisure and business. 

 International crew and cast travelling to work in New Zealand or Australia are legally required to have been issued a Temporary Work Visa by  Immigration Services.

You can search the world - or you can come film it all in New Zealand and Australia. With two main islands, New Zealand offers a one-stop location for any landscape - spectacular mountains, rugged beaches, lush forests, and any 'out of this world' look you may need. 

Looking for the international 'big city' vibe, the beach or the desert? Australia has it in spades - with urban environments to match any country, miles of golden beaches, spectacular islands and reefs. 

Our councils and states are film friendly and offer permits within weeks - or even days - of applying.