AERIAL FILMING IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand has to be one of BEST places in the world for aerial filming...(don't they always say 'your favorite destination is home?')
Without doubt, the variety of terrain and the seasonal changes in New Zealand offer a film-maker's palette bar none. If you add in our world class filming pilots, and a nationwide fleet of helicopters you'll understand why so many top-of-the-line productions are shot here.
Aeroptics' back yard is the South Island of New Zealand (and yes... there are still very popular tours of the Lord of the Rings locations going on every day !) but we regularly shoot throughout New Zealand and sometimes in our off-shore outposts such as Antarctica. Our home town of Queenstown has a well established, well respected film and television production community who can assist with all aspects of your production needs.
Filming pilot, Johnny Haora flew the prototype SD and HD gimbals with cameraman Peter Thompson in the North Island for over five years, clocking up hours of experience and flying time. (link to 2001 Archive showreel) Both Johnny and Peter moved to the scenic South Island in 2005 and have continued their aerial filming careers, working on Yann Arthus-Bertrand's aerial feature film Home and many documentaries, TVCs and sporting productions.
Filming pilot legend Alfie Speight knows the South Island of New Zealand like no other. Alfie was the filming pilot for Lord of the Rings and has worked with us on the majority of our New Zealand aerial filming assignments including Home and That's It - That's All. Alfie's talent and instincts will get you those special shots that lift the quality of your production.
The shot!
Dominique Gentil and Alfie Speight - an early start for Yann Arthus-Bertrand's New Zealand shoot for Home.
The hydro canals with their brilliant blue glacial water featured in Home.
Preparing to film the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Auckland for Great Southern Television's Rescue 1 series
Generic aerials of Auckland City and the wider Auckland region were shot for Great Southern Television's Rescue 1 series
New Zealand is popular for filming out of season TVC's for the European market. Photo: Dave Comer
The remote and picturesque locations are also attractive for sporting events such as the World Heli Challenge.
The classic Milford Sound shot.
Air to Air - wide shot
Air to Air - close up and personal in the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown.
Queenstown Airport
Low flying permissions take on a whole new perspective in New Zealand. Alfie Speight flies through the half-pipe at Snow Park. That's Travis Rice ABOVE the helicopter - That's It - That's All. Photo Scott Sullivan