One of its districts just across the harbor, Hutt Valley, was recreated as a depression-era version of New York City, complete with Broadway, Times Square, Macy’s and vintage cars, as well as extras in their best oxfords and homburgs for the massive remake of King Kong. The nerve center of New Zealand, Wellington sits at the heart of its movie industry, which is perhaps how it earned the nickname ‘Wellywood’. Wellington Harbour © Karenj71/iStock Wellington, New York in King Kong

Relive some of the greatest moments in movie history at these six must-see filming locations in New Zealand. However, no matter how beautiful New Zealand may look on the big screen, nothing can quite compare to a real life, up-close experience of this incredible county.

From The Hobbit to The Chronicles of Narnia, from King Kong to Pete’s Dragon, directors have found the scenery so cinematically appealing they’ve simply had to capture it on camera. With its unbelievable natural beauty and otherworldly landscapes, it’s little wonder that New Zealand is one of the most popular filming locations on the planet.

Wild at heart film location