Ever wonder where on-screen magic comes to life? Auckland Film Studios is New Zealand’s largest film studio complex. It is located in Henderson, West Auckland. The complex entrances are on Hickory Ave, Henderson Valley Road and Rabone Street.
Auckland Film Studios wasn’t always a film haven. The complex was initially built as insulated fruit store houses. They were nicknamed the ‘cool stores’. In 1994, Henderson Valley Studios transformed into film studios. The television series Hercules and Xena occupied them.
Since then, Auckland Film Studios has hosted many productions. These include Hercules and the Amazon Women and Xena: Warrior Princess. Whale Rider and The Last Samurai were also filmed here. More recently, Avatar: The Way of Water and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power have been filmed here.
The Auckland Film Studios site spans 11 and three-quarters acres. That is 4.7 hectares. It features five stages totaling 81500 square feet. That is 7576 square meters. There are two new state-of-the-art sound stages. Each measures 21500 square feet. That is 2000 square meters. Six large multi-purpose buildings complement these studios. They provide 55000 square feet of flex or mill space.
The new stages were gifted the name ‘Te Pūtahi’. Mana whenua Te Kawerau a Maki gave it this name. It means ‘to join and intersect’. It symbolizes a place where people meet to create.
Auckland Film Studios also includes west workshops. They are in Building 38 and the neighboring mill site. These workshops have specialized spaces. These spaces are used to produce sets, props, and costuming. The mill space has four industrial work bay extractors. There is a large in situ spray booth. There are also four portable spray booths. A steel fabrication workshop is here. So is a fiberglass shop with extraction. Also included are a plaster shop, a mold-making shop, and flexible fabrication space. Shelving and racks throughout the workshops store furnishings.
East Storage is on the eastern side of the facility. It is a series of 323 to 430 square feet storage containers. That is 30 to 40 square meters. They buffer sound from the railway. They also create privacy from Railside Avenue. A large multipurpose container shelter is at one end.
Auckland Film Studios is more than just a studio. It is part of Auckland’s vibrant, modern city. Auckland connects the past and present. It celebrates its history and Māori culture. Early adopters and forward-thinkers thrive here. They create new businesses and creative industries.
Auckland’s experienced crew and support departments support the studios. The region’s world-class screen industry companies are another advantage. New Zealand’s stunning landscapes are easily accessible from Auckland. Urban spaces, tropical rainforests, and snow-capped mountains are all nearby.
Auckland Film Studios is dedicated to smooth productions. It is a place where creative visions become reality. It stands as a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to film. The Auckland Film Studios solidifies its place in global cinema.