Film permits
Any commercial filming that takes place on Queenstown Lakes District Council land (including roads) will first require an approved film permit from us. You may also require resource consents for bigger and/or long-term productions.
Apply for Council permit Filming in the wider districtApply for Council permit
If you have selected your filming locations and are ready to apply for a council film permit, you will need to have the below information prepared to supply. Once completed, film permit applications can be sent to APL Property who process film permits on behalf of QLDC. Your permit will not be valid until it is signed and approved by council, and you cannot film until you receive this.
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Completed QLDC Film Permit application – please complete and return in Word format without signature
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Specific locations clearly identified - you must be as specific as possible with your locations, rather than indicating general areas such as ‘downtown Queenstown’ or ‘lakefront’ (refer to GIS Maps if needed)
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Detailed map showing where/how the location will be used
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Public Liability Insurance certificate
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Health & Safety plan
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A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) - if filming on a road
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CAA Part 102 certification - if using a drone (see drone section below)
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Harbour Master notification - if filming on the water surface
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Other important information
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We currently only allow drone use on or over council land when a film permit has been approved and the pilot has CAA Part 102 certification.
More information is available in the Parks and Walkways section of our website.
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Filming at Queenstown or Wānaka requires a permit from the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC):
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Queenstown Airport: www.queenstownairport.co.nz/corporate/media/filmingrequests
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Wānaka Airport: www.wanakaairport.com/about-wanaka-airport/news-and-filming
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Filming in the wider district
Film Otago Southland is the regional film office for the area, providing information, facilitation and support for film productions in Queenstown & the wider Otago and Southland region.
They can help you with initial enquiries related to filming in the region, including film permits, locations, location access, crew and equipment, and more.
It’s also highly recommended that you engage a locally-based line producer or location scout/manager. They have valuable local knowledge, and can assist with: permitting applications, location recommendations, legal requirements, accepted work practices, visa applications, tax, insurance and all other aspects of production.
Film Otago Southland contact
Kahli Scott
+64 3 441 0475
kahli@filmotagosouthland.com
Industry Directory
Directory for hiring local crew: www.filmotagosouthland.com/industry-directory