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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 district QLDC film officeApply for Council permit
If you have already selected your filming locations and are ready to apply for a council film permit, you can apply by completing the form linked below and sending it to services@qldc.govt.nz along with all the required supporting documentation. Missing or incomplete information will delay the processing of your application. Your permit will not be valid until it is signed and approved by Council, and you cannot film until you receive this.
Film permit fees will depend on the size and impact of your production. Our Tiered Film Permit Fee Schedule is included below.
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Completed QLDC Film Permit Application (found below) – please complete and return in PDF format.
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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 - (note new ScreenSafe COVID-19 H&S guidelines here under the Traffic Light System here). You’re also advised to register your production with ScreenSafe: https://screensafe.co.nz/covid19/registration/
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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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Please send completed applications to: services@qldc.govt.nz
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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
For information about filming at non-Council owned locations in the district (such as Department of Conservation land) please contact the Film Office.
Filming in the wider Otago region
For information about filming in the wider Otago region, please contact Film Otago Southland.
Local crew
No matter where you’re filming, it’s 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.
Directory for hiring local crew: www.filmotagosouthland.com/industry-directory
Film Otago Southland contact
Kahli Scott
+64 3 441 0475
kahli@filmotagosouthland.com
QLDC Film Office
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has an in-Council film office within its Economic Development department that acts as a point of coordination for screen activity in the region. Click here to learn more.