Marine & Wildlife Filming
Nature documentary production throughout New Zealand.
Marine and wildlife filming in New Zealand showcases one of the most unique evolutionary regions on Earth. Productions can capture kiwi—the iconic flightless national bird—in native forests, ancient tuatara on sanctuary islands, Hector's dolphins (the world's smallest and rarest) in coastal waters, and royal albatross at Taiaroa Head, the only mainland breeding colony in the world. The Marlborough Sounds, Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula and Abel Tasman Coast offer outstanding marine and coastal locations.
We work with experienced New Zealand wildlife cinematographers and coordinate permits through the Department of Conservation (DOC), Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Maritime New Zealand. Our team handles vessel access in the Marlborough Sounds, Fiordland and the Bay of Islands, dive operators across the country, and access to Tongariro, Te Wāhipounamu and the Sub-Antarctic Islands so your crew can focus on filming.
Capabilities
Wildlife Services
Specialist marine and wildlife cinematography for documentaries and productions.
01
Marine Filming
- Underwater cinematography
- Surface filming
- Marine life documentation
- Coastal environments
- Pacific and Tasman Sea
Ocean Expertise
02
Wildlife
- Bird cinematography
- Reptile documentation
- Remote camera traps
- Hide photography
- Animal behavior
Natural Behavior
03
Production
- Specialist crews
- Remote filming
- Long-lens work
- Slow-motion capture
- Macro photography
Expert Teams
04
Locations
- Marlborough Sounds
- Fiordland
- Bay of Islands
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Sub-Antarctic Islands
New Zealand Habitats
Natural History Expertise
Capabilities
Our Process
Species Research
Understanding your target species, behaviors, and optimal filming conditions.
Location Planning
Identifying the best New Zealand locations and seasons for your wildlife subjects.
Production
Patient filming with specialist equipment to capture natural behaviors.
Post & Delivery
Processing footage with appropriate grading and sound design.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What marine filming can you do in New Zealand?
New Zealand has 15,000 kilometres of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Hector's dolphins live around the South Island, sperm whales gather year-round at Kaikōura, fur seals colonies are widespread, and humpback whales migrate through Cook Strait. The Marlborough Sounds, Fiordland and the Sub-Antarctic Islands offer remote, pristine filming environments. Marine reserves require DOC permission to access.
What wildlife is available in New Zealand?
New Zealand's wildlife is uniquely shaped by 80 million years of isolation. The kiwi is the iconic flightless national bird; the ancient tuatara is the only surviving member of an order that lived alongside dinosaurs; Hector's dolphins are the world's smallest and rarest; and Taiaroa Head hosts the only mainland royal albatross colony on Earth. Add yellow-eyed penguins, kea (the world's only alpine parrot), and a vast seabird community.
Do you have specialized wildlife crews?
Yes, we work with experienced New Zealand wildlife cinematographers who know Fiordland, the Sub-Antarctic Islands and Stewart Island intimately. Many have credits with NHNZ, Wingnut Films, BBC and other international natural history broadcasters known for landmark New Zealand productions.
What about permits for protected species and DOC land?
DOC permits are required for commercial filming in all national parks, marine reserves and DOC-administered land. Tongariro requires Māori cultural protocols and may need iwi consultation. Sub-Antarctic Island access is strictly controlled. Lead times of 2-4 weeks are typical for Part 102 drone certification and most DOC permits.
Can you provide underwater filming?
Yes, we offer professional underwater cinematography with RED, ARRI and Sony cameras in housings. Our divers are experienced with the cool, productive waters around the South Island, the warmer subtropical conditions of the north, and the unique environments of Poor Knights Islands and Fiordland's freshwater-topped fiords.
What's the best season for wildlife filming in New Zealand?
Royal albatross at Taiaroa Head can be filmed September to May, with chicks present January to August; sperm whales are filmable year-round at Kaikōura; humpback migration peaks June to August; and kiwi are filmable year-round but most active in summer with longer daylight. We advise on the optimal window for each species.
Planning Wildlife Filming?
Tell us about your wildlife project and we'll help capture New Zealand's natural beauty.