Film Studios Auckland: The 2026 Production & Infrastructure Guide
Auckland has officially cemented its status as the “Screen Capital” of the South Pacific. With the sale of Auckland Film Studios to Xytech Group in early 2026 and the historic acquisition of Studio West by Jason Momoa and Taika Waititi, the region’s infrastructure is now under more private, creative ownership than ever before.
Whether you are a local producer or an international studio looking for the next billion-dollar location, here is the definitive list of Auckland’s film production facilities.
1. Studio West (Glen Eden)
Recently acquired by the Āriki Group (Jason Momoa, Taika Waititi, and Cliff Curtis), Studio West is transitioning into a world-first Indigenous-led production hub.
Best For: High-end TV series and Indigenous-led feature films.
Key Stats: 70,000 sq. ft. of sound stages across 8 acres.
Standout Feature: Stage 4 is Auckland’s largest purpose-built stage (3,400sqm) with an adjacent two-storey office block.
Notable Projects: Chief of War (Apple TV+), The Wilds, and Xena: Warrior Princess.
Studio West (Glen Eden)
16 Waikaukau Road, Glen Eden, Auckland 0602, New Zealand
2. Auckland Film Studios (Henderson)
Formerly council-owned, this facility was sold to Xytech Group (owner of X3 Studios) in February 2026. This move has integrated the Henderson site into a massive national network of lighting and production support.
Best For: Global blockbusters and multi-season streaming series.
Key Stats: 5 Sound Stages across a 4-hectare site.
Standout Feature: Two brand-new sound stages opened in 2022, funded by a $30m government reinvestment.
Notable Projects: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, A Minecraft Movie, and Brad Pitt’s Heart of the Beast.
Auckland Film Studios (Henderson)
12 Hickory Avenue, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
3. Kumeu Film Studios (Kumeu)
Known for its massive world-building capabilities, Kumeu is the go-to for productions requiring extensive outdoor space or complex water work.
Best For: Action films, maritime sequences, and large-scale set construction.
Key Stats: 27-hectare site with over 84,000 sq. ft. of facility space.
Standout Feature: The Water Tanks. Features New Zealand’s largest underwater dive tank (1.26m litres) and a massive ocean surface tank (3m litres) with a 360-degree green screen.
Notable Projects: Meg 2: The Trench, Mulan, and Cowboy Bebop.
Website: https://www.kumeufilmstudios.co.nz/
Kumeu Film Studios (Kumeu)
116 Access Road, Kumeū 0891, New Zealand
4. X3 Studios (South Auckland)
Part of the Xytech Group, this Wiri-based facility is a modern powerhouse that has quickly become a favorite for Netflix and Lionsgate.
Best For: Modern TV drama and high-tech set builds.
Key Stats: 24,000 sqm of studio and production space.
Notable Projects: Sweet Tooth (Netflix), Spartacus (Lionsgate/Starz)
Website: https://x3studios.co.nz
X3 Studios (South Auckland)
21 Chonny Crescent, Manurewa, Auckland 2102, New Zealand
5. Whoa! Studios (Henderson Valley)
A boutique, high-tech facility specializing in live action, puppetry, and miniatures.
Best For: Children’s content, puppetry, and specialized technical shoots.
Standout Feature: State-of-the-art theatre and 7.1 surround sound live film studio.
Whoa! Studios (Henderson Valley)
8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand