Film crews renting out homes in Oturehua have been the talk of the town the past few weeks.

It is understood The Legend of Zelda was being filmed in the area, as well as near Queenstown, but as usual those in the know have signed non disclosure agreements.

Based on the Nintendo video game series due to be released next year, The Legend of Zelda features English actress Bro Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.

The Central App knows of local families that have been involved as extras, after they put the call out for children at least nine years old, with quirky features and long hair. Talent agencies had also been looking for petite adults no taller than 150cm.

Trucks, sound-crews and a large production team has been spotted in the Poolburn Dam area, but Oturehua resident Dorothy Boyd said they have all packed up and gone now.

Tourism Central Otago head of destination Anthony Longman said it was great to see filming being undertaken in Central and the economic activity that the film can bring. 

“Unfortunately, we can’t share details, due to confidentiality and security surrounding these activities. We understand the public interest in local filming activity, and hope that the production will share information with media in due course.”

In January 2025, Central’s iconic landscape also starred in the ‘East of Eden’ Netflix series, which involved British actress Florence Pugh.

Film Otago said last year the Otago region was always on the radar in the international production community, and companies are attracted to the area not only for its location, but the great reputation of local crew, vendors and the film-friendly communities.

In 2021, Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog was filmed in the Maniototo, and in 2024 another film crew stayed in Naseby for weeks, also filming at Hills Creek where the previous movie was located.

Hollywood A-lister rumoured to be in Central soon

Filming underway in Maniototo