{"id":535244,"date":"2026-07-20T14:20:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/535244\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T14:20:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:20:22","slug":"netflix-begins-filming-new-ski-drama-queenstown-in-new-zealands-adventure-capital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/535244\/","title":{"rendered":"Netflix Begins Filming New Ski Drama Queenstown in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"\"Queenstown, New Zealand. | Image: New Zealand Tourism<\/p>\n

Netflix is heading to one of the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s most iconic ski destinations: Queenstown, New Zealand. The streaming giant has officially begun production of a new eight-episode TV series set against the backdrop of New Zealand\u2019s luxury ski scene. Starring Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat, The Holiday) and Frances O\u2019Connor (Wednesday), the series promises a story of wealth, family, and betrayal set beneath the snow-capped peaks surrounding one of the world\u2019s most famous mountain towns.<\/p>\n

\u201cQueenstown\u201d is Netflix\u2019s first locally commissioned scripted production filmed in New Zealand. The TV drama was written and created by Chloe Stearns (Wolf Like Me), with Glendyn Ivin (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and Roseanne Liang (Avatar: The Last Airbender) directing.<\/p>\n

\"\"Rufus Sewell and Frances O\u2019Connor will star in the 8-episode series \u201cQueenstown.\u201d | Image: Getty via Netflix<\/p>\n

Queenstown is New Zealand\u2019s premier ski destination. The town of just 30,000 permanent residents is the gateway to four of the country\u2019s most famous ski areas:<\/p>\n

The Remarkables \u2014 known for its steep terrain, terrain parks, and dramatic alpine setting.
\nCoronet Peak \u2014 one of the country\u2019s oldest ski areas, famous for extensive snowmaking and night skiing.
\nCardrona Alpine Resort \u2014 about an hour away over the Crown Range, offering some of the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s best terrain parks and race facilities.
\nTreble Cone \u2014 renowned for advanced terrain and long, uncrowded runs.<\/p>\n

Queenstown is a true year-round destination where visitors stay in town and drive to the surrounding ski areas each morning rather than staying in ski-in, ski-out villages.<\/p>\n

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According to Netflix, the series explores the darker side of the glamorous resort town. \u201cBeneath the glamour of Queenstown\u2019s luxury ski scene, a privileged family and the people who work for them collide over power, loyalty, and desire,\u201d the company teased in a press release<\/a>.\u00a0While skiing provides the backdrop, the story centers on the relationships between an influential family and those whose lives intersect with theirs in the exclusive mountain community. Netflix Australia and New Zealand Content Director Amanda Duthie described the project as: \u201ca bold, propulsive story of power, class and family set against the opulent world of a luxury ski town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CoronetCoronet Peak is near Queenstown on New Zealand\u2019s south island. | Image: Coronet Peak Instagram<\/p>\n

Aside from Sewell and O\u2019Connor the cast includes\u00a0Alycia Debnam-Carey (Apple Cider Vinegar, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) and\u00a0Te Kohe Tuhaka (Chief of War, The Convert).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The series is produced by Silent Firework and Runaway Unicorn, with executive producers including Jodi Matterson, Libbie Doherty, Chloe Stearns, and Glendyn Ivin.<\/p>\n

Netflix says filming will take place in Queenstown itself, showcasing the spectacular landscapes that have helped make the region famous far beyond New Zealand. The production is also expected to provide a boost to the local screen industry, creating work for New Zealand crews, businesses, and emerging talent with support from the New Zealand Film Commission.<\/p>\n

For skiers, the series may introduce millions of viewers to one of the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s premier winter destinations. Queenstown has long been popular with Australian and New Zealand skiers, as well as Northern Hemisphere athletes training during the off-season, but remains something of a bucket-list destination for many American skiers.<\/p>\n

Netflix has not yet announced a release date for Queenstown, but production is now underway.<\/p>\n

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