KARACHI – Netflix has officially begun production on Queenstown, marking the streaming giant’s first original television series commissioned in New Zealand after more than a decade of offering content in the country.
The eight-episode drama is currently being filmed on location in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most popular luxury ski destinations on the South Island. Set against the backdrop of the town’s affluent ski-resort community, Queenstown follows a wealthy family whose internal conflicts spill over into the lives of the people who work for them.
The story explores themes of power, loyalty, family conflict and desire.
What is Queenstown centered on?
Netflix described the series as a drama centered on “a wealthy family at war with itself,” unfolding within the glamorous yet competitive world of Queenstown’s elite. The writer and creator of Queenstown is Chloe Stearns, who also serves as an executive producer. Moreover, Glendyn Ivin will direct the series and executive-produce it, while New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang will direct selected episodes.
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The cast of Queenstown
The cast is led by Emmy Award nominee Rufus Sewell, alongside Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and New Zealand actor Te Kohe Tuhaka. Amanda Duthie, Netflix’s Content Director for Australia and New Zealand, described the project as a significant milestone for the company.
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She said that producing the first locally commissioned Netflix series in New Zealand represents an important step for the platform and praised the drama as a compelling story about class, family, and power set in the world of a luxury ski resort. On the other hand, Executive producers Jodi Matterson and Libbie Doherty also expressed confidence in the project, calling creator Chloe Stearns an exceptional new storytelling talent and predicting the series would become a favourite among audiences.
Where is the production of Queenstown taking place
Furthermore, Netflix’s original productions in the region have so far largely focused on Australia, producing successful titles including Heartbreak High, Boy Swallows Universe, and Apple Cider Vinegar. The production has received support from the New Zealand Film Commission and the country’s Screen Production Rebate programme.
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Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for Queenstown.
| Category |
Details |
| Series Title |
Queenstown |
| Platform |
Netflix |
| Type |
Original Drama Series |
| Episodes |
8 |
| Significance |
Netflix’s first original series commissioned in New Zealand |
| Filming Location |
Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand |
| Story |
Power struggles, family conflict, loyalty and desire among a wealthy family and their employees |
| Creator & Writer |
Chloe Stearns |
| Lead Directors |
Glendyn Ivin and Roseanne Liang |
| Main Cast |
Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Te Kohe Tuhaka |
| Executive Producers |
Chloe Stearns, Glendyn Ivin, Jodi Matterson, Libbie Doherty, Jeremy Platt and Erika North |
| Production Support |
New Zealand Film Commission and Screen Production Rebate |
| Release Date |
Not announced |
Key Points:
- Netflix has started production on Queenstown, its first original series commissioned in New Zealand.
- The drama consists of eight episodes and is being filmed in Queenstown.
- The story revolves around a wealthy family and the people working for them amid power struggles, loyalty and desire.
- Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey and Te Kohe Tuhaka lead the cast.
- The series is created by Chloe Stearns and directed by Glendyn Ivin and Roseanne Liang.
