If you’re thinking about going to New Zealand, but might not know anything about the culture, film and television is a good place to start. Even if you do know a lot you’ll probably get something out of delving into the film and television industry. Why? You’ll be able to pick up some of the slang, how we use languages, maybe learn to understand our accents, a bit about the culture and even current social issues. There are many benefits. Also, New Zealand makes some pretty good content. Watching NZ film and television is great even if you don’t intend to learn anything. So here you go here’s some of the best NZ film and TV series to check out (well in my opinion anyway).
Film
Anything by Taika Waititi:
If you’re looking for humorous films with sad undertones Taika Waititi is for you. His films will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Furthermore, they are all beautifully shot and have amazing soundtracks. I don’t think you have to watch his films in particular order, just watch whatever takes your fancy.
Boy
Set on the east coast of New Zealand in the 1980s, the film is about Boy whose life is turned upside down when his estranged father arrives back in town. It’s also about growing up and Michael Jackson. If you’re looking for something that will simultaneously make you laugh and rip your heart out Boy is the film for you.
Watch if…
You’re feeling nostalgic.
What we Do in the Shadows
What we Do in the Shadows is a vampire mockumentary directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. To be honest, it’s one of the funniest films I’ve ever seen. It’s about a group of vampires flatting in Wellington trying to navigate the modern world. It’s absolutely hysterical. If you’re looking for a laugh check this out. Also, if you’re a Flight of the Conchords fan you will definitely want to give this a go especially because a couple of the main cast are in it.
Watch if…
You want a laugh.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Hunt for the Wilderpeople might be Waititi’s best work. Beautifully whimsical, sad , with moments that will make you cry laughing; Wilderpeople is classic Waititi. It’s about a boy named Ricky who after a few run ins with the police is sent to live on a remote farm with foster Mum Bella and her grumpy, socially inept husband Hector.
Watch if…
Just watch it you want regret it.
Whale Rider- Niki Caro
Whale Rider is a beautiful film about Maori culture, feminism and family dynamics. It’s so good that 13 year old Kesha Castle Hughes became the youngest ever Oscar nominee for best actress (someone has surpassed her now but in 2002 when it came out she was).
Watch if…
You want to learn a bit about Maori culture and want to feel inspired.
The Piano- Jane Campion
The Piano is a 1993 film starring Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin. Set in the mid 1800s a mute Mother is sent to frontier New Zealand to start a new life. To be honest at times it’s quite disturbing and is definitely a movie that will stay with you long after you have finished watching it. It also one three Oscars so that’s pretty cool.
Watch if…
You want something a little different.
Peter Jackson
It wouldn’t be a New Zealand film list without Peter Jackson. However, because pretty much everyone knows about the Lord of the Rings I thought I would focus on a couple of his other films.
Braindead
Braindead (also known as Dead-Alive) is a 1992 horror comedy set in Wellington. It’s about a guy named Lionel who’s Mother gets bitten by a rapid monkey and slowly turns the whole town into zombies. It’s gross, ridiculous and thoroughly entertaining. It’s actually my favourite Peter Jackson movie. You should check it out if you love over the top gore. However, if gore is not your thing you might want to give this a miss.
Watch if…
You love gore sooo over the top it’s funny.
Heavenly Creatures
Heavenly Creatures is both incredibly beautiful and undeniably creepy. It is also the screen debut of Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet. Based on the Parker/Hulme murder case and set in the early 1950s, the film follows the intense friendship between Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme.
Watch if…
You’re interested in watching some of Peter Jackson’s other work.
Television Shows
Outrageous Fortune
Outrageous Fortune is a kiwi classic and in my opinion the best New Zealand drama. It is a comedy crime show about a West Auckland crime family who decide to go ‘straight’ after their Father/husband is sent to prison. It’s really good and Loretta West is one of my favourite characters of all time. This show is definitely not for younger viewers though because there is a lot of profanity, sex and violence.
Watch if…
You want a good drama. It’s good. Really good. Watch it.
The Almighty Johnsons
The Almighty Johnsons is a fantasy/drama/comedy set in Auckland New Zealand. It follows a family of reincarnated Norse gods. The fact that they are reincarnated Norse gods stuck in New Zealand of course leads to a lot of drama. It is hilarious and ridiculous and very entertaining. There are also lots of kickass goddesses and Maori gods make an appearance later on in the series. It also has Dean O’Gorman (The Hobbit) and Kesha Castle-Hughes. I love the Almighty Johnsons and would highly recommend it.
Watch if…
You’re looking for something funny or you’re into fantasy.
Shortland Street
I couldn’t not put Shortland Street on the list even though it’s pretty terrible. Shortland Street is New Zealand’s longest running soap opera so of course it has to be on the list. Set in a fictional Auckland suburb, Shortland Street centres on fictitious hospital Shortland Street and all the people who work there. It screens five times a week and pretty much all of New Zealand’s famous actors made their start on it. The acting is pretty terrible and the storylines are ridiculous. However, in terms of representation and current social issues Shortland Street is ahead of the game. For example, over the years Shortland Street has had gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual and transgender characters, Maori, Asian and Pacific Island characters and many religions showcased. Furthermore, Shortland Street always tries to stay on the ball with the current social climate. So yes even though it is pretty terrible in terms of acting, I would say that it is good in terms of representation.
Watch if…
You’re looking to learn New Zealand slang, understand kiwi accents and learn about current social issues. Be warned though it is highly addictive.
Okay so there it is. A list of some of New Zealand’s movies and television shows. To be honest there is actually a lot I missed. I’m sad I couldn’t fit them all in. I might have to do a part two at some point. If you’re looking for something to watch maybe give one of these a whirl. They’re very entertaining and you might even learn something about New Zealand.
Happy Travels 🙂
That Kaya Girl Travels 