James Cameron’s record-breaking journey to the alien moon of Pandora was created in New Zealand – at the Wellington studios where its world was built – with the rainforests of Hawaii lending their lush inspiration.
Where was Avatar filmed?
Avatar was created largely in Wellington, New Zealand, with rainforest filming in Hawaii.
Every Avatar location, explained
1
Pandora – Wellington
The alien world was built at studios in Wellington, New Zealand.
2
The rainforest – Hawaii
Lush jungle scenes used Kauai and the forests of Hawaii.
3
The performance capture
The Na’vi were created through motion capture in a Wellington ‘volume’.
4
The effects – Los Angeles
Visual effects work used studios in Los Angeles.
Planning a visit
The rainforests of Kauai, Hawaii – which inspired Pandora – are lush, accessible and unforgettable.
Avatar Fun Facts
1
Created in New Zealand Pandora was built at Weta’s studios in Wellington.
2
Hawaii's rainforests The lush jungle drew on the forests of Hawaii.
3
Groundbreaking 3D The film transformed the use of 3D and motion capture.
4
The biggest film ever Avatar became the highest-grossing film of all time.
5
A Cameron epic James Cameron spent years developing its technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Avatar filmed?
Largely in Wellington, New Zealand, with rainforest filming in Hawaii.
Is Pandora a real place?
No – Pandora is a fictional alien moon, built in New Zealand.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the rainforests of Kauai, Hawaii are accessible.
Who directed it?
James Cameron.
When was it released?
2009.
