The seven-episode adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel utilized the preserved heritage buildings and uncluttered streetscapes of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct, alongside landscapes in the Maniototo and Dunedin, delivering immediate economic benefits and long-term screen tourism potential to the region, according to Tourism Waitaki general manager Heather Matthews.
Ōamaru Victorian Precinct Transforms Into Period California
Production crews spent two weeks filming in Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct, transforming the historic limestone architecture to replicate early 20th-century America for the streaming adaptation. Search locations manager Phil Turner noted that finding comparable authenticity elsewhere would require traveling across the American continent. “These are incredibly unique locations that can replicate period settings in a way that’s very difficult to achieve elsewhere, you’d almost have to build a set to match somewhere like the Ōamaru Historic Precinct,” Turner told Inside Tourism.
Did you know? Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct and Port area are currently undergoing the formal process to become a National Historic Landmark, which represents New Zealand’s highest tier of heritage recognition, according to Inside Tourism.
South Island Filming Locations Beyond Ōamaru
The production extended far beyond the Victorian Precinct, incorporating a variety of dramatic South Island landscapes. According to production disclosures, filming locations also included the Scottish Hall, the historic rail area near Friendly Bay, a weekend shoot in central Dunedin, and a two-week block in the Maniototo region between Naseby and Ranfurly. Phil Turner described the Maniototo and Central Otago regions as extraordinary landscapes offering wide-open spaces and historic homes that remain largely undeveloped.
This adds to the district’s substantial screen credentials. Jane Campion previously used the Victorian Precinct in 2020 for her Oscar-winning feature The Power of the Dog to recreate 1920s Montana, while the wider Waitaki district hosted parts of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Elephant Rocks near Duntroon.
Economic and Tourism Impact for Waitaki
Hosting a major international production delivered tangible financial returns to the local economy. According to Tourism Waitaki general manager Heather Matthews, the influx of cast and crew provided immediate economic benefits spanning local hospitality, accommodation, employment, and support services. Matthews emphasized that the long-term value lies in building international awareness and encouraging future travelers to explore the district. “There’s real pride in seeing Waitaki brought to life on screen. It’s a reflection of the community effort that went into supporting the production, and something locals can genuinely celebrate,” Matthews said to Inside Tourism.
To capitalize on the exposure, the Waitaki District Council developed a film-location trail directing visitors to sites featured in various screen productions, including the Old Waitaki Bridge, Elephant Rocks, Otekaike, the Clay Cliffs, and the Ahuriri Valley. A specialized map detailing specific East of Eden filming spots is also under development to guide fans once the series begins streaming.
Local History Embedded in Netflix Props
Production designers incorporated authentic regional artifacts into the series. According to Ōamaru Whitestone Civic Trust restoration officer John Baster, the props department utilized original bottle labels from Lane’s Emulsion, a medicinal tonic historically manufactured in Ōamaru. Baster assisted the crew with period details, and those labeled bottles are now exhibited inside the Victorian Wardrobe building where the tonic was originally produced.
Other cast members featured in the seven-episode adaptation alongside Florence Pugh include Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Ciarán Hinds, Martha Plimpton, Joseph Zada, and Joe Anders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Netflix’s East of Eden premiere?
Which South Island locations were used for filming?
Filming took place in Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct, the Scottish Hall, the rail area near Friendly Bay, central Dunedin, and across the Maniototo region between Naseby and Ranfurly.
Who stars in the adaptation of East of Eden?
The series stars Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames, alongside Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Ciarán Hinds, Martha Plimpton, Joseph Zada, and Joe Anders.
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