Explore the East of Eden
Filming Locations in Ōamaru

Oamaru takes its place on the international screen with Netflix’s new seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, launching on 1 October 2026. Filmed extensively across New Zealand, the period drama found a natural home in Ōamaru, where the town’s remarkably preserved Victorian streetscape and historic Harbourside area helped recreate early 20th-century America.

Stay at Tirohanga Nui and experience this part of the East of Eden story for yourself. Explore the historic streets and filming locations by day, before returning to luxury hosted accommodation overlooking historic Ōamaru and the Pacific Ocean.

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Why Was East of Eden Filmed in Ōamaru?

Step into Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct and it isn’t difficult to understand why it attracts filmmakers.

The historic streets are lined with distinctive limestone buildings and retain a remarkably intact heritage character, making the area particularly well suited to period film and television productions.

For East of Eden, parts of Ōamaru were transformed to help recreate the world of early 20th-century California. Streets, historic buildings and the Harbourside area became part of the backdrop for John Steinbeck’s story of the Trask and Hamilton families.

Ōamaru has attracted filmmakers before, with the Heritage Precinct and wider Waitaki area providing locations for many film and television productions.

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Where Was East of Eden Filmed in Ōamaru?

Filming took place across Ōamaru’s historic and Harbourside areas, with parts of the town transformed for the production.

Filming locations included areas around the Victorian Precinct, Harbourside Park, the historic railway area and surrounding heritage streets.

For visitors, many of the areas connected with the production can be explored on foot, making it easy to combine exploring the filming locations with experiencing one of New Zealand’s most distinctive heritage towns.

Discover the Ōamaru Behind East of Eden

The filming locations are only part of the story.

Exploring historic Ōamaru lets you see the architecture and streetscape that attracted the production, while discovering the galleries, shops, cafés and local businesses that occupy these heritage buildings today.

For our two-night guests, your host Maree can share her local knowledge and help you discover the filming areas and the wider stories and character of Ōamaru and Waitaki.

Accommodation for Exploring the East of Eden Filming Locations

If East of Eden brings you to Ōamaru, Tirohanga Nui offers a distinctive place to stay while you explore the locations and wider Waitaki region.

Perched above the coast, the lodge has sweeping views across historic Ōamaru and the Pacific Ocean, placing you close to the heritage precinct and Harbourside area while providing a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.

With just three guest suites, Tirohanga Nui offers an intimate luxury stay with personalised hospitality and local knowledge from your host, Maree.

Travelling with friends or family? You can book the entire lodge exclusively for up to six guests, giving you the freedom to enjoy Tirohanga Nui as your private base in Ōamaru.

Stay. Explore. Watch.

There is something rather special about exploring a filming location and then seeing those same streets and buildings appear on screen.

After discovering Ōamaru’s East of Eden locations, return to Tirohanga Nui and settle into the lodge’s private Media Room to see the places you have explored come to life on screen.

Guests wishing to watch East of Eden can access Netflix using their own account.

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Tirohanga Nui Accommodation Oamaru Dedicated Media Room

Make More of Your Stay in Ōamaru

East of Eden may bring you here, but there is considerably more to discover.

Explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct and Harbourside, experience the local dining scene, discover the wider Waitaki landscape and visit some of the region’s best-known attractions.

With Maree’s local knowledge, you can shape your stay around the places and experiences that interest you, making Tirohanga Nui more than just a place to stay while exploring the filming locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was East of Eden filmed in Ōamaru?
Yes. Parts of Netflix’s seven-part East of Eden series were filmed in Ōamaru, New Zealand, with the town’s distinctive Victorian streetscape and historic Harbourside area used as part of the period production.
Where was East of Eden filmed in New Zealand?
East of Eden was filmed extensively across New Zealand, using landscapes and period-ready locations to recreate early 20th-century America. Ōamaru was one of the South Island filming locations.
Where can I see the East of Eden filming locations in Ōamaru?
A number of filming areas are located around historic Ōamaru, including the Victorian Precinct and Harbourside area. These areas can be explored while visiting the town.
Why was Ōamaru used for East of Eden?
Ōamaru has an unusually intact Victorian streetscape characterised by historic limestone architecture and relatively little modern visual intrusion, making it particularly well suited to period film and television productions.
When is East of Eden released on Netflix?
Netflix’s seven-part East of Eden limited series launches globally on 1 October 2026. The adaptation is based on John Steinbeck’s novel and stars Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames.
Where should I stay to explore the East of Eden filming locations?
Tirohanga Nui is luxury hosted accommodation overlooking historic Ōamaru and provides a convenient base for exploring the Victorian Precinct, Harbourside area and East of Eden filming locations. The lodge has just three guest suites and can also be booked exclusively for up to six guests.
How close is Tirohanga Nui to the East of Eden filming locations?
Tirohanga Nui overlooks historic Ōamaru and the Harbourside area, with the Victorian Precinct and central Ōamaru filming areas easily accessible from the lodge.
Can I watch East of Eden at Tirohanga Nui?
Tirohanga Nui has a private Media Room available to guests. Guests wishing to watch East of Eden during their stay can access Netflix using their own account.

Experience East of Eden's Ōamaru

Discover the historic streets that helped recreate Steinbeck’s California, explore the filming locations and experience the character of Ōamaru for yourself.

Then stay overlooking it all at Tirohanga Nui.

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Reviews

  • We are a couple from Guangdong, China, who were very fortunate to arrive in this city and stay in this Lodge for the first time. The host is a very welcoming person, there's an adorable dog, the house has a very charming, vintage feel, and the view is absolutely stunning. We also met a very loving couple from the Netherlands who were incredibly polite and kind. This was the happiest day of my trip, I feel so honored and grateful. Love you guys!!!
    Ruodan Chen
  • Absolutely stunning and exceeded all our expectations! We could truly feel the host’s genuine love and dedication in every detail. The breathtaking ocean view, artistic interior design, beautiful soft furnishings, and thoughtful service all left us deeply impressed. We were even treated to wonderful private dinners and delicious breakfasts made with great care. The location is perfect—very close to the penguin viewing area. The host Maree is incredibly kind and welcoming, and we absolutely fell in love with Zoe, the lovely dog who has her own special title: HR Manager, making everyone happy! This was definitely the best highlight of our New Zealand trip and the perfect final stop. It was not only a perfect 10/10 experience but also brought us so much inspiration for our own lives. Highly recommended!
    Se Xiao
  • What an amazing home - very relaxing atmosphere and the views are magic Ideal in both summer sitting on the deck in spa with a glass of wine admiring the sea views or watching your favourite movie in the state of the art theatre with a dram There’s even a lifts to take you between floors In house chef is fantastic and wines to match superb
    Peter Robinson
  • Tirohanga Nui Lodge is amazing, our stay was excellent led by Maree and her team. Food was great and the views are next level. This is definitely Oamaru's best accommodation and would highly recommend. All aspects have been thought of from transport to media room to well-appointed rooms it ticks all the boxes.
    Glenn Peat
  • An Unforgettable Luxury Experience in Oamaru! From the moment we arrived, we were absolutely blown away by the level of care, warmth, and luxury at this incredible lodge. The host Maree and her incredible staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable — every detail was flawless, and their genuine hospitality made us feel truly special. Maree coordinated a fantastic weekend including an event for us to attend and made everything run so smoothly, and the in-house chef was simply outstanding! Every meal was perfection, with gorgeous platters. You can really taste the care and passion that go into every dish. The rooms were pure luxury — the bed was heavenly, and we woke up each morning to stunning views that made it hard to leave. Everything about this lodge feels special, from the beautiful spaces to the incredible people who make it all happen. We left feeling relaxed, spoiled, and already planning our next visit. Highly recommend
    Leanne Selby
  • We recently had the most wonderful and relaxing stay at Tirohanga Nui Lodge in Oamaru. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the breathtaking views in every direction. The room was incredibly comfortable and luxurious, such a peaceful getaway. The food and wine were absolutely divine, every bite and sip was a delight. A heartfelt thank you to the team for creating such a special experience.
    Darryl & Carmen