Netflix’s sci-fi action thriller “War Machine” delivers a high-stakes survival story that blurs the line between military training and extraterrestrial terror. The film follows a group of elite soldiers as they navigate the final, grueling stage of U.S. Army Ranger selection. However, their routine endurance test takes a dark turn when a mysterious and lethal threat emerges from the wilderness, forcing the candidates into a desperate fight for their lives. The tension of the mission is heightened by the film’s stunning, rugged backdrops, leaving many viewers curious about the real-life filming locations.
If you found yourself captivated by the movie’s scenery, the answer lies in the dramatic landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. Director Patrick Hughes chose to ground the film’s sci-fi elements in reality by using authentic locations rather than soundstages. The production was primarily filmed across Victoria, Australia, utilizing a mix of military bases and picturesque alpine towns. To capture the most intense action sequences, the crew later moved to the South Island of New Zealand, known for its wild river valleys and majestic mountain ranges. This guide will walk you through the specific filming locations used in “War Machine,” and provide curated recommendations for the best hotels, local restaurants, and must-see attractions nearby to help you make the most of your visit.
Victoria, Australia, Was The Netflix Original’s Primary Filming Location
Key Scenes: If you are wondering where “War Machine” was filmed in Australia, much of the answer lies in the High Country, per Atlas of Wonders. The alpine towns of Bright and Myrtleford provided the film’s rugged forest setting. The intense wilderness scenes occur in the surrounding mountains of the Victorian Alps, according to Travel Pirates. Production also shot scenes in Melbourne, while many interior sequences were filmed at Docklands Studios Melbourne. The training base scenes were filmed near RAAF Base Williams, a real Royal Australian Air Force base.
Best Time to Visit: Choosing the right time to visit Victoria depends entirely on the type of adventure you’re after, but the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are widely considered the sweet spots. From September to November, the landscape bursts into life with blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, while March through May offer crisp air and stunning golden foliage, particularly in the Yarra Valley and High Country.
Transportation Options: Many travelers rent a car in Melbourne because road trips offer the most freedom. The drive from Melbourne to Bright takes about three hours. Public buses also connect regional towns across the state. However, routes remain limited in alpine areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber operate widely in Melbourne, and they work best for city travel. Adventure travelers often choose scenic drives like the Great Alpine Road, which provides breathtaking views through the mountains.
The majority of “War Machine” filming took place in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. AusFilm reports that the production used several striking landscapes here. These include alpine forests, regional towns and major film studios.
Actor Alan Ritchson praised the film’s rugged shooting locations while discussing the demanding production. “I’ve done a lot of physical roles, but it took everything to the next level,” he told Space.com. Director Patrick Hughes also emphasized the realism of the locations, telling Men’s Journal, “Because we shot the film in camera, in real-world locations with real-world stunts, it has that realism.”
Things to Do: Start at Federation Square, where the lively plaza hosts museums and events. Next, visit Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. This green oasis offers peaceful lakes and walking trails. Outdoor lovers should explore the Victorian Alps near Bright. The hiking trails there stretch across valleys and mountain peaks. Cycling also remains popular here. Wine lovers can take day trips to the nearby King Valley wine region, where Italian-inspired vineyards line the countryside.
Where to Eat: Melbourne has one of the best food scenes in Australia. Start with modern Australian cuisine at Attica. This award-winning restaurant serves inventive tasting menus. Another popular choice is Chin Chin, where chefs blend bold Thai flavors with modern presentation. Travelers visiting Bright also should try Tomahawks. The steakhouse offers hearty meals after a day outdoors. Coffee lovers can explore Melbourne’s famous café culture in the city’s laneways.
Where to Stay: Melbourne offers stylish accommodations for every traveler. Luxury seekers often book rooms at The Langham Melbourne. The property overlooks the Yarra River. Another elegant option is Park Hyatt Melbourne, which sits near the city’s gardens and museums. Visitors heading to the mountains can stay at Bright Chalet. The lodge offers cozy alpine views and easy access to hiking trails.
What To Know About ‘War Machine’ Filming Locations In New Zealand
Key Scenes: The production shot several outdoor action sequences in Queenstown, IMDb notes. This region sits beside Lake Wakatipu and towering mountains. Crews also filmed along the Kawarau River and the dramatic rapids known as the Chinese Dog Leg. Additional scenes took place near Kingston and Fairlight. These landscapes helped create the movie’s remote battlefield environment.
Best Time to Visit: Queenstown attracts visitors year-round. Summer runs from December to February. Warm weather makes this the best time for hiking and lake adventures. Autumn arrives from March to May, when golden trees line the mountains. The scenery looks stunning during this season. Winter lasts from June to August. This is when skiers flock to nearby resorts such as The Remarkables. Spring runs from September to November. Rivers swell with snowmelt and adventure sports become popular again.
Transportation Options: Queenstown Airport offers direct flights from many Australian cities. Rental cars remain the best way to explore the region, but public buses do operate in Queenstown. They connect downtown with ski resorts and suburban areas. Ride-sharing services and taxis also operate throughout the town.
After filming in Australia, the production moved to New Zealand’s South Island. These landscapes add another layer of intensity to the action scenes. Director Patrick Hughes said the production chose New Zealand because its rugged landscapes added authenticity to the survival story. “Every single aspect of this film was shot on real-world locations, in the real-world wilderness,” Hughes told ScreenRant. noting that many locations were so remote that crews had to “chopper cast and crew and equipment.”
Actor Alan Ritchson also praised the demanding environment, recalling filming in “the most dangerous grade five rapids in New Zealand,” according to Men’s Health.
Things to Do: For starters, go with the iconic Skyline Queenstown gondola ride. The summit reveals stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. Visitors can also experience jet-boating along the Kawarau River, where the ride rushes through narrow canyons. Another famous attraction is Shotover Canyon Swing. The giant swing sends riders soaring above a canyon. Also, nature lovers should explore the trails around nearby Glenorchy.
Where to Eat: Queenstown offers a lively dining scene. One legendary stop is Fergburger. Travelers line up daily for its famous gourmet burgers. Another excellent choice is Rātā. Celebrity chef Josh Emett created this modern New Zealand restaurant. Seafood lovers enjoy dining at Finz Seafood and Grill, where the waterfront location offers beautiful lake views.
Where to Stay: Luxury travelers often stay at Eichardt’s Private Hotel. The historic property sits directly on Lake Wakatipu. Another stunning resort is the Rosewood Matakauri. Guests enjoy panoramic mountain views from private villas. Budget travelers often choose The Rees Hotel. The modern property overlooks the lake and is easily accessible to downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “War Machine” based on?
“War Machine” is an original sci-fi action story created and directed by Patrick Hughes. The filmmaker drew inspiration from classic survival action films and military thrillers.
Will there be a sequel to “War Machine”?
At the moment, Netflix has not officially announced a sequel. However, the film’s intense ending leaves room for another chapter and Entertainment Weekly points out that both Hughes and Ritchson have expressed interest in continuing the story.
