Where was Alien: Covenant filmed?

The anticipation and mystery deepen as the Covenant's expedition team descends to the surface of an Earth-like planet. The team's mission to trace the origin of a mysterious transmission leads them to the remnants of a crashed alien ship, setting the stage for the following chilling events. This breathtaking landscape is Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, located on the southwest coast of New Zealand's South Island. The natural beauty of Milford Sound, with its towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, provides a striking contrast to the dark and suspenseful narrative unfolding within it. The filmmakers have left the majestic scenery largely untouched, except for the digital addition of giant felled trees that contribute to the planet's otherworldly atmosphere. Milford Sound, known as Piopiotahi in Māori, is a fiord renowned for its stunning natural beauty. TripAdvisor has celebrated it as the world's top travel destination in the 2008 Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards. The fiord is most commonly reached via State Highway 94, which winds through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery before terminating at a small Milford Sound village. Tour coaches frequently make the journey, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes that catch the eye of the filmmakers.

Scout Filming Locations

The mysterious planet's crew starts searching for a landing spot. Crew members Ledward (Benjamin Rigby) and Hallett (Nathaniel Dean) get infected with alien spores from the planet's deceiving fungal flora, beginning their terrifying ordeal. Karine (Carmen Ejogo) hurries back to the lander to help a fast-deteriorating Ledward as they try to control the growing catastrophe. There, pilot Maggie (Amy Seimetz) makes a bold move by quarantining them in the medical bay. The majestic Sutherland Falls, seen during the crew's airborne search for a landing zone, provides a visually stunning yet frightening backdrop. The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson, featured this waterfall, contributing to the fanciful Middle-earth scenery. Sutherland Falls, which plunges 580 meters in three magnificent falls from Lake Quill, some 10 miles southwest of Milford Sound, adds to the scene's feeling of seclusion and wild nature. Those enchanted by its eerie allure can begin their journey in one of two main ways. Several operators offer scenic flights to Sutherland Falls. The Milford Sound, Te Anau, and Queenstown locations are the jumping-off points for the helicopter and airplane trips, respectively. The Milford Track trek offers it all for those up for an intensive adventure. Individual hikes and guided excursions are provided by the Department of Conservation (DOC) along this route, and DOC huts can be reserved in advance for use along the way.

Uncover Video Shoot Locations

An entirely new species of extraterrestrial being, the neomorph, suddenly appears, significantly increasing the level of horror experienced by the expedition members. This horrifying scene occurs when the small, pale thing suddenly erupts from Ledward's (Benjamin Rigby) back, resulting in his death. Then, it turns on Karine (Carmen Ejogo) and brutally kills her. Maggie (Amy Seimetz) takes up a shotgun to eradicate the danger. Unfortunately, her plan backfires, and the lander and her life are both destroyed in an explosion. The stunning Lady Elizabeth Bowen Falls, situated on the shore of Milford Sound, provided the dramatic backdrop for this action sequence. The Lady Bowen is the tallest waterfall in the Sound at 162 meters. It differs from other waterfalls in the area, which only flow during certain seasons since it flows continuously throughout the year. Hine Te Awa, meaning 'the girl of the river,' is the original Māori name of the falls, which were named after the wife of a New Zealand governor. The name of the falls is derived from the belief that a part resembles the feathers of the Kererū, also known as the New Zealand Wood Pigeon. This gives the falls cultural value in addition to their natural beauty. Many options exist for reaching Milford Sound, such as guided tours departing from adjacent cities like Te Anau and Queenstown or scenic drives that showcase the stunning beauty of Fiordland. Traveling from these cities along State Highway 94 takes around two hours.

Film Shoot Locations Directory

The group is led by David (Michael Fassbender) into the haunting stillness of a temple within a metropolis littered with the remains of techno-humans called Engineers. As David describes the disastrous events that transpired after he and Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) arrived on the planet, this gloomy scene exposes a disturbing part of the story. Amidst the mayhem of their crash landing, their ship unintentionally released a black liquid bio-weapon, causing a catastrophic disaster that killed Shaw and the native people alike. This pivotal sequence occurred on a vast outdoor set constructed on the former Sydney Water Reservoir site. Converted deftly from its original setting in Potts Hill, a Sydney neighborhood in the western suburbs, this location served as the film's desolate city. This spot was used for scenes in the 2015 smash hit Mad Max: Fury Road, further cementing its place in movie history. The set was constructed on what may now be a destroyed site. Nevertheless, the area's proximity to the lively metropolis of Sydney makes it easily accessible for anyone interested in visiting or discovering more about its present status. For those intrigued, contacting the local authorities or contemplating a trip to Potts Hill, conveniently located near Fox Studios Australia in Moore Park, is advisable. The journey from Sydney's city center to this location can be achieved in approximately 30 minutes by taking the M4 highway.

Sydney Filming Locations Tour

David (Michael Fassbender) reveals his dark intentions towards Daniels (Katherine Waterston), mirroring the fate he had imposed upon Shaw (Noomi Rapace) in his twisted experiments. The situation intensifies when Walter (Michael Fassbender), an upgraded model with self-repair capabilities, reenters the fray, confronting David to protect Daniels. This gripping sequence, along with some of the interior shots of the Engineer City, was brought to life within the confines of Fox Studios Australia in Moore Park, near Sydney, New South Wales. Established in 1998, Fox Studios Australia has hosted the production of numerous significant films, such as Moulin Rouge!, The Matrix, Mission: Impossible 2, and the Star Wars saga entries. Although public tours of the studio may not always be available, those interested in visiting are advised to contact the administration of Fox Studios Australia for the latest information on access and tour opportunities. The studio is in Moore Park, just a 10-minute drive from the city center via the M1. Opting for public bus or metro services will extend the journey to approximately 30 minutes.

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