Where was Top of the Lake filmed?
2013
City Locations
Otago, South Island (New Zealand); New South Wales (Australia)
Location Types
Film Studio, Riverside
Location Styles
Lake House, Mountain Huts, Beachfront, Colonial, Exotic/Tropical
About Top of the Lake
Scandinavian dramas have been making waves on UK television in recent years. Interestingly, Top of the Lake, even though it unfolds against the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, embodies the essence of these Scandi crime dramas. It weaves a compelling tale much like those found in the atmospheric creations of David Lynch. This series delves into the intriguing concept of a small town, seemingly serene but hiding many dark secrets beneath its surface.
Top of the Lake is a gripping mystery drama television series created and written by Jane Campion and Gerard Lee. The series, which first aired in 2013, showcases the exceptional talents of Elisabeth Moss, Peter Mullan, David Wenham, and Thomas M. Wright. The story unfolds in the haunting mountains of New Zealand, providing a visually stunning backdrop to the narrative.
The plot centers around Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) and her relentless pursuit of truth amid trauma and despair. In Series 1, Griffin investigates the vanishing of Tui, a pregnant 12-year-old girl (Jacqueline Joe), in New Zealand. Fast forward five years to Series 2, where the story unfolds in Sydney, with Griffin becoming entangled in the enigma surrounding the discovery of an unidentified Asian girl's lifeless body at Bondi Beach.
Co-produced for BBC Two in the UK, BBC UKTV in Australia and New Zealand, and Sundance Channel in the United States, Top of the Lake has been lauded for its masterful storytelling and compelling performances. It has received generally favorable reviews, scoring 73 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 21 critics.
The first series earned the description "masterfully made," "beautiful," "mysterious," "riveting," and "a masterpiece." Notably, the series has been praised for its exploration of rape culture, gender dynamics, and the experiences of single women, shedding light on critical social issues through its poignant narrative.
Top of the Lake Locations
Top of the Lake, a captivating drama series, used some of the most stunning geographical locations as its backdrop. Queenstown and Glenorchy, situated in Otago on New Zealand's South Island, were the settings for the first season.
While the series mentions Queenstown, Glenorchy serves as the stand-in for the fictional town of Laketop. Moke Lake provided the backdrop for the women's commune scenes, further adding to the breathtaking scenery. Visiting these locations would undoubtedly be an enriching experience for show fans.
The second season, China Girl, transports the story to Sydney, Australia. Filming commenced in December 2015, as Moss' character, Detective Robin Griffin, returns to her hometown in New Zealand and embarks on a gripping journey back to Sydney. The tale unfolds when a large suitcase is discovered on the iconic Bondi Beach, igniting a spine-chilling mystery surrounding the murder of a sex worker.
The shift in location offers a contrasting yet equally engaging setting that weaves the city's landmarks into the storyline. A trip to these locations would allow fans to relive memorable moments from the series and will enable them to explore these beautiful regions.
Tui walks in the lake scene in Top of the Lake
Lake Wakatipu, Closeburn 9371, New Zealand
An unforgettable scene unfolds in the pilot episode against the backdrop of the serene Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand. On a cold morning, we see Tui (Jacqueline Joe), a young girl, walking into the icy lake waters. Attempting to submerge herself breaks the silence, and a woman rushes to rescue her, taking her to a clinic.
Lake Wakatipu, the third-largest lake in New Zealand, was the backdrop for this scene. This natural phenomenon, known for its unusual rise and fall in water levels, is explained by an old Māori legend that claims a taniwha, or mystical being, sleeps within the lake. As the taniwha breathes in and out, the water level drops and rises, respectively. Bob's Cove, a location on Lake Wakatipu, offers an excellent vantage point to observe this fascinating occurrence.
Travel to Queenstown to visit the location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Bob's Cove is approximately 15 minutes from Queenstown along the scenic Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. Once there, you can enjoy the area's natural beauty, take a dip in the lake, or enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, much like Tui did in the opening scene of Top of the Lake.
The Paradise Place scenes in Top of the Lake
Moke Lake Loop Track, Otago 9371, New Zealand
One of the most intriguing scenes occurs in the first episode, where a group of eccentric women take over a plot of land near the lake, referred to as Paradise in the series. This land, owned by the Mitchams, becomes a sort of wellness retreat or rehab center for these women who live in shipping containers. The scene also includes Matt Mitcham (Peter Mullan) and his sons Luke (Kip Chapman) and Mark (Jay Ryan), who have an unsettling encounter with a real estate agent on this property.
The location truly lives up to its name in the series - Paradise. The beautifully framed shots of Moke Lake serve as a testament to the raw and captivating beauty of the area. The lake is dwarfed by towering mountains, adding to the dramatic scenery that captures viewers' attention.
For those interested in visiting the filming location, Moke Lake is a popular recreation spot offering a range of activities such as boating, camping, horseback riding, and swimming. Hiking around the area is also highly recommended, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Opt for Auckland International Airport, the busiest airport in the country, to travel to New Zealand. Once there, rent a car and proceed to the desired destination by road. The journey from Christchurch to Moke Lake typically takes around 6 hours.
The search party scene in Top of the Lake
Dart Valley, 45 Mull Street, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand
A party sets off to find Tui despite dismissive and prejudiced remarks from officers. This scene, filmed on the Dart Riverbed, captures the tension and urgency of the hunt against the backdrop of a beautifully wild landscape.
The Dart Riverbed, with its unique undergrowth of moss and fern, is located in Dart Valley, a farmstead in Queenstown-Lakes, Otago. This location, known for its proximity to Mount Alfred and the hamlet Paradise, also features in various "Lord of the Rings" shooting locations. A Funyak Safari, a blow-up boat tour that meanders through these iconic filming locations, allows fans to experience the awe-inspiring landscape.
Start your journey from Dart River Adventures in Glenorchy, about 45 45-minute drive from Queenstown. Here, fans can rent a kayak and take a guided tour down the Dart River, following the path of the on-screen search party.
The helicopter search scene in Top of the Lake
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Southern Alps, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
The second episode also stands out for its memorable scenes, which showcase the amiable Detective Al Parker (David Wenham) and the lead character, Robin (Elisabeth Moss), as they embark on a helicopter search for Tui (Jacqueline Joe). This scene, filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand's Southern Alps, showcases the stunning aerial views of the snow-covered mountain range.
The highest peak of the Southern Alps reaches 3,754 meters, and glacial valleys and lakes characterize them. The series takes full advantage of these natural wonders, featuring many panoramic shots from the helicopter. In addition to its scenic beauty, the Southern Alps offer various recreational activities, such as biking tours in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. For those preferring a more relaxed experience, helicopter rides offer a unique perspective of the picturesque landscape.
The Southern Alps boast snowy peaks year-round, which feed glaciers and crystal-clear rivers. They also divide the lower South Island into two distinct climatic zones: the rain-drenched West Coast, covered in lush forests, and the drier Canterbury Plains on the eastern side, characterized by a more arid landscape.
Head to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to visit this iconic filming location. It offers day walks and overnight trips to the famous Mueller's Hut, providing a close-up view of New Zealand's tallest mountain. The park is accessible via State Highway 80, leading to Mount Cook Village. The drive from Queenstown is approximately three hours, while it takes around four hours from Christchurch.
The suitcase washes up on the beach scene in Top of the Lake
Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
In the second season's first episode, a gripping scene unfolds on the golden sands of Bondi Beach in Sydney. A suitcase washes ashore, revealing its chilling contents - the decomposing body of a woman. Detective Robin (Elisabeth Moss) and her new partner, the inexperienced Miranda (Gwendoline Christie), get assigned to this intriguing case.
Indeed, Bondi Beach, one of Sydney's most iconic beach suburbs, serves as the real-life filming location for this scene. Known for its golden sands and vibrant lifestyle, Bondi Beach is a slice of heaven for tourists and locals. The proximity to the city makes it easily accessible, attracting early-morning surfers and swimmers to its ocean pools. Bondi transforms into a hub of activity with beachside bars and designer boutiques as the day progresses, offering something for everyone from dawn to dusk.
Take a bus from the city center to Bondi Beach if in Sydney. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Bondi Junction and then a bus to the beach. Once there, you can follow in the footsteps of Detective Robin, stroll along the beach, or even take a dip in the ocean.
Conclusion
Top of the Lake, a compelling drama series, pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Compared to Twin Peaks, the series carves out its own identity by focusing less on the mystery and more on exploring the characters and the world they inhabit. The performances are exceptional, particularly Holly Hunter's brilliant portrayal of a down-to-earth guru.
The series also benefits significantly from the breathtaking scenery of Moke Lake on New Zealand's South Island in the first season and Sydney, Australia in the second. These locations serve as visually captivating backdrops and contribute to the show's atmosphere and tone.
While shambling with seemingly untethered strings, the narrative mirrors life's complexities. It delves deep into the inner struggles and the outer determination and passion of the protagonist, Robin. This focus on character over plot is one of the series' strengths and sets it apart from traditional mystery stories.
Top of the Lake has made significant contributions to the film industry, especially in its handling of sensitive topics such as rape and its aftermath. Despite the harsh depiction of male characters and the victimization of women, the series boldly addresses these issues, reflecting director Jane Campion's belief in confronting harsh realities.
However, the series isn't without its criticisms. Fans have noted that while maintaining the complex characters and dark portrayal of male-female interactions, the second season is less scenic and grimmer than the first. Despite this, the series retains engaging storytelling and pushes the genre's boundaries.
Top of the Lake is a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven narratives and stunning cinematography and aren't afraid of shows that tackle challenging issues head-on. Its departure from the conventional mystery genre offers a fresh and thought-provoking viewing experience.