Wrecking Crew puts Auckland in the spotlight

Screen Auckland, Tataki Auckland Unlimited - 28 January, 2026

The Wrecking Crew, one of the largest international screen productions filmed in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in recent years, premiered globally on Amazon Prime on 28 January.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the action-packed feature showcases Auckland as a world-class filming destination, with the region doubling for Honolulu, Hawaii, and appearing extensively on screen for a global audience.

Filmed over two months across the region, The Wrecking Crew was helmed by award-winning director Ángel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle) and stars Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune), alongside Aotearoa favourite Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett, Aquaman). 

The production made full use of Auckland’s diverse locations, combining spectacular natural scenery with large-scale urban environments. Filming took place from Waitawa to Piha and the Mahurangi Peninsula, as well as across Ōtāhuhu, Pukekohe, St Johns and the Karangahape Road precinct.

Several action sequences transformed well-known public spaces into cinematic backdrops, including a stunt sequence through Whammy Bar to The Wine Cellar, and scenes filmed at Henderson’s West Wave dive pool.  

Katie Kempe, Line Producer for The Wrecking Crew, says the production was a different type of project for Auckland and required an early, highly collaborative approach.

“The Wrecking Crew was very location-driven, with complex stunt scenes, car chases, shootouts and explosions, so it was important to engage early with locations, Auckland Council and key stakeholders. We needed support from leadership through to the communities where we were filming. The collaboration across so many groups was outstanding and played a key role in making the production such a success. It was a real team effort.” 

The Wrecking Crew delivered significant benefits for Auckland’s screen sector and wider economy. More than 1400 local cast and crew were employed, supporting skills development and sustained employment across the industry.

The production also generated flow-on benefits for hospitality, accommodation, retail, construction and tourism businesses across the region, reinforcing the value of international screen projects to inclusive economic prosperity in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Fiona Anderson, Piha Campground Kaitiaki, says the production’s arrival in 2025 was extremely welcome following a tough five years through the pandemic and floods.

“The last five years trying to run Piha Campground and earn a living from it were tough. The arrival of The Wrecking Crew in Piha was like a gift from the gods. To receive payment from the production for use of the campground as a base took so much financial pressure off me, I can’t even begin to explain. The bills are paid, the tax is paid, the rent is paid, and I can employ staff.”

Major productions such as The Wrecking Crew play an important role in strengthening Auckland’s screen sector, while lifting the region’s profile as a premium destination for future investment and visitation.

Michael Urban, Chief Executive of The Rebel Fleet, an end-to-end film, technology and workflow solutions provider, says major international productions lift capability across Auckland’s screen sector, delivering long-term benefits for the region and its workforce.

“When productions come to Auckland, they push us to raise the bar with our technology and equipment. That increases expectations of what the region can deliver, and in turn strengthens our infrastructure, skills and long-term capability.”