General Information

Visa Requirements

Generally speaking, if you do not own an Australian passport, you will require work permits to be able to work in New Zealand. For filming, permissions from other agencies for example New Zealand Actors Equity are also required. KURAN, on behalf of the production firm, takes care of all the necessary requirements and permissions in New Zealand as part of the service.

Work permits are not required for location scouting purposes. For all visa information, it is best if you get in contact with your local New Zealand High Commission . It is highly recommended that you get in touch with Trade New Zealand also. Postal and street addresses of Trade NZ offices can be found at their web site.

Location Permits

Aside from the visa requirements, permission to film on private and public properties is also required. Depending on the location, a fee may also be charged. With the good relationship KURAN has acquired with the location owners, it is generally considered (by location owners) to be just a matter of formality to get the permission in writing if KURAN is managing the shoot. And, because of the repeat business from KURAN, some location owners also provide discounts on the location fees. Quick and efficient arrangement of locations with a cheaper price tag are all the more reasons why KURAN (NZ) Ltd. has been hired time and time again.

For filming on high altitude mountainous regions and glaciers, mountain guides are required. The weather can change quite rapidly at these high altitudes therefore the issue of safety is paramount.

Taking care of all permits and permissions and necessary precautions for filming is all part of the vast range of services KURAN (NZ) Ltd. provides for its clients.

Seasons

Included in the description of the following seasons are "buffer periods". These have been included because it is impossible to predict mother nature. The buffer periods are when on some days, elements of the previous season and on others, elements of the forthcoming season are present.

Summer

The summer season begins around middle of November to early December and lasts until around late February to middle of March. Middle of November to early December, and late February to middle of March periods are the buffer periods for summer. Peak summer period begins around middle of December and lasts until middle of February.

The summer months begin with loads of greenery and a little bit of snow still on mountain peaks (in the south). As the months pass on and become warmer, the gardens and parks come alive with roses and other flowers and trees are covered full of green foliage. Summer ends with brown fields and crops ready for harvesting.

Autumn

The autumn season begins around late February to middle of March and lasts until middle to end of May.

The highlight of autumn is colours. The colour of the green foliage starts changing around (generally) late March and the various shades yellow, orange, red and finally brown can be seen on every tree throughout April and early to mid May.

Winter

The winter season begins around late May to middle of June and lasts until middle of August to middle of September.

With good snow base, ski fields usually open early to middle of June. The mountains are covered in snow from a low altitude to the tips. The white snow and blue sky along with fantastic views make winter a desirable season to film in New Zealand.

Spring

The spring season begins around late August to middle of September and lasts until middle of November to beginning of December.

Spring is undoubtedly the busiest season for KURAN (NZ) Ltd. The blossoms, the fresh new foliage, splash of greenery, snow caped mountains are all to be found in abundance through out the South Island.