Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, rain pattering against the window, and Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake is on screen. The mist is rolling in, the lake is a sheet of dark glass, and you feel a chill that isn’t just from the air conditioning. You’ve got to wonder: where in the world is that hauntingly beautiful place?
The answer is New Zealand—specifically, the wild, untamed landscapes of the South Island. Most of the first season was filmed around the remote town of Glenorchy, a tiny gem at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Think of it as the postcard version of Middle-earth, but with a darker, more mysterious edge.
The Real Setting: Lake Wakatipu and Beyond
The fictional “Laketop” is actually a character in itself, and it’s built from a few real locations. The main shooting hub was the Dart River Valley, just outside Glenorchy. You’ll recognize the sweeping glacial valleys and dense beech forests that swallow up Robin Griffin’s world.
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For the lake scenes that feel like they’re from a fever dream, head to Moke Lake. It’s a short, easy drive from Queenstown, but it feels a hundred miles from anywhere. Fun fact: Moke Lake is so still that on a calm day, the mountains reflect perfectly, creating that unnerving double vision effect in the show.
The town itself—with its ramshackle pub and oddball residents—was largely built and shot in Queenstown and Glenorchy. The iconic “Laketop” police station? That’s a set inside a real historic building in Glenorchy. You can still walk past it and feel like you’re in the show.
A Quick Cultural Detour: The Kiwi Vibe
Why did Campion choose this spot? Because it’s isolated, raw, and untamed—a perfect mirror for the show’s themes of trauma and resilience. Locals in Glenorchy still talk about the production with a mix of pride and bemusement, like it was a strange, enchanted season.
You’ll also notice the show’s use of Maori culture, like the women’s camp at Paradise. That camp was built on private land near the Paradise Valley—yes, it’s actually called Paradise. The name comes from a local sheep station, and it’s as heavenly as it sounds, even when fictional crime is happening.
Practical tip: If you want to visit, rent a car in Queenstown and drive the forty minutes to Glenorchy. The road hugs the lake and is one of the most stunning drives in the world. Stop at Mrs. W’s Café in town for a flat white and a slice of feijoa cake.
Filming Top of the Lake (2013) » ShotOnWhat? Behind the Scenes
The Second Season: A Shift to Sydney
Season two, Top of the Lake: China Girl, takes a sharp turn. Robin Griffin now works in Sydney, Australia, trading misty mountains for gritty urban beaches. The action centers on Bondi and the surrounding suburbs, giving the show a completely different texture.
But even here, the landscape tells a story. The endless stretches of sand and the crowded, sun-soaked streets feel like a psychological prison compared to the open spaces of New Zealand. Campion uses Sydney’s iconic landmarks—like the Bondi Icebergs pool—to contrast Robin’s internal struggle with the city’s relentless cheer.
Fun fact: The Chinese sex workers’ storyline was shot in real locations around Parramatta and Chinatown. The production team went to great lengths to capture the hidden corners of Sydney that tourists rarely see. It’s a completely different world from the first season, but just as immersive.
Practical Tips for the Screen Tourist
If you’re planning a trip, the best time to visit the Glenorchy area is during the New Zealand summer (December to February). The daylight stretches until 9 PM, giving you plenty of time to find those iconic spots. Winter is stark and dramatic but bring layers—it gets cold even in the middle of the day.
Don’t miss the Routeburn Track, a famous hike that starts near Glenorchy. It’s not in the show, but the same untouched wilderness surrounds you. Pack a thermos of tea and pretend you’re a detective on a case.
The Lake Actors 60 Photos - Moonagedaydream.film
For the Sydney season, head to Bronte Beach for a quieter, more reflective vibe than Bondi. Grab a coffee at Three Blue Ducks and watch the waves. You’ll feel the show’s tension melt away, if only for an hour.
Where to Stay: From Lakeside to Cityside
In Queenstown, splurge on the Eichardt’s Private Hotel for old-world charm and lake views. It’s where the cast likely stayed during long shoots. On a budget? The Glenorchy Hotel is pub-like, friendly, and right in the heart of the action, with rooms that feel like a cozy cabin.
In Sydney, the QT Bondi hotel offers retro-cool style and is steps from the beach. You can almost picture Robin Griffin walking by, lost in thought. Book early, as it’s a popular spot for locals and travelers alike.
A Little Zen to End
Sometimes, a place on screen sticks with you because it reminds you of your own need for solitude and mystery. Top of the Lake is a masterclass in using landscape to mirror emotion—the fog, the water, the silence. Next time you feel overwhelmed, drive to a quiet lake or a coastal path. Sit there for ten minutes without your phone. You might not solve a crime, but you’ll find a little peace.
The truth is, we all need a Laketop now and then—a place where the world feels big enough to hold our secrets. And if you can’t get to New Zealand or Sydney, just close your eyes. Let the show’s imagery carry you there for a moment, until the real world calls you back.