New Zealand heritage sites used for filming Netflix series East of Eden
Saturday 3 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Netflix, Heritage New Zealand, John Steinbeck, Florence Pugh
Historic properties in Auckland and Coromandel served as locations for the Netflix production starring Florence Pugh. The actor described a pōwhiri welcoming the cast and crew to the country as a highlight of the filming process.
Key facts
4 facts
- The series East of Eden is based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel
- Filming took place in December 2024
- Locations included Alberton, Highwic, and Thames School of Mines
- Up to 150 crew members were on site
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Three historic New Zealand properties were used to recreate early 1900s America for the Netflix series East of Eden. The production, which stars Florence Pugh, filmed at Alberton and Highwic in Auckland and the Thames School of Mines on the Coromandel Peninsula. The series is based on the 1952 novel by John Steinbeck and is set in California's Salinas Valley.
Filming occurred in December 2024 and involved up to 150 crew members. This was the largest shoot hosted at properties managed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Staff noted that historic rooms at Alberton and Highwic were dressed to appear lived-in.
Florence Pugh described a pōwhiri ceremony held for the cast and crew as "so beautiful". The actress told Seth Meyers that the ceremony provided a special way to begin the shooting schedule. The series began streaming on Netflix on Thursday.
Where reports differ
- One report specifies the Thames School of Mines is on the Coromandel Peninsula, while the other does not
Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.
