If you’re a fan of horror-comedies, you might already be looking forward to Heart Eyes (2025), a chilling yet humorous Valentine’s Day slasher.
Directed by Spencer Cohen, this upcoming horror film blends romance, suspense, and blood-curdling scares. But have you ever wondered where this eerie yet captivating story was filmed?
The primary filming location for Heart Eyes was Auckland, New Zealand, a city known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural history, and impressive urban architecture.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the filming locations, why Auckland was chosen, how the locations contribute to the film’s eerie aesthetic, and much more!
π Where Was Heart Eyes (2025) Filmed?
Auckland, New Zealand
Heart Eyes was filmed extensively in and around Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Auckland has long been a popular filming destination due to its scenic diversity,
which includes bustling cityscapes, eerie suburban neighborhoods, vast green parks, and coastal beauty.
The city has been featured in several Hollywood productions, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Xena: Warrior Princess.
For Heart Eyes, Auckland provided the perfect backdrop for a horror-comedy with its mix of modern city settings and isolated, atmospheric locations, ideal for building suspense.

Here are some notable Auckland locations where filming took place:
β¨ 1. Queen Street (Downtown Auckland)
Queen Street, one of Auckland’s busiest commercial streets, was transformed into a spooky urban setting for the film.
This location is likely featured in scenes where the protagonist, Ally (Olivia Holt), is seen navigating the city streets while being stalked by an unknown menace.
ποΈ 2. Auckland Domain
One of the largest and oldest parks in Auckland, Auckland Domain, was used for several night-time sequences.
With its vast greenery, hidden trails, and dimly lit paths, this location sets the stage for some of the filmβs most suspenseful moments.

π‘ 3. Waiheke Island
A short ferry ride from the mainland, Waiheke Island provided a more secluded and eerie setting for the film.
With its rugged coastlines and quiet beaches, this island was used for several key chase sequences and some of the movie’s most hauntingly beautiful shots.
βͺ 4. St. Matthew-in-the-City
This historic Gothic Revival church in central Auckland added a mysterious and atmospheric touch to the film. Some climactic confrontations may take place within its hauntingly grand interior.
π 5. Abandoned Buildings in West Auckland
The production team utilized several abandoned buildings in West Auckland to create chilling, deserted locations for the movie.
These spots were likely used for tense hide-and-seek sequences between the protagonist and the masked slasher.

π¬ Why Did the Filmmakers Choose Auckland?
Auckland has become a popular filming location for both Hollywood and independent filmmakers, and here’s why it was the perfect choice for Heart Eyes:
π΄ 1. Diverse Scenery in One City
Auckland is one of the few places in the world where filmmakers can easily transition from a bustling cityscape to isolated forests and eerie beaches.
This allows for greater visual variety without requiring extensive travel between filming locations.
πΌ 2. New Zealand’s Film-Friendly Policies
The New Zealand government offers generous tax incentives for filmmakers, making it a cost-effective location for Hollywood productions.
The well-established film industry also provides access to top-tier local crew members, reducing overall production costs.
π· 3. Highly Skilled Local Crew
Auckland is home to some of the world’s best cinematographers, stunt coordinators, and set designers.
The production team of Heart Eyes collaborated with many skilled New Zealand-based professionals, ensuring high-quality cinematography and practical effects.
πΆ 4. Safe and Convenient Filming Conditions
Unlike other urban centers, Auckland provides safe and controlled environments for large-scale productions.
The cityβs infrastructure, safety regulations, and availability of trained extras make it an ideal choice for complex action and horror sequences.
π₯ Meet the Cast of Heart Eyes
The film boasts a talented cast, blending horror veterans with rising stars. Hereβs a look at the key cast members and their roles:
Actor | Character |
---|---|
Olivia Holt π | Ally |
Mason Goodingπ | Jay |
Jordana Brewsterπ€ | Detective Shaw |
Devon Sawa π§ | Detective Hobbs |
π Final Thoughts
Auckland, with its chillingly beautiful scenery, abandoned urban spaces, and experienced film industry, was the perfect choice for Heart Eyes (2025).
Whether you’re a horror fan looking to explore these locations or a filmmaker considering your next project, Auckland proves that itβs more than just a picturesque destinationβitβs a cinematic playground.
Are you excited to watch Heart Eyes (2025)? Let us know in the comments! πππ½οΈ
β FAQs About Heart Eyes (2025)
Where was Heart Eyes filmed?
The film was primarily shot in Auckland, New Zealand, with key locations including Queen Street, Auckland Domain, Waiheke Island, and various abandoned buildings in West Auckland.
Why was Auckland chosen as the filming location?
Auckland offers diverse scenery, skilled local crew, tax incentives, and a film-friendly infrastructure, making it the perfect location for the movie.
What is Heart Eyes about?
Heart Eyes is a horror-comedy slasher set around Valentineβs Day, following Ally (Olivia Holt) as she tries to escape a masked killer targeting couples.
When is the release date of Heart Eyes?
The film is scheduled to release on February 7, 2025, just in time for Valentineβs Day!
Can I visit the filming locations?
Yes! Many of the filming spots, such as Queen Street, Auckland Domain, and Waiheke Island, are public locations you can explore yourself.