Where Was Top of the Lake Filmed? (And Why It’s Your Next Travel Obsession)
Ever watch a show and feel your soul yearn for the landscape on screen? That’s exactly what happens with Top of the Lake. This gripping, moody mystery has a secret weapon: its jaw-dropping filming locations.
So, where was Top of the Lake actually filmed? The short answer is New Zealand, and specifically, the dramatic, wild region of Otago on the South Island. But buckle up, because the “where” is only half the story.
Welcome to the Real “Laketop”
The fictional town of “Laketop” is really the tiny, breathtaking settlement of Glenorchy. It sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, a place so stunning it’s often called the “Gateway to Paradise.”
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Imagine a patchwork of emerald fields, sheer mountains, and a lake so still it reflects the sky like a mirror. That’s Glenorchy—and it’s real. You can actually stand where Detective Robin Griffin stood, and the air smells like pure adventure.
Why does this matter to you? Because knowing the location turns a TV show into a treasure map. It makes you want to grab a backpack and go see if the water really is that blue. (Spoiler: it is.)
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The Lake That Steals the Show
The central character isn’t just the detective—it’s the lake itself. The series uses Lake Wakatipu as a brooding, beautiful force of nature. It’s a character you can visit, which is a pretty fun thought, right?
Local guides will tell you the lake has a “tidal” pulse—it rises and falls about 20 centimeters every few minutes. It’s a natural phenomenon, but it feels magical. Just thinking about it makes ordinary Monday feel a bit more mysterious.
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And if you’re a fan of the show’s second season (set in Sydney), don’t worry—most of the haunting beauty is still pure New Zealand. The bush, the fog, the isolation—it’s all right there, waiting for you.
Why This Should Make Life More Fun
Here’s the lighthearted truth: finding out where a show was filmed is like getting a backstage pass to your own imagination. You watch the story, but now you also picture yourself hiking those trails or sipping coffee in that little lodge.
Top of the Lake at More Lake - filming location
It’s a game of “spot the location” that turns a lazy night on the couch into a mini-adventure. Suddenly, you’re not just watching a mystery—you’re planning a trip, even if it’s just in your daydreams. That’s the fun part.
Plus, Otago is famous for its gold-mining history and quirky towns like Queenstown. So while you’re pretending to solve a crime, you could also bungee jump or eat a world-famous Fergburger. Priorities, right?
Top of the Lake at More Lake - filming location
Your Inspiration Awaits
You don’t need a plane ticket to start exploring. Just open a map, search for Glenorchy, New Zealand, and let your mind wander. The beauty of Top of the Lake is that it reminds us wild places still exist.
So go ahead—re-watch the series. But this time, look past the drama. See the mountains? The mist? The lonely shore? That’s your next adventure calling. And the best part? That adventure is already out there, real and waiting, just for you.
Now, isn’t that a reason to smile today?
