Falling Inn Love, the 2019 Netflix romantic comedy starring Christina Milian and Adam Demos, whisks viewers away to the charming landscapes of New Zealand. While the film’s premise revolves around Gabriela Diaz renovating a dilapidated inn in a small town, the actual magic unfolded across various locations in the North Island, showcasing the country’s picturesque beauty.
The Heart of the Film: Where the Inn Resides
The primary filming location for Falling Inn Love, the location that truly brings the fictional town of Willow, New Zealand to life, is Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel. This historic hotel, nestled amidst lush greenery in the Waikato region, served as the exterior and parts of the interior of the inn Gabriela Diaz inherits. The hotel provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic narrative, embodying the rustic charm and potential for transformation central to the story. The quaint, slightly rundown appearance of the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel allowed filmmakers to easily create the “before” look of the inn, highlighting Gabriela’s monumental renovation project.
Beyond the Inn: Exploring Other Filming Locations
While the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is the undisputed star of the show, Falling Inn Love utilized other locations in the Waikato region to complete the picture of Willow. These included:
The Town of Tirau
The vibrant and quirky town of Tirau, known as the “Corrugated Capital of the World,” provided several establishing shots for the fictional town of Willow. Its unique corrugated iron sculptures and charming small-town atmosphere perfectly captured the essence of a close-knit community. Scenes featuring the local cafe and town square were likely filmed in Tirau.
Various Waikato Region Landscapes
The filmmakers expertly incorporated the stunning natural beauty of the Waikato region into the film. Rolling green hills, picturesque farmland, and serene lake views all contributed to the overall visual appeal and enhanced the sense of tranquility associated with rural New Zealand. These landscapes served as backdrops for Gabriela’s explorations and interactions with the local community.
Auckland as an Imposter?
While most of the filming took place in the Waikato region, it is believed that some interior shots, particularly those depicting Gabriela’s initial arrival at the inn, may have been filmed in Auckland. This remains unconfirmed, but the bustling urban environment contrasts sharply with the rural setting, potentially indicating a shift in location for logistical reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Falling Inn Love Filming Locations
FAQ 1: Is the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel actually in a town called Willow?
No, the fictional town of Willow was created for the movie. The Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is located in Okoroire, Waikato, New Zealand. Willow is a product of the scriptwriter’s imagination, and the hotel served as a crucial element in bringing that vision to life.
FAQ 2: Can I stay at the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel?
Yes, the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel is a fully functioning hotel and remains open to guests. You can experience the same surroundings that served as the backdrop for Falling Inn Love. Booking information can be found on their official website or through various travel booking platforms. Staying there provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the film’s atmosphere.
FAQ 3: How far is Tirau from the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel?
Tirau is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel. This makes it easy for fans of the movie to visit both locations in a single trip and experience the diverse environments that contribute to the film’s visual appeal.
FAQ 4: Was the interior of the inn filmed at the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel?
While the exterior was definitely the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel, some interior scenes were filmed elsewhere, possibly in Auckland or on a separate soundstage. The decision to film interior scenes in a different location might have been influenced by logistical considerations or the need for greater control over the filming environment.
FAQ 5: What other movies or TV shows have been filmed in the Waikato region?
The Waikato region has served as a filming location for other productions, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy (Hobbiton is nearby), and several New Zealand television series. The region’s diverse landscapes and accessibility make it an attractive option for filmmakers.
FAQ 6: Did the cast and crew enjoy filming in New Zealand?
Based on interviews and social media posts, the cast and crew of Falling Inn Love thoroughly enjoyed their time filming in New Zealand. They praised the country’s natural beauty, the warmth of the local people, and the overall positive filming experience.
FAQ 7: Is the “Falling Inn Love” inn renovated now?
The Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel has undergone some renovations since the filming of Falling Inn Love, but it largely maintains its rustic charm. Visitors can still recognize the hotel’s exterior and the surrounding landscape from the movie.
FAQ 8: Is there a “corrugated iron” theme park in Tirau?
While not a theme park, Tirau is famous for its collection of large, elaborate corrugated iron sculptures. These sculptures are scattered throughout the town and attract visitors from all over the world. They add to the town’s unique character and contribute to its designation as the “Corrugated Capital of the World.”
FAQ 9: Was the “Willow” sign real or a prop?
The “Willow” town sign featured in the film was a prop created for the movie. It was not an existing sign in any particular location.
FAQ 10: What makes the Waikato region so appealing for filming?
The Waikato region offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills and farmland to lakes and rivers. It is also relatively close to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, which provides access to skilled crew and film production resources.
FAQ 11: Were any scenes filmed specifically for advertising the Waikato region?
While the film wasn’t explicitly designed as an advertisement, the stunning scenery of the Waikato region undoubtedly boosted tourism to the area. The positive portrayal of the region’s beauty and charm has encouraged many viewers to consider visiting New Zealand.
FAQ 12: How can I find more information about visiting the filming locations?
Tourism New Zealand’s official website and local Waikato tourism websites are excellent resources for planning a trip to the Falling Inn Love filming locations. These websites provide information on accommodation, activities, and transportation options. Online forums and travel blogs dedicated to New Zealand can also offer valuable insights and tips.
In conclusion, Falling Inn Love beautifully showcases the scenic landscapes of the Waikato region of New Zealand. From the charming Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel to the quirky town of Tirau, the film’s locations play a vital role in creating a captivating and romantic atmosphere. Visiting these locations allows fans to step into the world of the movie and experience the magic firsthand.