The terrifying new horror movie Heart Eyes has left fans shaken with its chilling story of a killer who targets happy couples. Directed by Josh Ruben, the film stars Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding, who fight for their lives on what is supposed to be a romantic day. While Heart Eyes is set in Seattle, the actual filming took place somewhere completely different – Auckland, New Zealand.
Downtown Auckland – A Perfect Stand-In for Seattle
Key Scenes: Some of the most intense scenes, including moments when Olivia Holt’s character, Ally, is stalked by the Heart Eyes killer, were filmed in downtown Auckland. Many of these scenes were shot around Queen Street, a busy and urban area.
Seattle is known for its mix of city life and natural beauty, which made Auckland a great choice for filming. This major city in northern New Zealand has iconic landmarks, trendy spots, and a beautiful seaside location. Unlike the movie, visitors to Auckland can enjoy the city’s sights without the fear of a lurking killer!
Auckland is a popular place for movie productions, so tourists might even spot celebrities while visiting. The city also has a well-developed tourism industry, making it easy for travelers to get there through Auckland Airport (AKL), the country’s main international airport.
Auckland Domain – A Spooky Filming Location
Key Scenes: Many nighttime scenes, especially those requiring a vast open space, were filmed in Auckland Domain. This large park was used for some of the film’s most suspenseful moments, where the Heart Eyes killer chases his victims through the dark.
Auckland Domain, also called Pukekawa, is the city’s oldest and largest park. Spanning 190 acres, it provided the perfect eerie setting for the movie. Outside of Heart Eyes, the park is a peaceful place for visitors to enjoy nature. It is dog-friendly, has picnic areas, and is open 24/7—so as long as you’re not being chased by a horror movie villain, you’ll be perfectly safe!
Waiheke Island – A Beautiful Yet Creepy Backdrop
Key Scenes: The rugged landscape of Waiheke Island was used for thrilling chase scenes and intense outdoor shots.
Waiheke Island is the second-largest island in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, known for its white-sand beaches and relaxing atmosphere. In the movie, its secluded areas were made to look eerie and unsettling, but in real life, it’s a stunning and peaceful destination. The island is just a short ferry ride from Auckland and is well worth the trip. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, delicious restaurants, and a bohemian-style culture—far from the horror shown in Heart Eyes.
Even though Heart Eyes is set in Seattle, fans of the film can visit its real-life locations in Auckland. Whether exploring the lively downtown, wandering through Auckland Domain, or relaxing on Waiheke Island, travelers can experience the beauty of these filming spots—without the fear of a masked killer lurking in the shadows!
