An iconic high country station that's featured in some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters is up for sale near Queenstown.
With realtors chasing foreign buyers there are concerns that Arcadia Station could be lost to the local film industry. Arcadia Station has transported a generation of viewers to another world. It's featured in blockbuster films from Narnia, to Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and even Wolvervine.
Real estate agent Dennis Croll has said the "owner is getting on a bit now, so he's moving on - so to speak."
It's owned by farmer Jim Vient, a darling of the local film industry who gives them easy access to his beautiful landscapes. He's selling the 66 hectare station and historic homestead in Paradise, near Glenorchy for 15 million dollars.
Film location scout Johnny Lardner is on edge, saying that it's going to be a real concern to the industry.
"There's a lot of people who rely on Jim's location and his affable good nature, for a significant part of their income."
Mr Vient put part of the farm on the market last year, hoping to attract a local buyer. It failed to sell, and agent Dennis Croll is now actively targeting foreign buyers.
"We are really targeting someone who wants to escape the world, we're picking that person is hopefully local, but if not, that's no problem," he says.
There's no promising what policy the new owners will take about filming.
With the future uncertain, the hope is the buyer will be willing to continue sharing the paradise.
Newshub.
