“Where Was East of Eden Filmed? Netflix’s Steinbeck Adaptation Uses New Zealand as Californ” — what this page in the network covers. Condé Nast Traveler Oct 1, 2026 • 4:34 PM 1 views Netflix’s new adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden was filmed in New Zealand, the same country that stood in for Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings and for 1920s Montana in The Power of the Dog. The production used locations across the country to recreate California’s Salinas Valley in the early 20th century.
This choice reflects New Zealand’s growing reputation as a versatile filming destination, thanks to its diverse landscapes and skilled crews. For viewers, the setting is crucial to the story’s themes of land, family, and destiny, even if the hills are not literally Californian. The series stars Christopher Abbott and Florence Pugh, and is directed by Garth Davis. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.