White Studios is a very decent studio…read more I'm from Los Angeles and I have to say... White Studios is almost on par with some of the best LA studios (like Smashbox Studios or Siren Studios). I've participated in a few photoshoots here and I have to say, it was easily the most comfortable studio in Auckland. Some things that really impressed me were: 1.) Built in Heating/Air conditioning in individual studios. 2.) "Lounge" type area with many complimentary tea and coffee options. 3.) Private dressing/make-up rooms There -are- two reasons that I removed a star: 1.) Showers are very visible to the people in the parking lot. 2.) The studio cat came in and peed in the photographer's camera bag. Obviously, cats are going to be cats... but it is something that could have been avoided. Over all, I'm impressed with White Studios. I hope I can shoot there again before I head back to Los Angeles!

When they say the studios are white, they mean a WHITE, blank studio for you to work with and build…read moreon. This venue is great for photography or small-scale filming, and you can hire out an array of handy gadgets. All reasonably priced, they have all your lighting, sound and picture needs. I hired a massive generator from these guys for a small fee of $75 - they put it in the car for me and even offered to take it in the van if need be. They are a great bunch, and have loads of affordable options. They even send you a personally signed Christmas card at the end of the year if you are on their books.

I'm not one given to hyperboles, but yowww, what a space. It feels like an Art Director's version…read moreof Heaven - natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, stark white urrthang, an old leather couch that God naps in each afternoon, and an artfully curated assortment of taxidermied animals... like a zebra jumping through a wall. True story. Was here for an event last night and was blown away by the studio, and I'm not a man who's easily impressed - oh my gosh look over there it's a dog with a puffy tail, whee! (That was a Simpsons quote, I swear I'm not crazy). It's a pretty versatile studio, they do photographic and video shoots here, product and event launches, and sometimes, parties and events. It's right on the K road too, so you're surrounded by op shops, dumpling dens and strip clubs - basically everything that makes western culture awesome and interesting.

I would not have come across this quaint studio if I had not been invited to a Yelp event. This is…read morethe ideal space for hosting events, the floor has multiple rooms, lots of windows, white walls and light laminate floors. And of course the Zebra. This a great space!

Kingsize is where you go to rent any kind of photography equipment you need. They have lights and…read morelenses and cameras and tripods and everything. They also have studios for hire. There are four - three indoors and a garden studio outside which is probably my favourite. It's just three walls outside, but I don't know where else you can hire a studio like that in Auckland. The prices are a little high, just like every studio in Auckland. You should expect to be forking out a bit of money to hire expensive equipment anyway. The people are really helpful and friendly and the environment there is nice. They always remember me and say hi to me even though I only go in a couple of times a year.

Top of the pops. These guys are easily the best photographic and film support guys around. They…read morehave all the gear, studios and incredible advice. I do agree with Katherine that you do need to drop the coin but the benefits are totally worth it. Freelance world is a lonely place and relying on online tutorials will get you no where. This team is always willing to make you a coffee and talk about your next job and help cater rental gear accordingly. I'm always learning when i'm there and enjoy their chats/coffee to the point that I am often nicely asked to leave :p. Probably a good thing.

Film Auckland is where you get permission to film in public places, as well as a network of who to…read moreask for help when creating an advert, promo, short or feature film. There's a lot of red tape involved with shooting film on a professional level around Auckland City, but these guys are trying their best to make it easier and easier as time goes on. As a local film-maker, I find Film Auckland extremely thorough, knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with most of the time. It's sometimes a pain to fill out many forms and pay extra for what seems like it-should-really-be-free spot, but at least they make bureaucracy a little bit better by giving you personal attention.

Amongst the small film nut contingent of Auckland City, Rocket Rentals is well known for their…read moreability to stock what you need and hire it out for an affordable price. It's the place you go when writing out a budget, the first port of call when you're after that light or sound gear, and also find some experienced crew to man your new toys...ahem, very EXPENSIVE toys you absolutely do not throw out of the cot, or lean over tall buildings with. If you happen to belong in the Darwin Awards for reckless stupidity, the price includes insurance as well.

Took a ride out to waiheke for lunch. For the return flight, i had to taxi for 20 minutes to an…read moreairport. I spoke to them and they confused my request to go down to a second location and my request to get picked up at the airport. But the most frustrating thing was they could never pick me up at the airport and I wasn't told. Who pays 5 grand to have to catch a flight taxi to catch a return flight? Answer: me because they made me. Hopeless. In their defence, nice copter and good pilots.

If you ever want to treat a friend or a loved one with an experience they will never forget, then I…read morecan recommend a booking on any of Heletranz's scenic flights. I took the city flight, a round trip from the Albany base that took in all the major sights around the city. You really get a bird's eye view of the Sky Tower, Eden Park, the Waitemata Harbour and all the volcanic peaks dotted around the city. The pilot's input is great and you are made to feel at ease, should it be your first time in a bird. I've been fortunate enough to fly in several different helicopters, and the Eurocopter operated by Heletranz is a luxurious experience with good views for all the occupants. At about $200 a person, it is not cheap, but the experience is forever. You get value for your money, as the trip seems longer than you expect, and you are left with numerous photo opportunities of our beautiful city.