<P> Actress Jennifer Ehle auditioned for the role of GJ, which went to Holly Hunter . Jane Campion originally offered the role of Robin to Anna Paquin, who had worked with her on The Piano (1993). Paquin declined due to her pregnancy, and the role went to Elisabeth Moss . </P> <P> The series was originally intended as a co-production with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation . But after American - born Elisabeth Moss was cast, the network pulled their funding before production began, citing a prior agreement to put an Australian actress in the lead . Australian - based channel UKTV, owned by BBC Worldwide, filled the funding gap left by the ABC . Philippa Campbell was the New Zealand - based producer . </P> <P> Filming took 18 weeks and was shot entirely on location in Queenstown and Glenorchy, in Otago, on the South Island of New Zealand . While Queenstown is referred to during the series, Glenorchy doubles as the fictitious town of Laketop . The scenes in the women's commune were filmed at Moke Lake . </P> <P> In early 2013, co-creator Jane Campion said that Top of the Lake comes to a distinct ending, and there would be no additional series . Despite this, it was announced in October 2014 that the series had been renewed for a second season . China Girl began shooting on location in Sydney, Australia in December 2015 . </P>

Where is bbc top of the lake filmed