The film is directed by David Lowery and stars Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford among others. Disney’s Pete’s Dragon will open in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016 and will feature three exciting New Zealand locations: Wellington, Rotorua and Tapanui.
Wellington, Lower North Island: Wellington, which is often described as the “coolest capital in the world” is the national center of the arts, coffee and craft beer. The production of Pete’s Dragon began at Wellington’s Stone Street Studios and Weta Digital, where visitors can enjoy behind the scenes tour of the visual effects company that brought the dragon, Elliott, to life.
Rotorua, Central North Island: Redwood Forest in Rotorua, a popular destination for hikers, has been the forest scene forPete’s Dragon. With its Californian Redwoods and magnificent lake views, Redwood Forest scenery is an ideal double for America. In Rotorua visitors can enjoy the newly opened eco-experience, The Redwoods Treewalk, consisting of a series of 23 suspension bridges crossing the gaps between 22 ancient redwood trees that are 12-meters above the ground.
Tapanui, Lower South Island: Located in the Otago region in the lower South Island, Tapanui was transformed into the main street of the American town of Millhaven. Tapanui, a popular fishermen location, is the home to the Clutha Gold Trail- one of the “Great Rides” of the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail. Further, visitors can enjoy a variety of native wildlife in nearby Nugget Point, including Yellow Eyed Penguins and fur seals near the Otago coastline.
You can learn more here.
Not only does the film look amazing, but New Zealand is breathtaking. Stay tuned for more Pete’s Dragon news.
