MEDIA RELEASE

McLaren Falls photo competition to celebrate the Bay of Plenty’s silver screen debut

September 23, 2016: The Bay of Plenty has made its big screen debut in Disney’s live-action feature film Pete’s Dragon, which opened in cinemas nationwide last week.

And to celebrate the film’s release and its iconic filming location – McLaren Falls – Tourism Bay of Plenty is hosting a social media photo competition.

The park features in the film as a lush riverside backdrop to Pete and Elliot the dragon’s adventure. Boasting endless bush walks, breath-taking waterfalls, glow worm trails and water access for fishing and kayaking, McLaren Falls is one of the Bay’s best-loved natural attractions.

Tourism Bay of Plenty wants to see your photos of McLaren Falls on Facebook and Instagram – be it the iconic waterfall, a weekend spent walking through the park or a star-lit camping trip with the family.

Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager Abby Parkin says this a chance for residents and visitors to go beyond the beach this spring and showcase our slice of paradise.

“We’re so lucky to live in a place where you’re only a 15-minute drive away from immersing yourself in nature. McLaren Falls has something for everyone – for the family looking for an easy stroll, to water sport enthusiasts and young adventure seekers.

“There’s no denying we’re a costal paradise, but we’d love to see travellers and residents of all ages exploring our equally stunning local parks – particularly one that is now part of cinematic history.”

While filming commenced in the Bay, the region played host to an A-list cast, including Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard and New Zealand’s own Karl Urban. In fact, Bryce became a local in the “iconically beautiful” Mount Maunganui during her stay.

“In New Zealand, I had the chance to travel around quite a bit and I lived in a place called Mount Maunganui, which is kind of like a beach town,” she said at a recent press event. “It was so beautiful. I loved living [there] – my kids went to school there and everything.”

To enter the Disney’s Pete’s Dragon McLaren Falls photo competition, post your photos on Instagram using both hashtags #petesdragon and #bayofplenty, or share on the Tourism Bay of Plenty Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bayofplentytourism

Entries close on October 9. The winners will be announced on social media and will each receive an exciting gift pack, thanks to Tourism Bay of Plenty.

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