Tapanui, New Zealand

The film PETE'S DRAGON is a remake of the Disney classic from 1977 but without the songs. Just as in the original movie, the dragon from the title is animated. The events are set in and around the fictional American town of Millhaven, Oregon, in 1977 and 1983.

Pete's Dragon, 0:19:07

The story is about a five-year-old boy who loses his parents in a car accident. Fleeing from wolves, he meets the friendly green dragon Elliott in the woods. They become close friends. After six years, Pete (Oakes Fegley) accidentally meets 12-year-old Natalie (Oona Laurence), her father Jack (Wes Bentley) and his girlfriend, forest ranger Grace Meacham (Bryce Dallas Howard) who take him to their house. At first only Grace's father (Robert Redford) believes the stories about Elliott, until the dragon is seen by others.

The movie was filmed on several locations in New Zealand. For the digital creation of the fluffy dragon Weta Digital Limited in Wellington were asked. Filming began on 26 January 2015 and finished three months later, on 30 April.

Memorial plaque, Northumberland Street,
Tapanui, 16 January 2020

While searching for a village with a sawmill Tapanui was chosen, a small town with about 750 inhabitants on the South Island. Tapanui's Northumberland Street was transformed into Main Street as it could be found in so many American cities. The website Millhaven - The home of Pete's Dragon has an extensive overview of all the buildings that were given an 80s makeover. To thank the residents of Tapanui for their participation, a saw blade shaped memorial plaque was placed next to the building of The Tapanui Courier.

After being discovered, Pete is slightly injured and taken to a hospital. When he wakes up, he runs outside to look for Elliott. This is Essex Street.

Pete's Dragon, 0:32:45

Essex Street, Tapanui, 16 January 2020

Pete runs towards Northumberland Street, in the movie named Main Street as the green street sign shows. The production design team overlooked one small detail: the markings on the street across the road show that in New Zealand people drive on the left.

Pete's Dragon, 0:32:54

Northumberland Street, Tapanui, 16 January 2020

Pete's Dragon, 0:33:00

Northumberland Street, Tapanui, 16 January 2020

Pete's Dragon, 0:33:04

Northumberland Street, Tapanui, 16 January 2020

Wes Bentley's chocolate caramel slice,
Top Nosh Cafe, Tapanui, 16 January 2020

At the Yellow Diner, some people notice Pete running in his hospital gown. The distracted waitress accidentally pours water over the food of an elderly lady. This lunchroom is actually called Top Nosh Cafe. The owner told us that some of the furniture was replaced to make it look more like an 80s dinner. Filming lasted a week, for less than 10 seconds screen time. Afterwards the tables and seats were given to the cafe. During production, actor Wes Bentley stopped by frequently. His favorite chocolate caramel shortcake was given his name. One of the walls of the lunchroom is decorated with pictures as well as dishes signed by cast and crew of the movie. The owner also showed us a photo album she made with many behind the scenes photos.

Pete's Dragon, 0:33:17

Top Nosh Cafe, Tapanui, 16 January 2020

Pete continues running, barks back at a dog, climbs on and jumps off a car but stops when he sees a police car. Finally, he walks into a dead-end alley and is calmed down by Grace. In reality, there is no wall between the two buildings.